Page 412 of The Romance Adventure

“What’s going on?”

“Ryan, whatever you do to keep yourself calm during an intense football game, do that. Royal, apply your crush-your-business-rivals-for-breakfast chill.”

From behind a three-sided tent, an older man with hair verging toward white appears. He wears what I would’ve called explorer clothes when I was a kid. There’s no mistaking his eyes. They’re the same as Jolie’s. “What brings you boys here? Are you lost?” I can’t pin his accent and I imagine he speaks multiple languages like his daughter.

Stepping forward, I say, “We have something that was lost long ago, and we’d like it in exchange for our parents.”

“Ah, so you finally figured out that I’ve been holding them all these years to exploit their expertise in locating El Dorado for me...and if they dared try to contact you or escape, I’d kill the entire McGregor clan. Wives included.” He chortles.

Guys like this only get the upper hand if you give it up. I say, “Way to be direct and lay out your devious plan.”

The twins stiffen by my side.

I say, “We came to make a deal.”

“I don’t make deals. Only sure bets.”

“What’s the difference?” Ryan mutters.

“We know you’ve been looking for the Coroa de Lágrimas and we’ll give it to you in exchange for our mom and dad.”

Jerkovic narrows his eyes. “What if they don’t want to leave? I’ve treated them well. They have no complaints. Luxurious quarters, three meals a day, all the time in the world to explore.”

I ignore his grandstanding. “Crown. Parents. Don’t come after us.”

He seems to think about this. “You really found the crown, didn’t you?”

The three of us chorus, “We really did.”

“And you’re willing to give it to me in trade for your mother and father? I don’t believe it.” He frowns.

“No, you wouldn’t.” I think of Jolie and how he sought riches and power over love and family.

Jerkovic tucks his chin as if in question.

“You once had the greatest treasure available to man. But you threw it away. I know exactly where the chink in your armor is. You abandoned your wife and daughter. That is the greatest sign of weakness in the world.”

He scoffs. “I provided her funding to go to school. What lies did she tell you? I know you’re working together. She’s no better than her lousy mother.”

My entire body tenses, but I draw a deep breath. He’s goading me. “It’ll go like this. Bring us our parents. My brothers will bring them back to the boat. I’ll give you the pearl, the diamond, and the coral.”

He scoffs. “What about the crown?”

“Once I’m safely on board and we’re back in US waters, I’ll arrange to meet with you and your thugs who chased us away from Land’s End. There, we will exchange the crown. You will have what you want. We will too. It’s a win-win.”

Jerkovic chuckles and gazes at his hand, running his fingers over his nails. “Shrewd. I admire that.” After a long pause, he says, “I agree on one condition. When we meet, my daughter is there with you.”

Something slithers down my spine because Jerkovic is sharp, clever, and won’t give up his top explorers easily.

Nonetheless, I nod, not having any idea whether Jolie will even be home, no less, agree. But it’s all we’ve got to work with.

I review the plan one more time and receive confirmation from Jerkovic.

He whistles, and two guards appear, holding the arms of an older couple with their hands tied behind their backs. Eyes on us, my mother lets out a sob. Tears streak my father’s face. But they don’t look like they’ve been harmed beyond being separated from their family for years—under penalty of death.

“Oh look, a happy family reunion.” Jerkovic chortles as if to say, Not for long. He has an angle. I just haven’t figured it out yet.

After exchanging quick hugs, my brothers lead our mother and father back the way we came.