“No, nearby. We've got all the information but you don't get it until we've settled our own arrangements.”
“Fine, but I have some stipulations.”
“I thought you might.” Wade leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. “Go ahead, enlighten me.”
“Laki goes free, no questions asked,” said Elisa. “She's not a part of this.”
“We have no interest in her.”
“And Asami stays with me.”
“Asami?” asked Max.
“That I can't do,” said Wade.
“Why not?” asked Elisa.
“Because she's gone missing.”
“I need some back-up with me.”
“We'll send someone.”
“Davalos,” said Elisa.
“Not who I had in mind.”
“Doesn't matter, he's who I have in mind.”
“I was under the impression there wasn't any lost love between you two,” said Wade.
“We've had our issues but I know I can rely on him if push comes to shove.”
“Very well.”
“And no more harm comes to Max,” said Elisa. “I want you to treat him like royalty, understood?”
“Done. Now I have some stipulations of my own,” said Wade. “Do what you will with Seth and King, but anything you find in Lemuria belongs to us and Davalos will see to it we get what's ours, agreed?”
“Don't have much of a choice, do I?”
“Not if you want you and your friends to get out of this alive,” said Wade.
“Then we've got a deal, Wade,” said Elisa. “Now cut me loose.”
CHAPTER 15
“You're crazy!”
“So I'm told,” said Elisa.
“Elisa, you can't do this alone,” said Laki. “It's too dangerous, especially now that Asami has run off.”
“I don't have a choice, I either do this or the Order kills you and Max and Seth kills King. I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place here.”
“But going on your own? I should be there with you,” said Laki.
“No, you've done enough, you led me further than I could have gotten on my own,” said Elisa. “This next part I have to do alone and I can't risk your safety. You're not trained for something like this. Not when it comes to Seth.”
“But who's going to watch your back?”
Elisa sighed. “Lucas.”
“As in Davalos, the man who's been working with the Order since this all started?” asked Laki. “I'm sorry, I know you two have a past but he can't be trusted.”
“No one knows how dangerous Lucas is more than me, you can bet on that,” said Elisa. “But the Order would never have let you come along in the first place. If I didn't say I want you sent home undamaged, they would have kept you here with Max.”
“So it's okay for them to keep an old man chained up?”
“Max may not be as young as he used to be, but he's been in worse scrapes,” said Elisa. “In his day, he was the best myth hunter around. The Order would love to get access to the information in his head but as long as they need me, they won't touch him. That buys me some time to make everything right. But I'll be able to do this job a lot easier if I'm not worrying about the both of you.”
Laki folded her arms. “I don't like this.”
Elisa sighed. “Listen, when this is all over, I'll come back through Mumbai to celebrate, okay? And drinks are on me, we'll have a girls' night out.”
“Watch your back, okay? I don't trust Lucas.”
“That's funny,” said Elisa with a smirk.
“What is?”
“I actually warned him to stay away from you—was worried you may be falling victim to his charms.”
Laki laughed. “I may not be as worldly as you, but I'm also not naïve. It'll take more than rogue charm to win me over.”
“Good, then I can rest even easier,” said Elisa. “The Order will escort you back to your apartment. Once they do, I want you to pack a bag and get on a bus or a plane bound for anywhere. Take a little vacation.”
Elisa drew an envelope from her jacket pocket and handed it over. Laki opened it and looked back up at her friend in surprise. “There's a few thousand dollars in here!”
“Should be enough to lie on some remote beach resort for a few days,” said Elisa. “It's better for you to disappear, at least for a little bit. I don't want the Order realizing they might need you again before this is all over.”
“Thank you,” said Laki.
“For what, nearly getting you killed?” asked Elisa. “Don't mention it, just what I do.”
***
Lucas Davalos spread out a map of southern Japan on the long table. Elisa stood by his side as he went over what the Order had uncovered for them.
“Okay, from what Wade tells me, the tablets say the gateway is located in the area of Japan's Ryukyu Islands.” The spot he pointed to was in the water.
“Wait, you mean it's not on land?” asked Elisa.
“Not from what they've been able to decipher from the tablets,” said Lucas. He pointed at the nearest island to the supposed location of the gateway. “This is Yonaguni Island, maybe seventy miles off the coast of Taiwan. Now normally, this wouldn't seem important, but...”
He took a clear cell and placed it over the map, which included a potential land mass that filled a block connecting the Marianas, Easter Island, Hawaii and Mangaia.
“Okay, now according to Churchward's accounts, this is where Lemuria was located before its destruction,” he said. “Now after its destruction, we've been able to find just about no trace of it, but that's not entirely accurate, at least not as of maybe twenty years ago.”
“The Yonaguni Monument,” said Elisa. “I remember when it was discovered, my parents were sure it was the remains of Lemuria.”
“Yeah, and they weren't the only ones,” said Lucas. “It's located off the coast of Yonaguni and there's some debate over whether or not it's man-made or a natural formation. A scientist named Kimura claims he's identified at least fifteen other formations around Yonaguni, including a castle. Kimura believes that the structures in this area were created or at least changed by humans between six and ten thousand years ago.”
“That would sync up with the time frame posited by the Lemurian legends,” said Elisa. “So this is where Seth is headed, then.”
“Right and it won't be hard to find him, the island's only about twelve miles all around,” said Lucas. “They've got a small airstrip there, so we get in via private plane courtesy of the Order.”
“We'll still need the Keystone, so we arrange for a meeting with Seth, charter a boat, and then we dive to the gateway,” said Elisa.
“There's just one problem—these ruins haven't exactly been ignored, they've been examined by lots of people since their discovery. And if Kimura claims he's found other structures that no one knows about, how do we know the gateway isn't in one of those locations?”
“We don't,” said Elisa. “But you're forgetting that the gateway is useless without the Keystone. So even if divers have found the gateway, they'd have no way of knowing what it really was.”
Lucas looked at her. “So this is it, eh? You think we've found the gateway?”
Elisa nodded. “I'm just not comfortable with how I had to find it—risking the lives of my friends and working with my enemies in order to play some twisted game thought up by a sociopath.”
Lucas let a chuckle slip.
“Something funny?” she asked.
“I just think it's a little amusing how you turned on the Order and now you find yourself working for them again. More than that, you're doing it so you can finish what your parents started.”
“Guess life really likes to stick it to you sometimes,” said Elisa. “Speaking of which, Wade said you dealt with Seth, too?”
“Yeah, right before your foxy friend decided to pull a vanishing act,” said Lucas. “We thought you were dead, so we kept moving on. The next room was pitch-bla
ck and that's when Seth attacked us. He toyed with me at first, just poking and prodding here and there, making me use most of my bullets on empty space. But then the lights came on and that's when I first knew he was involved. And Asami was gone.”
“And you had the Keystone on you.”
Lucas closed his eyes to try and hide the embarrassment. “I thought I might need it in the temple. I didn't know what the hell I was thinking. Seth knew I had it, too.”
“He didn't touch Laki, though,” said Elisa. “She didn't mention anything and she looked just fine.”
“Nah, he didn't go after her at all, he just wanted the Keystone so he went right for me.”
Elisa looked up at Lucas. “You protected her.”
He scoffed. “What are you trying to do, Elsie? Ruin my reputation? We both know I don't go in for any of that Errol Flynn, saving the damsel bull. Nah, Laki didn't have anything happen to her because Seth didn't care about her, simple as that. He's only interested in this game he's playing with you, said something about it being a challenge.”
“Well if Seth tries to stab me again, I'll give him an even bigger scar than last time,” said Elisa.
“Knock, knock.” The door opened and Wade waddled into the room followed by his bodyguard who carried a duffle bag slung over his shoulders. He dropped it on the ground and Wade motioned to the bag while looking at Elisa.
“Thought you might like your effects back,” he said.
Elisa knelt down and zipped open the bag. First thing she did was holster her kukri daggers in the sheaths behind her back. She drew the sheng bao out next and unlatched a loop on her belt to hold it from. The khopesh and kampilan swords both affixed to straps that she slung over her chest so the swords rested on her back. For the hunga munga, she hung that from a strap affixed to her belt. There were two more weapons in the case and Elisa drew them out, looking at them.
“Those were with you in the temple when we found you,” said Wade. “Thought they might be yours.”
“They're not,” said Elisa as she strapped a katara dagger to each thigh. “But thank you, they'll definitely come in handy.”
Lucas smiled as he lit a cigarillo. “See? Now that's hot.”
“We've got the plane fueled and ready for takeoff as soon as you get there,” said Wade. “Just remember, the longer you wait, the less time Finch and King have.”
“I remember, I don't need you to remind me,” said Elisa. “Now get the hell out of here.”
“Fair enough,” said Wade. “Oh and Lucas? I'd like a word with you outside.”
Lucas nodded. “Just a sec.” He looked at Elisa. “Do me a favor—I know you hate the things, but make sure my guns are all set?”
Elisa nodded. “Yeah, no problem.”
“Thanks.” Lucas left her side and followed Wade out the door. Once there, the bodyguard slammed him against the wall and held a dagger to his throat. Lucas tried to struggle against him, but the guard's grip was like iron.
Wade removed his straw hat as he stepped closer to Lucas. “I noticed you two were getting pretty cozy in there. That makes me nervous.”
“Just remembering old times is all,” said Lucas.
“Yes, old times, let's talk about those, shall we?” asked Wade. “Specifically fifteen of them.”
“What?”
“Fifteen times you've encountered Hill since you two ended your partnership. And fifteen times she's still walked away when you could have killed her,” said Wade. “My superiors don't like that. They don't like that she's still alive and running around to make our jobs a lot harder than they should be.”
“Then maybe you should be thanking me.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“If Elsie were dead, you'd be standing here holding your dick,” said Lucas. “It's because of her we've gotten this far and it's because of her we're going to find the remains of Lemuria.”
“And it's also because of her that sword-wielding nutcase has gotten involved, or did you forget about that part as well?” asked Wade.
“Nah, he would've gotten involved one way or the other, this is too big and Seth enjoys messing with you too much, doesn't matter if Elsie's alive or dead. But with her alive, you've got a shot at getting him out of the picture once and for all.”
Wade nodded and donned the hat once more. “Maybe you're right, maybe I am being too hard on you. But orders are orders and mine are to ensure you follow through with your end of the bargain. To that end, my superiors have requested something from you once this job is over.”
“Yeah? And what's that?” asked Lucas.
“Either Elisa Hill doesn't make it home alive, or you don't,” said Wade.
“That was never part of the deal,” said Lucas.
“The deal's changed, Mr. Davalos.” Wade's eyes flashed with the same change Lucas witnessed before in Mexico. “If you're not willing to cooperate, you can easily be replaced with someone who is.”
CHAPTER 16
After their plane landed on Yonaguni Island, Elisa and Lucas began the three-mile walk to the place Seth informed them they were to meet at. It was a small bar not far from the southeastern coast of the island.
Both Elisa and Lucas wore long coats to conceal the weapons they wore beneath. Lucas had twin Zastavas strapped to his legs and holstered at the base of his spine was a Serbu short-barreled shotgun. He also had combat knives holstered to each of his boots.
Inside the bar, they grabbed a table towards the rear, where they could keep an eye on everyone. Most of the people were older men stopping in for drinks on their walks home from work. As Yonaguni had a small population, two white faces stuck out like sore thumbs, but Elisa ignored the attention. Lucas had to only fire off an angry glare every few minutes to dissuade anyone curious or drunk enough to try and start up a conversation.
“You've been pretty quiet since we left,” she said.
“Just trying to concentrate on the job, that's all,” said Lucas. “I want to finish this and get out of here. Whole thing's been pretty unpleasant.”
“Don't think I've ever seen you this rattled before,” said Elisa. “It's kind of endearing.”
“Don't get cute, Elsie.”
“Someone's a bit on edge,” said Elisa. She looked up as a waitress came up to them. “Nama biiru onegaishimasu.”
Lucas held up two fingers. “Futatsu.”
“Hai.” The waitress nodded and left.
Lucas sighed and leaned closer. “Let's get this straight, okay? We're not partners, not anymore. We've just got a common enemy and once Seth is out of the way, we'll have to tangle again.”
“Like it or not, I'm working for the Order right now, that means we're in this together and that means we have to trust each other,” said Elisa.
“No, we don't.” Lucas leaned back in his chair a little. “We both know what's going to happen—after we ice Seth, you're going to want to take the secrets of the Naa'cal with you and I'm going to want to—scratch that—have to give them to the Order. And when that happens babe, we're going to rumble.”
“We cross that bridge when we come to it, Lucas—not before. Right now, we've got a specific problem to deal with and if we don't concentrate on getting Seth out of the way, the Order's desires are going to be the least of our worries. So I need you to back me on every move I make.”
“No arguments from me, Elsie—I'm with you until the end,” said Lucas. “But the end may come sooner than you think.”
“What's that mean?”
Lucas waved dismissively as the waitress approached holding a tray. “Forget it, let's just have a drink and wait for this prick.”
The waitress set two shot glasses filled with a clear liquid in front of them both. “Hai, dozo.”
“...that doesn't look like beer,” said Lucas.
“Sumimasen.” Elisa motioned to the drinks. “Nan desu ka?”
“That would be hanazake.”
The waitress stepped aside and bowed, not looking at the man in white w
ith silver hair who sauntered up to the table. He grabbed a chair from another table and sat down, holding a shot glass of his own.
“It's only made on this island,” said Seth. “Hundred and twenty proof awamori.”
“I was looking forward to a nice, cold beer,” said Lucas.
Seth ignored him. “Do you know what's interesting about hanazake?”
Elisa rolled her eyes. “No Seth, what's interesting about it?”
“Well, at first it was only used in religious ceremonies—like funerals.” He tipped the glass back and swallowed the entire contents in one gulp and set it gently on the table. “Somewhat appropriate, wouldn't you say?”
“Can we just get this over with?” asked Elisa.
“Very well,” said Seth. “I've got a boat and diving equipment as well as the Keystone.”
“And King?” asked Elisa.
“With the boat, although I left him tied up underneath it, so we may need to hurry. I don't know how much longer he can hold out.”
“Gods...” muttered Elisa as she rapidly stood from her seat.
“Ah, ah, ah.” Seth held up his hand and then pointed to the glasses. “Finish your drinks first. It's rude otherwise.”
Elisa and Lucas each picked up their glasses and took their shots. The hanazake burned as it flowed down their throats and both of them needed a second before they were ready.
“Now can we go?” she asked.
Seth stood and motioned for them to follow.
***
When they reached the boat Seth had chartered (or stole, Elisa couldn't be sure which), she saw Jackson King laying unconscious on the deck, chained to one of the seats. Elisa pushed past both Lucas and Seth and jumped onto the boat.
She did a quick check of his vitals, satisfied that he was at least still alive, if not a bit worse for wear. Elisa turned her head back towards Seth in disgust.
“Was all this necessary?” she asked.
“Necessary, of course not.” Seth hopped on the boat. “But it was fun.”
Lucas shook his head as he boarded. “This bastard gives mercenaries a bad name.”
“King, King wake up, can you hear me?” asked Elisa.
The Lost Continent Page 9
