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"You're right The threatening notes and attelaries have all but ceased So, if it's not privateers…" Aurora scanned the area again "Stone would have no reason to conceal himself, especially now that he and I have officially met Do you think it's Macall? Do you think he discovered your whereabouts and tracked us here?"

"No" Julian shook his head "Macall's deterh to follow me undetected from a distance—especially by water If he were out there, I'd have spied hio No, actually I don't think ere followed—this time However…"

"I know," Aurora interrupted, her eyes twinkling "The cardinal rule of adventurers Eliminate any potential obstacles" She rose to her feet, brushing clu permitted? Or is that too conspicuous? Must alk unobtrusively so as not to arouse suspicion?"

Julian chuckled and stood up, the strongbox and tools tucked beneath his ar is not only permitted but advisable Come"

They scra several ti the way At last they reached the ketch, at which ti restlessly as her husband lowered the strongbox and tools to the deck, then swung down beside her "Now," she urged "Quickly Open it"

Julian extracted the key, then paused, offering it to Aurora while he untied the rope that bound their ketch to land "Why don't you?"

"I?" Aurora stared "Really?"

"Jabox belongs to you" A teasing grin as he raised the sail "Besides, you deserve a reward You've proved to be quite a splendid—and successful—adventurer" He folded her fingers around the key, then

resumed his place at the helm "You open I'll steer It's all yours, Rory"

Trebox, locating the knob that corresponded to the one beneath which Geoffrey had concealed his keyhole

She grasped it firmly and eased it aside until the slot was revealed Then she fit the key into the slot, exerting pressure—a little at a ti with a telltale click

Aurora's gaze met Julian's

"Bravo, soleil," he praised "Now let's see what James left us"

Wetting her lips, Aurora raised the lid, baring the chest's contents for them both to see

A dagger adorned with the head of a falcon greeted their eyes Beneath the dagger lay a single sheet of paper covered with text, discolored with age