Quest (Dane Maddock Adventures) Read Online Free

message had filled her with a dark sense of foreboding.
    Right on time, a carriage appeared in the distance. It belonged to one of the small, private companies that catered primarily to couples looking for a romantic ride around the old parts of the city. As it drew closer, she recognized Andy’s shock of short, dark hair, high brow, and fair complexion. The carriage came to a halt and Andy offered his hand to help her inside. His palms were sweaty and his eyes were alive with a manic energy.
    “Take this, but don’t look at it until you’re somewhere safe,” he whispered, handing her a small manila envelope as the carriage rolled forward. He leaned up and whispered instructions to the driver, who nodded and began loudly describing the historical significance of the Circular Congregational Church.
    “Andy, what’s going on? You said it’s about Thomas. Have you heard from him?”
    “We don’t have much time.” Andy looked around as if expecting someone to leap into the carriage with them at any moment. “Before he left, Thomas gave me that.” He indicated the envelope. “He said that he might be delayed on his trip, but if I had not heard from him by sixty days after his expected return date, to get help from someone I trust, and come for him. He said I should do it without drawing unnecessary attention." Andy paused, his expression tense. "He also told me to watch my back.”
    “But I’ve already contacted the authorities. They say they’ve checked the entire stretch of river where his party was to have traveled, and found nothing. Their best guess is that Thomas and the others probably went into the rainforest and their boat was stolen while they were gone. They tell me they’ll keep an eye out, but they figure Thomas will show up at one of the settlements along the river and send for help. What else are we supposed to do?”
    “Thomas didn’t follow his planned path. This field ecology trip was just a front to get the university to approve an expedition into the Amazon. He’s gone after something bigger. Much bigger.”
    An icy sensation of disbelief crept up Kaylin’s spine. What was Andy talking about?
    “For several years now, Thomas has been working on a research project that he’s kept top secret, except to say it was a very old mystery. He said he couldn’t share it, even with the people he trusts. He seems to think knowing nothing might keep us safe, though he didn’t say from whom. In fact, he said he didn’t have all the pieces, but he thought he had enough to succeed.”
    “This is nuts! Are you sure he didn’t just concoct this crazy story as a cover so he could spend more time with Emily?” She regretted the words the moment they left her mouth.
    Andy gave her a soft smile of understanding, took her hand, and gave it a squeeze. “There is nothing between him and Emily. You can take the word of his closest friend on that.”
    “I’m sorry.” She buried her face in her hands. “That was so selfish of me. It’s just something that’s been bothering me for a long time. God, I feel like such an idiot. Thomas is lost, maybe in danger, and I’m acting like a jealous teenager.”
    “Don’t beat yourself up over it. Thomas needs your help, not your regrets. Now listen carefully. I can’t be the one to do this. I’m an English Lit professor, not an explorer, and I don’t have any friends who are. Thomas specifically wanted me to tell you if it came to this. He seemed to think you might be able to mount a rescue mission.” Andy looked puzzled. “No offense, but you’re a Fine Arts teacher, so it seems odd to me. Maybe because of your father’s military background?”
    Kaylin shrugged, too lost in thought to form a reply.
    “So, do you know someone, anyone, who could go into the Amazon, find him and the students, and bring them back out alive?” He didn’t add, if they’re still alive .
    Actually, Kaylin did know one person who fit that bill. She knew him quite well, in