Chapter 3
Alex set a brisk pace as they headed back to the vehicle, even though both Manuel and he were at a slight disadvantage, burdened as they were with the loot from the cave. He had no way to know when the owners or their couriers would arrive to collect the stuff. And he did not want to meet them on the steep trail if he could help it. Manuel clattered behind him, clearly tiring and off-balance because of the box on his shoulder.
So far the other man had shown more determination and presence of mind than Alex had expected. He still preferred to work alone, but at least the Indian was the best partner he’d suffered so far. Maybe there could be some benefits to working as a team. The novel thought felt strange in his awareness.
I shouldn’t have shifted when I did, there in the cave
