“Share some of the booty, you mean.”
“That would be our best-case scenario. Worst case, the bureaucrats tell us to take a hike. In which case, we tell them to take a hike. If we get nothing, neither do they.” Gage grinned, and Abby laughed.
“What’s the closest town big enough to provide supplies?” Gage asked.
“Apache Junction.”
He nodded. “We’ll set up a base camp, somewhere that provides a place to sleep and access to meals. We’ll probably be there at least a couple of days before we go in.”
“I’ll take a look around, see what I can find.”
“In the meantime, I’ll start working on the project from a historical perspective. I want to read everything written on the Lost Dutchman Mine.”
Since she had already done tons of research on the legends surrounding the mine, she agreed. Gage was thorough. She had learned that from the lecture he had given at the museum.
“We’ve been at this a while,” he said. “I could use another cup of coffee.” He showed her the tiny kitchen in the main part of the office, where a pot had been freshly brewed. Abby took a bathroom break, poured herself a cup, then returned to Gage’s office for a meeting with his assistant, Maggie Powell.
The attractive brunette turned out to be married, with two young children, and clearly was not one of Gage’s conquests. She worked part-time, either at home or in the office. She was available whenever Gage needed her or when he was preparing for an expedition.
“Maggie, you’ve met Abigail Holland,” he said. “Abby and I are going to be working on a project together.”
Maggie smiled at Abby. “That’s good news. I know Gage has been hoping something interesting would turn up.”
Abby returned the smile, already liking the woman. “With any luck, it’ll also be profitable.”
“We’ll be following the usual protocols,” Gage said. “I’ll give you an outline of our objectives, give you a starting point and a tentative schedule. As soon as you have the information you need, you can start working on a cost breakdown.”
“Sounds good. Do you need me to make travel arrangements?”
“I will—as soon as Abby figures out where we’ll be setting up our base of operations.”
“Just let me know.” Maggie went back to her desk, and Gage turned to Abby. “If you’re ready to get started, there are a couple of computers in the other room. Use whichever one you want.”
“I’m more efficient when I’m working on my own machine. My laptop’s in my car, but I also need my cameras. I want to start documenting our progress. When we get back to Denver, we can make a video documentary of our search for the treasure.” She grinned. “You’ll be great. The ladies are going to love you.”
He just smiled. “Let’s take this one step at a time, shall we?”
Abby rose, and Gage followed her into the front office. “About your cameras . . . ,” he said.
“Yes?”
The door opened before he could reply, and a tall man with slightly curly black hair walked into the office.
Gage smiled. “Jack. I figured you’d put in an appearance sooner or later. Jack, meet Abigail Holland. Abby, my partner, Jack Foxx.”
“Nice to meet you, Jack,” she said.
Sexy blue eyes a shade less intense than Gage’s roamed over her. “The pleasure is mine, Abby.” At the way he saidpleasure, Gage’s mouth tightened.
“About your camera,” Gage said to her. “It’s not safe for you to go back to your place alone. We can pick it up at the end of the day.”
“I’ll be fine by myself. It’s not that far away.”
“I can take her,” Jack volunteered.
Gage’s blue gaze cooled as it traveled to Jack, then back to her. “If you’re that determined, I’ll take you myself.”
Jack grinned as if he had just discovered a secret, and Gage flashed him a look of warning.
