Though Mateo had never been in the Superstitions, he had spent months in the deserts of other countries. On an archeological dig in Mexico, Gage had seen his skills. Mateo’s input was invaluable, especially here. The Superstitions were known for unexpected perils that could turn deadly for the unwary.
Gage turned in the saddle to survey his surroundings, the rocky ridges and deep ravines they were heading into. It was dangerous country, and the reason he rode behind Abby, where he could keep an eye on her and make sure she stayed safe.
He almost smiled. He hadn’t thought of the consequences of watching the shifting movement of her tiny waist above her sexy behind. For hours, he’d been half aroused when he needed to stay focused.
Gage sighed. Part of him regretted not sleeping with Abby when he’d had the chance. Another part worried it would only have made him want her more. Sooner or later, he intended to explore his feelings for her, but now was not the time.
As the trail grew steeper, then dropped into a low spot that dipped beneath an overhanging ledge, Gage forced his mind back where it belonged and spotted their destination, a granite depression filled with rainwater that had spilled down from the rocks above, washing the stones smooth over the years.
Kyle pulled his horse to a halt and dismounted. Gage swung down from the saddle, saw Abby do the same. Smiley led the mules a little closer to the water, swung down, and joined them as they led their thirsty animals to a place where they could drink their fill.
Mateo appeared out of the shadows and walked up beside him. “Dangerous country,” Mateo said, retrieving the reins to his horse. “Lots of snakes.”
“See any of the human variety?”
“No, but I saw plenty of human signs. We are not alone out here.”
“You think it could be the men from Denver?”
“I do not know. The two men who showed up at the ranch last night must have left early this morning.”
“Maybe they went hiking.”
“Maybe,” Mateo said, but a look passed between them. They would have to keep an eye out just in case.
“People come here hunting gold,” Mateo said. “From what I have learned, there are many who search for the famous lost mine.”
Gage nodded. “The Lost Dutchman. It’s a pastime for locals, and finding it is every treasure hunter’s dream.”
“But you believe the old man found it, this King Farrell.” He tipped his head toward Abby. “Your woman’sabuelo.”
“I told you she isn’t my woman.”At least not yet.
“We both know it will happen soon.”
“I can’t let it happen. Not out here.”
Mateo looked at him with a touch of amusement but made no reply.
“I think the old man may have found something,” Gage said. “Not sure exactly what. King Farrell was the best at what he did, and there are plenty of mines in the area. Abby has enough faith in him to stake everything she owns on this trip.”
“If the gold is here, you will find it for her.”
Gage smiled. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
The horses and mules finished drinking, and the group prepared to continue up the trail. Gage wanted to reach the spot Kyle had chosen to camp well before nightfall. He wanted Mateo to scout the area, look for any sign of trouble, change locations if necessary.
Gage led the big bay up next to Abby’s paint. “You doing okay?”
“I’m not used to riding.” She tilted her head to look up at him from beneath the brim of her straw hat. “I’m stiff and sore, but I’ll be okay in a day or two.”
“We’ve got a ways to go before we stop for the night.”
She nodded. “I’ll be fine.” She smiled. “I saw my first roadrunner today. I couldn’t believe how fast he was.”
She glanced around, her gaze lingering on the walls of rock they were traveling through. “At first, this place . . . it just looks forbidding, but after a while you start to see things, like how amazingly blue the sky is, how the rocks give you a glimpse into the distant past.
“I read somewhere the Superstitions are the remains of an ancient super volcano. What we’re heading into is a giant caldera.”
