Path of the Jaguar by Vickie Britton, Loretta Jackson Page B

go!"
    "We're going to have to miss this one."
    "But I was going to take Lennea!"
    "I'll be happy to take her," Joseph volunteered.
    Sid's request for dessert interrupted the lingering silence and saved Lennea from having to give Joseph a definite answer. She arose to assist Goldie with the pie—at least Wesley wasn't here to witness this failure. As she placed the pastry topped with lumpy, dark crust in front of Joseph, she quipped, "I'm trying to disprove an old theory: anyone can cook."
    Joseph laughed and began eating with relish. Lennea tried not to glance at the polite Guerrero's, who struggled with burned crust and dripping cherries.
    At the close of the meal on the way into the living room, Neysa spoke her first words. "I'm so disappointed that Dr. Hern wasn't able to be here. I wanted him to tell us all about his new book."
    Lennea remained in the kitchen with Joseph. They could hear Wesley's name drift to them from the adjoining room.
    "I'll have some more of that pie," Joseph said, earnestly extending his empty plate.
    "You don't have to play the gallant,"
    Joseph's eyes brightened, the small crinkles about them appearing to deepen. "I happen to like crusts on the crispy side." If he were lying, the huge portion she gave him served him right.
    Lennea wandered toward the patio doors. The night was beautiful. She longed to be outside in the jungle warmth, to feel the air, like tepid water, close about her.
    From behind her Joseph spoke, "Let's go for a walk! They're so busy discussing the great Dr. Hern, they won't even miss us."
    Lennea hesitated. What harm could it possibly do? She allowed herself to be guided by Joseph through the door, under wind chimes that tinkled faintly overhead. Whenever she glanced back, the patio lights were more distant, and finally uneasy thoughts took the definite form of Wesley's face. Her love for Wesley made this attraction to Joseph all the more disturbing. She continued to match Joseph's quick pace, knowing fully well that their being alone was a mistake.
    Occasionally she would steal a glance at Joseph's strong chin, his slightly prominent nose. In the bright light of the kitchen, he had seemed tame and cultured; out here he looked restless, rugged.
    And he seemed intent on a destination. When she slowed her step, his firm hand caught her arm, pushing her forward. She tried to quell a sudden surge of fear. "Where—where are we going?"
    Lennea could feel his measured, determined steps beside her in the darkness. "To the ruins."
    Lennea's heart thumped unevenly against her chest. She thought of the hidden money. He was deliberately guiding her in that direction. It couldn't be a coincidence!
    "Few people know about these ruins," he said, as they passed the first clearing and on into the dense, broad-leafed trees. "With Chichen Itza so near, they are hardly considered worthy of attention."
    As the rising pile of rocks came into view, Joseph outdistanced her.
    "There is something compelling about abandoned places," he called back to her. "Think of all the secrets these rocks hold!" His eyes swept ever so slowly around the ruins, upon the jaguar stone behind which the cash lay. At the same time he appeared to be watching her.
    Joseph was trying to find out from her the exact location of the cash! She forced her eyes to remain on his face. Lennea thought about the little Mayan man she had seen upon the trail the night she had hidden the money. Joseph must have hired him to follow her, to spy on her every move! He had informed Joseph of the general location of the hiding place, but neither of them knew the exact spot.
    Joseph moved closer to the jaguar head. The white of his jacket made his back and shoulders massive. He took a step or two, then abruptly turned. The speed was timed and menacing, like a threat. Yet, in the darkness he appeared to be smiling. She had an impression of white teeth as she backed away. She kept stepping backward until the chill, cutting rock of a damp wall