Page 28 of The Diamond Thief

He studies me, and I’m quite certain now that he has seen through everything. He planned this entire trip as a way to trap me. I walked right in.

I set down the glass on a small table near my seat. “I should check on my friend.”

My heart bangs painfully, waiting to see what his next move will be, but he doesn’t stop me. I head out the back of the van and hop to the ground. The driver is still by the tire, tightening the last lug nut.

“Everything okay?” he asks.

“I just needed some fresh air.”

The bodyguard stands over him. Nothing seems out of place there.

I don’t have a lot of options, so I walk toward the trailhead. Elena and Elliot are out here somewhere. I pull out my phone and quickly text Elena that I need hernow.

No response. Figures. I keep walking. What should I do? Make a run for it? I’m in the middle of nowhere. This is all way too convenient.

I have no doubt Jacob did this to get me alone. But I don’t know what to do about it. Now I’m wondering, if I go into the woods, will I come back out alive?