Page 51 of Sins of Leo

“Astriaco, which is a very tiny village. One of the inhabitants offered us the use of this lovely abode. Its owner passed, and no one is currently using it.”

“Did you ask them about the door?”

“Yes, which leads me to the good and bad news. Which do you want first?”

“Let’s start with good.”

“Good news is I found Santos, and he remembers your father.”

“So what’s the bad?”

“He refuses to take us to the door. Claims it’s cursed and that angry spirits took your father.”

“Which I’m sure won’t deter you one bit,” she muttered.

“Nope.”

“If he won’t take us, then how will we find it?” She’d rather not get lost in the jungle like her father.

“Well, there is a woman. I met her down by the stream where we arrived. She claimed she could guide us to some of the ancient places in the area.”

“I’ll bet she offered.” Where did that growl of jealousy come from?

His grin widened. “Name of Maria. By the sounds of it, her mother knew of your father. Who knows, she might be the witch mentioned in your dad’s journal.”

“You were busy while I was passed out,” she grumbled.

“Just getting shit done so we can have a relaxing evening before our journey tomorrow.”

“So soon?”

“No point in waiting.”

“I thought you said Santos refused to help.”

“He did, but he’ll change his mind.”

“What makes you think that?”

“I can be persuasive.”

“You’d better not hurt him.” Ruth wagged a finger.

“Of course not, although I might use threatening words.”

“Leo. You can’t do that to the man. By the sounds of it, he’s really frightened.”

“In that case, we’d better hope the daughter of Dr. Warmstone can sweet-talk him. Apparently, your dad must have spoken of you often because Santos remembered your name.”

“My dad mentioned me? What did he say?” She couldn’t help but sound surprised.

“Guess you’ll have to talk to Santos to see what was said.”

A chance to find out the truth of her father’s feelings? She had to try. “Where can I find Santos?”

“Looked like he was heading to the local cantina. You hungry?”

Given her recent queasy stomach, she almost said no, only to realize she could use a bite and the idea of authentic Chilean food? The chef in her bobbed her head.

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