Rattled by Kris Bock Page B

the door, looking outside, his tail twitching. A head leaned over and peered through the window above him. Erin jumped. She’d been spotted. But fortunately, it wasn’t Mitchell. She didn’t recognize the man.
    She opened the door a few inches, blocking it with her body. “Hello?”
    The man was probably about 40, with dark hair and tanned skin, not much taller than she was, but stocky. “Erin Hale?”
    “Yes?” She looked for an ID badge, a clipboard, anything that would identify his purpose, but saw nothing. He had on slacks and a dress shirt, but no coat or tie. She glanced at the driveway and noted a silver midsize car.
    “I’d like to speak with you for a few minutes. May I come in?”
    Erin gripped the door more tightly. “No.” To hell with anyone who thought she was being rude. She wasn’t a fool.
    The man kept smiling. “All right, we can talk here. I have a proposition for you.”
    He paused, but Erin said nothing.
    “I represent a group of investors that is interested in treasure retrieval. Word has reached us about your investigation of the Victorio Peak treasure. We’d like to discuss a partnership.”
    Erin swallowed and tried to keep her voice steady. “I don’t need a partner.” Just how far had news traveled?
    He smiled and spread his hands in a friendly gesture. “Consider the advantages. We’d provide all the funding. Even if your hunt turns up nothing, you won’t be out a single dollar. We’ll provide equipment, technical help. We’re experts in this kind of thing.”
    A week ago she might’ve considered the option, set up a meeting with Camie, at least heard what they had to say. It was kind of crazy to think that she and Camie could pull this off alone. They had no idea what they’d find if they did reach the right site. An earthquake could have damaged the cave and blocked the entrance. Earth moving equipment would come in handy then, along with someone who knew how to use it.
    But after the last few days, she wasn’t about to trust this stranger. “And what do you get in return?”
    “Fifty percent. I’m sure you’ll agree that’s fair. If the treasure really exists, we’re talking about millions of dollars—possibly hundreds of millions. You’ll have more money than you could possibly spend. If we don’t find the treasure, my company loses money, but you don’t.”
    “If you’re an expert, you must know that finds on public land belong to the government. You won’t get any money from it.”
    “I’m enough of an expert to know that it’s possible to make deals with the government. Sure, they’ll want their share, but there should be enough to go around.”
    “I’m not interested in the money,” Erin said. “I’m interested in the history. I want to study the site, not just drag everything away for sale.”
    She didn’t trust his smile when he said, “I’m sure we can arrange something.”
    Erin was starting to feel lightheaded and had to remind herself to breathe. She’d never had a panic attack in her life, but thought she might be getting close. It was past time to end this conversation. “I’m sorry, but I’m not interested. Goodbye.” She shifted to close the door. Tiger let out a rumbling growl from the windowsill.
    The man slammed his hand against the door, knocking it into her shoulder. She cried out at the pain and stumbled back a step.
    “You should think about it carefully,” he said. “Treasure hunting isn’t work for nice women. It’s dangerous.” He took a step forward, his face a threat. “Is that treasure worth dying for?”
    Erin took a shaky breath and straightened. Her voice trembled. “It’s worth fighting for.” She threw her weight against the door, trying to slam it shut. She barely budged it.
    He wedged his way into the opening. “You want a fight? You got one.”
    Erin shoved against the door, but she knew it was hopeless. She’d never force him back out. Should she run? Scream?
    He pushed the door open with a