Page 344 of The Romance Adventure

“Two words, Kurt Jerkovic,” Ryan says.

“I haven’t been able to find out much about him through the regular channels.” Magnus’s gaze penetrates mine, code for he’s exhausted his connections in the military.

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“You mean you’ll involve shady characters?” Royal asks.

My patience wears thin—not an easy thing to do. If the man standing across from me were another officer or an asset, I’d run him out of the room.

“I’ll see what I can find out,” I say vaguely.

Jolie swallows, then says, “Is this Kurt Jerkovic American? If not, I have a lot of connections abroad, I can inquire if he has any real estate holdings.”

“That’s a great idea,” I say.

Royal doubles down. “No, seriously, we could just stop. Legally, we can block Glandman. Call it good.”

Ryan glances at his wife and son. “Maybe Royal is right. Could be time to give it up, bro. We found the stones. They’re valuable. We fixed up the properties, fulfilling our grandfather’s requests.”

“I haven’t.”

“And what did he ask you to do?” Royal pinches my last nerve.

“You know what he asked. I’ve been telling you for years. It’s not my problem you refuse to believe me,” I grind out.

Of all of us, Royal is the least inclined to think Mom and Dad are still out there. For some reason, he won’t entertain the possibility.

“Careful, little brother, your wife might think you’re nuts.”

“Frankly, I think you’re all nuts,” Jolie says with a warm smile.

“I think we’re going to become best friends,” Harley says.

Drawing a deep breath, I say, “We’re fulfilling our grandfather’s wishes. We’re hunting for treasure because Chip asked us to.”

Royal glowers. “Yeah, so you can score big and continue to slum it and couch surf.”

My jaw ticks. Lifting my arms, I say, “Royal, do you think I paid for this with coins I fished out of couch cushions? I bought this house for my wife and me so we could settle down and start a family.” I don’t mention that it was a bargain, but it didn’t put a dent in my holdings, not even after I had the security installed and secret rooms constructed.

“Chip probably gave you the cash.”

I take two giant steps across the room. “You’ve read the will. Everyone in this room practically knows it by heart. You saw what he left us, me included. Emmie got the rest of the cash not allotted to the repair of the properties. And before you ask, no, I did not ask our sister for a loan.” She got a stipulation of her own, but that’s also not something I mention.

“How do you know?”

“Because I was there when he signed over everything to her. Call her. Interrogate her if you don’t believe me.” My voice drops several octaves because I’m getting tired of this.

“I find it very hard to believe that you’re not doing this for the money. For the treasure,” Royal says.

Something snaps in me. But instead of exploding, my voice gets even lower. “I made a promise to myself and Chip. It’s one I intend to keep.”

Royal’s nostrils flare. “What, dare I ask, is that?”

“I think we’ve had enough here for one day,” Magnus says.

Losing control of my breath, I say, “That’s because you know what I’m going to say. You can’t bear to let yourselves hope. Our parents didn’t die in a boating accident. Chip knew it. I know it. They’re still alive. I’m looking for the Coroa de Lágrimas because it’s simply a means to find them.”

And that’s where the conversation ends.