The Venturesome Race

Chapter Three:

We had been in the village for almost twenty minutes and from the moment I stepped foot out of the rickety old car I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. I leant over to Vincent and asked in a hush tone.

“Do you feel that?”

“The eyes little one, yes I do. He’s been following us since our arrival. Just watching for now so calm yourself.” He replied, voice barely a whisper.

“The company. Goddamn it. I knew they would have caught wind of this already.” Every god damn time something interesting popped up the company was right there. Almost every time I had been up against a different agent, frequently I beat them to the mysterious goodies, but lately they had gotten to them first, more than once.

“This one is important Vince. I can’t lose this time. Whatever it takes.” The last part was more for me than him. After spending almost 3 years by my side Vincent knew better than anyone what we were up against. He stopped in his tracks causing me to stumble to a halt beside him. He turned so we were face to face and placed a hand on each of my shoulders.

“Little one, do not forget all the times you have outwitted them just because of our recent fumbles. We will bounce back, we always do. Now stop worrying about our follower and just do what you do best.” He spoke in hushed tones with a soft smile. He was right, with my team behind me I’m sure we will make this one tough fight for the company.

After spending another 2 hours in the village talking to the tribesmen and laughing with the elders, I felt content, and had more than enough evidence to back up the texts and legends I already knew about the scrolls. I was without a doubt that I was on the right path but if what the village elder had told me was true then getting to the scroll may be even more dangerous than getting to the Portugal one was.

Climbing back into the little box of anxiety that brought us here I could still feel those eyes on me. I scanned the crowd as we pulled away and that’s when I spotted him. Well the back of him as he walked away. 6ft tall and muscular as hell, bigger than Vincent or Luka that was for sure. A buzz cut hair do and navy button up was all I could make out as we drove off back towards the city. I just knew he was the agent and I couldn’t help but wonder what he looked like and why he had bothered to follow us around all day. I guess I would have to wait to find out.

When we got back to our hotel, I sent Luka and Roland a text to meet us in my suite. Stepping into the lift with Vincent I pressed the button to the top floor with a smirk on my face.

“Oh no, what are you smirking for little one?” Vince asked with knitted brows.

“Nothing bad, I promise.” I cooed flashing him my most innocent looking smile.

“Oh no Brynn, I know you too well to fall for that old trick. I know when you’re up to something so spill.” He stated, crossing his arms and setting his face into this barrier that allows no emotion to show through. The face he used when he was serious.

“Fine I’m just going to get our newest recruit to do a little light digging. That’s all.” I sighed with my coyest look.

“So why do you look like your planning something?” He asked. Not letting himself relax just yet.

“I am not planning anything my sweet and overprotective friend. I assure you.” I smile at him whilst tugging on his crossed arms a little. He looked at me with that furrowed brow once again clearly not buying what I was trying to sell. Vincent had this uncanny ability to always tell when I was up to something, I’m not sure if it’s a quality I like or just tolerate.

“Look I know you’ve felt a little smothered lately but please little one, try to understand. We almost lost you. My boys almost lost the crazy Aunt Bee who dotes on them. My wife almost lost her friend. I almost lost a sister.” He says quietly, his chocolatey brown eyes now burning holes in me.

“I don’t care about losing my job, but Brynn you. You are irreplaceable. So please just be cautious, and when you think the team is holding onto you a little too tightly just remember we do it because we love you and your utter lacking sense of self-preservation scares us sometimes.” He finished, with watery eyes he pulled me into a hug so tight I thought I would pop open like a packet of crisps. Then he released me and placed a hand on the centre of my back to guide me out of the doors when they opened.

At the door to my suite we could hear a loud discussion between Luka and Roland. I told Vincent to go in without me, I needed a second to compose myself before I went in there. I knew my accident had been hard on the team, but I forgot all about my two favourite little gentlemen and that opened a huge pit of guilt inside me. Thinking of their gorgeous little green eyes filled with tears was awful.

It took me a whole ten minutes to compose myself and enter my own room. I wasn’t surprised to see my three guys sprawled across the sofas in the lounge area, munching their way through almost every snack in my cabinet and mini fridge. I couldn’t help but chuckle a little.

“Right boys, down to business.” I exclaim whilst walking over to sit to on the sofa beside Vincent.

“We have some news and also a new follower.” I say. Luka looked at me with one of his thick dark blonde eyebrows raised whereas Ronald just sat there waiting for me to continue.

“The village elder said that outsiders have been poking around lately, asking about the ancient tribes and their ancestors. He said the first stranger showed up 6 days ago and haven’t left yet. Meaning they haven’t found anything useful.” I say with a smirk, it’s not great that they got to the Village before me, but at least over the past year I have built a relationship with the community’s, they are more trusting with their knowledge towards me now. Whoever the company sent won’t be having such an easy time.

“Also, our follower. Luka, I have a feeling that he was an agent. I need you to dig up anything you can on him, and they normally travel in pairs so keep your eyes peeled for anyone else that seems shady. There are only 3 hotels in this city that have the advantage of being close to the elder villages. So maybe start by looking at them?” I explain whilst holding his eye contact making sure I have his full attention. After her nodded his head in understanding I turned my attention towards Roland.

“We will be leaving tomorrow midday. Make sure the Jet is fuelled and we have clearance, I want to be gone for 1pm at the latest. We are heading to Homebase for a catch up with the girls before we come back to India. If you could also call your sister and she how she’s getting on with her task, I would appreciate it very much.” I soften my tone at the end.

“Sure, Boss. I’ll go and give her a call now, then ill head down to the hanger.” He stood up and gave me a curt nod and tight-lipped smile. After the two left it was just me and Vincent. We decided that we would order takeout for tonight, both too exhausted to even think about going out to eat. After watching a film and cracking open a bottle of red wine it was about time for food, judging by the grumbles coming from my stomach. Only 2 hours after he left Luka walked back into the room with a rather triumphant looking smile plastered across his face.