The Sunstone Brooch : Time Travel Romance Katherine Logan (no david read aloud TXT) 📖

I know how big he is. By measuring the footprints, I can determine the size and weight of the person who made them. Then I can rule Erik in or out.”

“We know Erik was here, so we should find his prints,” Ensley said.

David twirled Kenzie one last time before releasing her. “But if we find prints in the cave, I want to be able to rule him in or out.”

When he heard the rattle of an approaching wagon, David said, “Austin, why don’t ye show me where the footprints are, and we can figure out how close to the cave Sean can drive the wagon.”

Austin kissed the back of Ensley’s hand, fixing his eyes on her with such devotion that David looked away before they caught him staring. Austin had returned to the personable college student version of himself, and David couldn’t be happier. Pops knew what he was doing when he insisted his grandson participate in Ensley’s rescue.

“Sean can’t go any farther than the side of the porch,” Austin said. “A few yards beyond that, you’ll reach the trees with heavy undergrowth, but there’s a deer path through the thicket. That’s where we found the footprints. It’s not wide enough for a wagon or even two people walking side by side.”

“Got it. Then Sean knows where to put the wagon. I’ll walk on ahead.”

“I’ll go with you.” Kenzie jumped off the porch. “How far is the cave beyond the prints?”

“Probably ten to fifteen yards. See if you can find the entrance,” Austin said.

Kenzie’s eyes snapped into focus as if she’d been only half awake before. “Is this a challenge?”

David smiled. That was all Kenzie needed to hear. Whenever she had a chance to match her wits against a clock or an opponent, she jumped on it. And her complicated, brilliant mind was possibly the reason he loved her most.

“Kenzie,” Austin smiled. “I’ve never beaten you at anything except our only game of horse.”

She pantomimed the act of shooting a basketball. “Who in the hell has ever made a backward over-the-head basket from eighty feet?”

He tilted his head to one side, narrowing his eyes. “If I remember right, it was Thunder Law of the Harlem Globetrotters on November 2, 2014. It was eighty-two feet, two inches.”

Ensley rolled her eyes. “That begs the question, what was yours?”

“About eighty. But that’s not the bet I want to make.”

“Okay, so what’s the bet?”

Austin grinned. “That you can’t find the entrance to the cave in under fifteen minutes.”

Kenzie glanced at the tree line. “You’re on. If two teenagers can stumble over a cave entrance, two former special forces officers can find it.”

Austin checked his watch. “Ready? Go!”

David took Kenzie’s hand, and they dashed toward the deer path. A spring storm was rolling into the area, making the air heavy and thick with the forest’s green scents.

They didn’t have long before the rain would wash away the evidence they hoped to collect.

“How long do ye think it will take us?”

“You want to make a bet within the bet?” Kenzie rubbed her hands together gleefully. “Hmm. I love betting with you, McBain, since I usually win. So I’ll bet that we’ll find the cave in under ten minutes.”

He gave her a once-over. “Since ye’re dressed like that, I’ll go with over ten.”

She fluttered her eyelashes. “What does the winner get?”

“Whatever they want.”

“Ah, you’re living dangerously, McBain. You’re on.” Kenzie pulled the back of her skirt between her legs and tucked the end into her waistband.

“Hey, that’s not fair. Yer long skirt was part of my calculations.”

“I figured that. But it’s too late now.”

As they stepped onto the deer path, David spotted the first footprint and realized he’d already screwed up. This was a mission, and they had to treat it as such, or their hurry could destroy evidence they’d regret losing later.

And since Sean was pulling the wagon into the clearing, David would have access to the tools and equipment he’d need to do this right.

“Hold up and turn off the clock,” he yelled.

“You giving up already?” Kenzie asked.

“No, we need a plan. Hey, Ensley,” David yelled. “As soon as Sean parks the wagon, get the Canon and Nikon cameras out of the smallest trunk and take pictures of these footprints. Ye’ll also need a tape measure. Get the length and depth of each one, plus the distance between them. Austin, grab the evidence flags and mark each footprint. That’ll keep us from walking over them. Once we get inside the cave, one of ye shoot stills and the other shoot videos.”

“Got it, boss.” Then to Sean, Austin called, “Pull the wagon up as far as you can.”

As soon as the wagon stopped, Paul jumped out. “What do you want me to do?”

“Get the trunk with the lights and generator, then wait here until we find the entrance.”

“Doesn’t Austin know where it is?”

“Aye. But he’s challenged us to find it in under fifteen minutes.”

Paul walked around to the wagon bed and unloaded a trunk. “Knowing what I do about this family, I can safely predict that not one of you can pass up a challenge.”

“We should decide how we’re going to work once we’re inside the cave, so we don’t destroy any evidence,” Kenzie said.

David wanted to punch himself for not thinking this through. What the hell was going on with him?

There’s a cave involved, dumbass.

He shook away the thought for now. “Let’s work in two-person teams. One to survey and the other to take notes. Since Kenzie and I are the only ones here who know how to use the surveying equipment, Paul, ye work with Kenz. Sean, ye work with me to take notes. Austin, ye and Ensley go ahead with what we just discussed.”

“If you see anything you want us to focus on, give us a shout, and we’ll get pictures and videos of it,” Ensley said.

“Everybody clear on yer assignments?”

“Aye,” Sean said. “Do ye have paper and pencils, or should I get some from the cabin?”

“Elliott and Meredith are still in there. But