He was holding a fortune in his hands.
Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires. They glinted in the light from his headlamp as he shifted the bag of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, broaches.
His money worries were over.
Grinning, he spread the contents onto the rock ledge beside him.
As he fingered the fortune displayed before him, the stones glittered in the light from his headlamp like the crown jewels.
Wow.
His grandfather’s list hadn’t begun to capture the breadth of his bounty.
Diamond necklace didn’t come close to describing the jewel-encrusted choker studded with a fortune in sparkling precious stones.
He picked up a diamond-rimmed ruby broach. Examined it under the light from his headlamp.
Gorgeous.
It was a shame he’d have to ruin all these antique pieces by pulling out the stones, but it would be safer to sell loose gems. Intact jewelry could be identified if the owner had listed it on any of the international databases for stolen collectibles.
And considering all the valuables soldiers on both sides had plundered during World War II, it was very possible the owner had contacted one of those databases and—
At a sudden graze on his cheek, Steven jerked. Ducked. Uttered an oath.
The bats were on the move.
Thank goodness he wouldn’t have to dodge the little devils again after tonight, or worry about getting bitten by a rabid winged mammal. He was done with caves for the rest of his life.
Another night marauder zipped by, and he ducked again.
He was out of here.
After hastily gathering up the jewels, he threw them back in the bag.
It hadn’t been fun, but all the hours he’d spent in this crypt-like subterranean cavity had ended up paying off. Big time.
And he’d never have to come down here again. Going forward, he’d be able to sleep through the night. The disposal of his treasure could be done during normal waking hours.
He closed the bag again and secured it in his backpack with his bottle of water, extra jacket, and the crowbar he kept on hand in case he had to wedge any rocks loose. Tucked thebulky, twenty-by-twenty parcel of paintings under his arm. Took off for the entrance at a fast trot.
It might be wise to stash the paintings in his car tomorrow while Natalie was taking her midday nap—in case she decided to venture into his room again. He could bury the jewels deep in his overnight bag.
And now that his work here was done, maybe he’d leave Friday morning instead of staying through the weekend. Claim a work issue required his presence back in St. Louis. Which was true.
He had a ton of work to do to turn his treasure into cash.
Energy pulsing through him, he picked up his pace as he wove through the maze of passageways toward the entrance.
Once outside, he removed his headlamp and shoved it into his backpack. Touched the concealed carry holster he always wore on his treks into the woods. With mountain lion and black bear sightings becoming more common in Missouri, it would be foolish to wander about without any protection. The last thing he needed was an encounter with a wild animal.
He struck off down the path, keeping close tabs on his surroundings as the eerie hoot of an owl echoed through the treetops. Nighttime tramps in the forest were one more activity he wouldn’t miss going forward.
Why anyone would choose to live in this rustic, godforsaken place was beyond him.
On the plus side, he didn’t have to visit as often anymore. Once every few weeks should suffice. He could tell Natalie his romance was heating up. She’d understand. She always did.
He was her golden boy.
