Souls Golden

By Shonna Whitley

Nearly a year after her archaeological work in Pompeii, Italy, Jensen Webster has grown bored of her less exciting life in New York. In need of a relaxing vacation, she finally caves to her friend Cam's persistent requests to visit him in South America. She soon learns that her fears of the jungle will be just one obstacle she will have to overcome when a stranger she crosses paths with has a more sinister plan for her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shonna Whitley
• Release date: Aug 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781985037502

Book preview

Chapter One

I kicked my shoes off as soon as I stepped inside my apartment, dropped my keys on a small table by the door, and removed that medieval torture device we women call a bra. I sauntered through the small, typical, New York City apartment to my bedroom, which was right off the kitchen. I grabbed the mail from my desk and weeded through the junk while checking to see if Ken was home. After my fruitless search mission, I sat down at my desk to answer some e-mail. That’s when I noticed a small box on the corner of the desk.

How did I miss you?

I examined the box for a moment and then grabbed a knife and opened it. I pulled the tabs open to see what surprise waited inside.

There was suddenly a knock on my door. I dropped the little box on the tiny, two-person dining table and hurried to answer the door.

I wasn’t expecting visitors. In fact, most of the people I knew were in Italy, South America, and wherever Evan Krane had ended up. I was certain Ken was on a date with his new boyfriend and everyone else I knew was in Virginia.

I became a bit too excited after looking through the peephole to find the familiar smile of one Harry Logan on the other side. I flung the door open and almost knocked him down with my hug.

Wow, I wish everyone was as excited to see me as you are.

I giggled. Really? Cause Ken has been missing you very much. I teased while motioning him inside.

Bring on the big guy! He swiveled his head around, anticipating Ken’s presence.

So, what brings you to New York, Harry?

I have a boring conference to attend. But I remembered I have a sexy, non-boring, good friend who lives here that I could visit with and possibly take to dinner tonight? He made sad puppy eyes at me like I would ever really reject his offer.

Sure, I would like that a lot. I’m going to have to grab a quick shower to freshen up. I’ve been in the basement all day.

He stepped over to the table and saw the almost opened box. What’s this?

I don’t know, I haven’t opened it yet. I slid up next to him and picked the box up and finally opened the tabs. There was something covered in bubble wrap at the bottom. I took it out and handed it to Harry. I’m just gonna let you do the honors.

He chuckled but understood my hesitance. Then he proceeded to carefully remove the bubble wrap to reveal a small, golden statue. I grabbed my magnifying glass from my desk drawer and took the statue closer to the lamp. Is that a sun god? Harry wondered.

I looked over it with the magnifying glass before I answered. It looks like it. It’s Incan, I’m pretty sure.

Who would send you this? Cam?

I thought for a moment and shrugged. "Cam would not send a golden artifact out of the country. That would be crazy. Not to mention he isn’t even working in Peru. He is in Colombia." I retorted.

Whoa, okay. Don’t get defensive, he teased. I rolled my eyes and wondered if Cam could be guilty. But I dare not tell Harry that I had any doubts.

I will set up a video chat with him later to find out for sure, though. Now, I’m going to get that shower.

Harry and I had a nice dinner at a small Italian restaurant with exposed brick walls. The tables were placed as close together as they could get in order to pack in as many customers as possible. They were topped with red and white vinyl tablecloths and lit candles in the center. It was quite busy due to pre-curtain Broadway watchers filling up before a show, but we had good conversation and a lot of entertaining people to watch.

How long are you going to be in town? I asked him in the middle of a bite of his eggplant parmesan. He chewed quickly, yet graciously before answering.

I am leaving the day after tomorrow.

Do you have plans tomorrow night?

I don’t unless you count an expensive dirty movie rental at the hotel. I think he meant to make me blush, but I’d grown accustomed to his flirty, dirty-mind and all of the naughty things that came out of his mouth.

I have to go to a charity benefit for the museum tomorrow night. Would you like to accompany me? His eyes widened with faux shock.

Jensen Webster, are you asking me on a date?

Nope. I just don’t want to go to a boring museum fundraiser and hang out with a bunch of old rich people by myself. He flung his napkin on the table after signing his credit card bill.

You’d rather hang out with an old, broke, lonely divorcee? His self-deprecation made me sad. I’m in. I’d be happy to rub elbows with some rich widows. I chuckled at his eagerness.

Oooh, there may even be some estranged rich divorcees for you to flirt with too.

Even better!

He saw me back to my apartment and I gave him details about the gala and when to pick me up. He strode off after leaving me with one of his tight hugs and a light kiss on the cheek.

See you tomorrow night. Wear something sexy. As much as I wanted to look appalled, I just couldn’t. I can’t walk up in that place without arm candy, ya know? He snickered. I waved him off and closed and locked the door behind me.

I noticed Ken was home, but he’d turned in early. It also looked like his boyfriend, Brent, had stayed over. I changed into my pajamas and sat down at my desk to look over the golden statue again before logging onto my computer to check the time in Colombia.

Ah, I’m sure he’s up. I took my chances that Cam would be awake and fired up the video chat. I waited for a few seconds until my call was answered.

Once the video popped up, I was greeted with that killer smile. Cam had water dripping from his hair and a towel around his waist. I suddenly had a feeling of déjà vu and mild arousal. I felt a gentle blush move from my neck to my face. Harry tried all night to turn me rosy, and Cam managed to do it in an instant.

Hi, Cam! Am I interrupting you? His smile widened and he flashed those pearly whites that I’d missed so much as he sat down at the desk facing the camera.

No, I just got out of the shower. I had a soccer game and I was hot and sweaty. My mind wandered for a moment about hot and sweaty Cam. What’s up?

He crushed my daydream, and to prevent turning another shade of pink, I continued explaining the box and the statue. I also mentioned that I was sure he wouldn’t do that, but wanted to be absolutely certain before I investigated it further.

No, I would never do that. Are you sure it’s authentic?

I took another look at it under the magnifying glass. If it’s fake, it is a good one. But I’m not an expert in Pre-Colombian artifacts, so I won’t say I’m one hundred percent sure.

Did you touch it?

I looked at him with pure contempt before answering. Of course I didn’t touch it! Are you out of your mind? I’ve been holding it with the bubble wrap.

He chuckled. I thought you had that thing under control.

I do, but...

So, touch it, he interrupted. I giggled under my breath like a pre-teen in sex-education class. Harry had been a bad influence on me, as my mind plunged right into the gutter.

I finally pulled the bubble wrap off and decided to concede to his request.

Ok, just let me get ready. I did the deep breathing and grounding exercises that Ken had taught me and picked up the artifact. I closed my eyes and braced myself for a few minutes.

Well? His impatience didn’t interrupt a thing.

I saw nothing. But that doesn’t mean it’s not authentic; that just means I don’t have a past life in ancient Peru.

Damnit!

Cam, I am offended by your disappointment! You wanted to see me do that crazy past life stuff again?

He grinned widely again. Yes, I thought it would finally get you down here. I was flattered that he was still trying to get me to go to South America; I knew it was time to break the news to him.

Oh, okay. I’ll come down, I sighed, intentionally un-enthusiastic.

Really? When? His excitement was cute, so I couldn’t hold out on him any longer.

I leave next Friday; I should arrive in Bogotá at five-thirty Friday evening.

Great! I will take some time off to show you around. You will have to see the Cuidad Perdida, so bring your hiking shoes because it’s a five-day hike.

I immediately burst into a frenzy of laughter and then realized I might have offended him with it.

Are you kidding me? Five days in the jungle? That does not sound like a vacation to me! I thought you would show me the culture and the beautiful beaches and feed me exotic foods. I harassed him, but of course, I was going to hike with him. He’s the only one that could get me to do that. No really, I look forward to it.

Cool. Now I have to get some beauty sleep. He joked. E-mail me when you leave to update me on your flight information, please.

I will. Have sweet dreams! I smiled flirtatiously, which was so not like me. I shut down the video chat and finished checking my e-mail before turning in for the night.

Chapter Two

Saturdays are supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable, but I spent my day getting groomed for the evening’s festivities. I chatted with Serenity for a while. She was on her Italy side of the year for another two weeks, and we made plans to visit once I returned from South America.

I also told Ken all about the statue and my chat with Cam.

It’s about time you told him. You’ve only had that ticket for a month now, he scolded, but in a loving way. So, let’s get this dress on. I pulled the beaded burgundy gown up over my hips and slid my arm through the one organza sleeve, leaving my other shoulder exposed. Okay, now hold your breath. He clasped the hook and pulled the zipper up. I felt like my ribs were collapsing.

Holy shit, this thing is tight! I ran my hands down my cinched waist as I turned around to check myself in the mirror. I was surprisingly pleased with the woman staring back at me. Ken stood back in awe.

Girl, this dress is fierce! Really, you are drop-dead gorgeous in this! I thanked him with a nod and grabbed my earrings. I’d chosen to wear my hair down in loose curls. The stylist had done a great job controlling the usual frizz and had used some kind of shiny finish on it. I wasn’t used to seeing my hair so nice and tame. That kind of perfection was more of a Serenity thing.

I was packing my essentials into my little clutch purse when Harry arrived. Ken answered the door while I finished getting everything stuffed into the tiny bag. I gathered up the organza skirt to assist my cautious walk into the living room to meet up with Harry. I still had a horrible relationship with high heels and was terrified I was going to trip on the skirt and fall on my face.

Harry was actually speechless. It gave me a complex.

Harry, you look so dashing in your tux. Thank you again for doing this.

"Jensen, you are stunning! Really, you are just gorgeous. The pleasure is all mine." He finally spoke and it wasn’t flirty or naughty. I thanked him and grabbed my invitation as we headed out the door.

The ballroom of the hotel was buzzing with loads of the old money mingling about. I glanced around as the door person checked my invitation and waved us through security.

You need a drink? He seemed to pick up on my anxiety. I hated being in pretentious, social situations.

Yes, please!

He shuffled over to the bar to grab our drinks and I tried to find a corner to plant myself in after I made my presence known to the director. But I knew I wasn’t going to get away that easy when I heard Jack calling out to me.

Jensen, I want to introduce you to someone. I glanced around to see him motioning for me. I indulged his request, thinking the sooner I got the niceties over with, the better.

Jensen, this is Gavin Malone. His associate extended a hand and I immediately shook it before even looking up. I was pleasantly surprised, however, once I did. Gavin’s clean-cut; good looks piqued a mild curiosity from me. He was rather handsome, with jade green eyes. His dark hair had a slight reddish tint. He had a rich air about him and an odd sense of familiarity. Although, I was certain that I’d never met him before.

Pleased to meet you, Gavin. I must have blushed because Jack nervously cleared his throat.

"Gavin is a private collector. He has donated and loaned many of his pieces to museums all over the