Matias delicately lifted the astrolabe from its cradle. The shimmer began to dim slightly as Matias now held it firmly in both hands. Glancing it over, he saw the degree it was stuck to, revealing their next location.

“I can’t believe it. It was here all this time.” Matias whispered softly. A smile began to grow on his face. All of his life, he read that this relic and the expedition of its crew had returned home and was lost to time. Yet here he was, holding a clue that could lead to one of the largest treasure hauls of the century.

Click.

Matias froze. His smile quickly dimming from his face as disbelief washed over him.

“Turn around slowly and we all walk away from this.” Sophie said calmly, holding a pistol firm in both hands.

“Soph, what are you doing?” Matias asked, turning slowly to face her.

“Hand it over, Matias. It’s just business. That’s all.” She held her aim on him.

“What business? We’ve known each other for years. Is that what all the other jobs we’ve done are? Is that what last night was to you?! Business?!” Matias growled as his brow furled with anger.

“It’s always business.” An unknown voice called out. Matias’ brow unfurled as his anger turned back to disbelief. “You really think Miss Sophia here actually loves you? You’d have to be an absolute fool to believe that.” The voice crescendoed as the figure behind the voice emerged from the corridor and into the chamber.

“Ransom? I don’t und-“ Matias began.

“You really think we would have dropped the trail? We were so close to finding it. Our company just didn’t have the know-how to put the pieces together. But you did! And we had to capitalize on that without you knowing we were getting to close. But, you didn’t seem to turn any suspicion when Miss Sophie here joined your escapade.” Ransom went on smugly. “And now your efforts are for naught. End this Sophie.” Ransom chuckled.

Her grip tightened, her aim now wavering only slightly. “Not here.” She muttered. Turning the barrel quickly from Matias to Ransom.

Shock once again filled the room.