Too Young (The Jewel Project #1)

Chapter 15.2 - The challenge

Sam sat on the ground cross-legged, staring at the map of the region. The old document and the translation lay nearby. He'd finally managed to translate the whole thing and felt like he'd just finished reading a good book.

Only after getting the technical language issues out of the way, could he truly appreciate the flow of the words and the beauty of the descriptions. He had cursed many times, wondering why that conquistador dude couldn't just spell everything out. But the riddles were the beauty of the whole story. And honestly, he would've been disappointed if it were too simple.

Sam put the document away, concentrating on the translation. He planned to finish drawing the map of the inside of the temple. The more he thought about it, the more he was sure something was not right. According to the document, the ruby should be in the other temple. So maybe he could do this without actually having to face Snitch Gravel. A single person could hide much easier than an entire group.

Sam looked up, frowning. The sound of crunching vegetation preceded the appearance of Snitch Gravel and a handful of his men. They walked towards him as if on a leisurely stroll.

Sam scrambled to his feet, taking his gun out in the process. He pointed it at Snitch Gravel's head, just as he had come only a foot away from Sam.

"Now, now, brat." Snitch Gravel said pleasantly "We both know you would never pull that trigger.

The gunshot, blood, Carlos' body all flashed before his eyes again. His hand tightened around the gun, but Snitch Gravel was right. Sam hated himself for not being able to pull the trigger.

Snitch Gravel's eyes narrowed. "Just put the gun away and we can talk like civilized people."

Hatred rushed through Sam like poison, intoxicating every part of him. His muscles clenched against his will.

A look of concentration broke through Snitch Gravel's impassible mask. "Would you do this for me? Sell your soul? Become a murderer?"

Sam held his gaze. Did his thoughts show on his face? But he was tired of these games. He threw his gun to the ground.

Snitch Gravel grinned and raised his own gun, pointing it between Sam's eyes. Sam didn't flinch. He continued staring into those dark blue eyes. Snitch Gravel looked so familiar, like an old friend from childhood he hadn't seen in years. An unexpected feeling of security mixed with the anger and the dread.

"You're not scared," Snitch Gravel said.

"No. I'm fed up." Sam's pulse quickened. He knew what he was doing could lead to Snitch Gravel actually pulling the trigger, but he couldn't stand there anymore. He had to do something to end this, anything. "You're dragging out too long. Make up your mind! I'm sick of your games and I'm sick of limbo. Just pull the trigger."

Snitch Gravel's eyes narrowed again. Sam's heart went haywire. As if it was trying to make up for all the years in which it wouldn't get to beat anymore. For a second, time seemed to stop. Then Snitch Gravel lowered his gun and sneered.

"You're so much fun. But you have a bad habit of not taking your messages."

Sam felt his muscles relaxing against his will. He didn't want to let his guard down. Snitch Gravel's games weren't a reason to relax. He clenched his fists, his jaw set.

"Oh, stop this dramatic anger act. What's this about? Almost getting your twin killed?" Snitch Gravel waved him away. "Cry me a river."

Sam felt the need to throw something at Snitch Gravel, but contained himself. "If you're not here to kill me, then what do you want?"

"To deliver the message you refused to take from Von Crooken. But I'd rather we go somewhere without an audience." Snitch Gravel nodded behind Sam.

Kyle, Tom and Jimmy were there, pointing rifles at Snitch Gravel. Sam stared at them for a second and made up his mind. He wouldn't risk their safety in any way, not when they were so close to getting away.