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He stood behind me for several seconds and then turned around and started the boat.
I had myself under control by the time Collin pulled up to the dock in Wanchese. I was already climbing out of the boat when he emerged from the cabin.
“Ellie.”
I stopped on the sidewalk, waiting. I needed to ask him a few more questions, but the more distance between us, the better. “Tell me about the Ricardo Estate. How are you tied to it?”
He shook his head, a determined look in his eyes. “Like I said: the less you know, the better.”
“Marino thinks you’re involved with me because of my parents’ expertise in the field. Is that true?”
His face scrunched as he shook his head. “You know why I found you.”
“Did my parents’ professions make a difference to you?”
“I swear to you, Ellie. I never once took it into consideration.”
“Where’s my pewter cup?”
His body tensed. “In my truck.”
“Locked in your glove compartment? With your bowl and the map?”
He didn’t answer.
“I want my cup and the map.”
His mouth tipped into an ugly grin. “Possession is nine-tenths of the law.”
“And you declared that rule to be bullshit.I want them now.”
“No.”
“Ineedthe map.”
“You’re going after Ukinim, aren’t you?”
“He made it pretty clear last night that it was him or me. What would you do in my shoes? I need every resource at my disposal.”
He swung his head away. “Goddamn it.”
“Youstillwon’t give it to me?”
“No.”
My temper rose and I considered finding a rock or something heavy to beat in his dashboard, but he’d stop me before I ever got the stupid thing open. I’d have to figure out another way.
As soon as I got in my car and headed back to Manteo, I picked up my phone and saw that I had five missed calls from David. Given that it was ten o’clock, I wasn’t surprised.
He answered on the first ring. “Ellie, thank God. I’ve been worried half to death.”
“I’m fine,” I said, forcing my anger out of my voice. “It just took longer than expected.”
“Did you find what you were looking for?” I knew what else he was asking.
“I did. I have a lot to tell you. I can’t wait to see you.”
I heard his sigh of relief. “I have something to tell you too. After I got back to the flat, I remembered something I read in one of the books I’ve got here. I think I’ve figured out how you can defeat Ukinim.”
