Treasure of the Mayan King (2012) (27 page)

“I have failed. You will reveal this place to the authorities and our treasures will be taken from our people! Nothing will be left for us! Nothing!”

Gustavo shook his head in dismay. Finally, finally everything made sense. And yet, it was not due to his ability as a detective, but because of the story he had just heard. He could see there was only one thing to do. It would be difficult; but doing the right thing so often is. “Come with me,” he growled.

King Chac and Chauncy followed him to where the detonator lay. De Leon looked at the gun in his hand as if wondering why he was still holding it. He shoved it back into the holster.

“Pick up the detonator and use it!” he ordered.

“What?” King Chac became rather slack jawed.

“I said press the detonator. Do it before I change my mind!”

Chac dropped to his knees and slammed his hand on the detonator button.

The percussion of the explosion filled the small valley with dust. As it settled the men coughed and sputtered, then stood in silence staring at the dusty rubble that filled the mouth of the cave.

Chac turned toward De Leon and held his arms out, his wrists together, expecting to be handcuffed.

Gustavo shook his head slowly. “I no longer work for the police or the military, King Chac. Let them find you and arrest you. I’m just a private investigator. My client is dead. My job is done. I’m the one who had it all wrong.” Gustavo waved his hand at the mountain. “The treasure of the Mayan king does not belong to Mexico or any other government. It belongs to you and your people. I’ve seen enough greed to last a lifetime and I am simply not interested in letting anyone know about this treasure. Rest assured I’ll never share the secret of the Mayan treasure with anyone. And Mr. Rollock has already shown that he wants it to be kept secret.”

Chauncy spoke up. “I only revealed the secret to help Gustavo solve this crime. It’s over now and I’ll never have reason to reveal it again.”

“I’m not condoning murder,” Gustavo continued. “I have heard that there is a God that will judge the entire earth. But I am not God. Let Him judge you, as he will judge us all someday.”

King Chac bowed low. “Gustavo De Leon, you show greater insight than any Mestizo I’ve ever known.”

Gustavo scowled at Chac. “But there are others, Chac. There will always be others. Your secret is safe for now. But mark my words: sometime, somewhere, somehow, someone is going to attempt to find the treasure again and this evil game will start all over. The greed, the treachery, the murder, the madness - one day the treasure of the Mayan king will be found again.”

Taking a step back, he returned King Chac’s bow, then turned without a word and walked toward the jungle. Chauncy followed suit. Moments later King Chac stood alone in the clearing.

Then the Mayan king turned and disappeared into the jungle.