Page 33 of Sins of Leo

“Dunno, but I do know if Cetus wants it so badly, then it’s important we don’t let them have it.”

“Who is Cetus?”

“The name of the company that we believe is behind the attack on you. They went after Scorpio when he went hunting for one of the three artifacts Sage claims are important. Nasty bunch. We thought we took care of them when we blew up their headquarters but should have known they wouldn’t give up so easily.”

“Why would they suddenly go after my father’s things? How would they know what’s inside his journal? Even I’ve never read it.”

He hesitated before saying, “Cetus has a seer like Sage who’s been guiding them.”

She blinked.

He rolled his shoulders. “Judging by your face, you think I’m full of shit, but they already admitted it. And even if they hadn’t, a seer working for their side explains a bunch of stuff. Like how they knew Scorpio would find a door in Antarctica that held an important artifact. And how they could be there when he emerged from the glacier with it. How they managed to get a drone past Tower’s defenses to spy. How they predicted an ambush and counter-ambushed, kidnapping Scorpio and his scientist lady friend. And more recently, the interest in your dad’s stuff.”

Her mind tried to process a world where people could predict the future. How utterly terrifying. Ruth doubted she’d want such a curse. “If they have a seer as you claim, why wouldn’t they havebroken into my place when I was, say, at the grocery store or out running an errand or visiting friends?”

“According to Sage, she doesn’t always see things clearly. Hints and pieces give her something to work with but isn’t foolproof.”

“Which is why this other person can’t see where the doors are.”

“My guess is the doors have the same kind of protective magic as Tower, making them hard to find.”

“If they like to hide, what makes you think you’ll be able to locate one, then?”

“Because I have to. Besides, I’ve got something they don’t have.”

“What?”

He tossed a grin in her direction. “You.”

CHAPTER 10

“Me?”Ruth gaped at Leo. “You expect me to go looking with you.”

“Yes. Imagine the adventure.”

She shook her head. “I don’t think so. My father was the explorer. Me, I’ve never developed an urge to go mucking about in jungles and ruins.”

“You heard Sage. We have to work together.”

“I thought that meant me deciphering my dad’s terrible handwriting, not throwing on some hiking boots and bug spray to go trekking in the wilds.”

“It won’t be so bad.”

“Says you.”

“If you’re worried about predators, don’t be. I’ll keep you safe.”

Her eyes widened. “How about not expecting me to put myself in danger in the first place?”

“The danger will be minimal. Rest assured, anything looking to munch on you is no match for me. I once wrestled a bear and won.” He even had a picture somewhere of holding it in a headlock.

“Let me guess, you were drunk.”

“Actually, I did it on a dare. Won a nice chunk of cash too.”

“The most dangerous thing I’ve ever fought is my pickle jar, and it won,” she ruefully admitted, which led to him laughing.

“Don’t worry, Buttercup. I’ll save you from evil jars that won’t open.”

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