Chapter 70: Conversations Around the Temple

The landscape around the temple was vast and stunning, with the vibrant green of the mountains contrasting with the ancient stones of the Inca temple. The sky was clear, and the gentle breeze was a welcome relief after the intense investigation inside the temple. Grant Ward and Melinda May were outside, ensuring that the surrounding area remained secure. The tension of the mission was palpable, and every detail mattered.

Ward was checking the footprints on the ground, analyzing any sign of activity that could indicate an unauthorized presence. When May approached, he turned to her.

"May, I found vehicle tracks, but they seem to be only those of the archaeologist and his team. The rest of the area is secure," Ward informed, his tone serious and focused.

May, who had been observing the landscape and maintaining an alert posture, looked at him with a look that indicated that she was thinking about something. Ward then noticed something unusual.

"Wait a minute... You don't have your gun with you," Ward commented, raising an eyebrow. "Where is it?"

May, still with her watchful gaze, turned to him with a neutral expression.

"If I need a weapon, I'll get one," she replied with controlled calm.

Ward noticed a slight tone of tension in May's voice and, noticing that the subject was bothering her, decided to change his approach a little. He smiled slightly, trying to lighten the mood.

"That's right, you're the Cavalry, aren't you?" Ward said, trying to use a light and relaxed tone.

The effect was immediate. May froze for a moment, her expression hardening. Ward saw the change in her face and immediately realized that he had touched a sensitive nerve. He paused and, seeing her reaction, decided to apologize.

"I'm sorry, May. I didn't mean to cause discomfort," Ward said, his tone now more serious and understanding. "I understand how much a mission can affect someone. I've been there myself. If you need someone to talk to or vent to, I'm here to listen."

May looked at him for a moment, her face softening a little. She was visibly touched by Ward's sincere offer. The tension in her shoulders seemed to ease a little.

"Thank you, Ward," she replied, a lightness in her voice that indicated gratitude. "I appreciate the offer. And yes, I… I prefer not to be called Cavalry. But it's good to know that you understand."

Ward gave her an understanding smile, seeing that his attempt to make a connection had been successful.

"Understood," Ward said, his tone one of camaraderie. "And don't worry, I'll stick to the name 'Ward' from now on. Besides, if you need a confidant, I can be your ear. Sometimes, just talking about what happened helps."

May gave a small smile, a sign that the conversation was helping to ease the tension inside her. She nodded her thanks and looked toward the temple in the distance.

"I appreciate it," May replied. "We'll make sure everything is safe here. And of course, I'm happy to keep communication open." This could be useful for all of us.

Ward nodded, satisfied with the answer and relieved that he had managed to break some of the tension.

"Deal. We'll keep an eye out and make sure nothing unexpected happens," Ward said, taking one last look around before turning back to the temple.

May followed his gaze, and for a moment, the atmosphere between them seemed more relaxed. They were both ready to face whatever lay ahead, aware that the mission was far from over and that a united and well-coordinated team was essential to success.

With the area around the temple secured and communication between team members a little more open, Ward and May were ready to move on. The 0-8-4 still needed to be investigated, and the team was determined to find out what else the temple might reveal.

As the afternoon wore on and the sun began to set, the team was ready to get back to work, with a renewed sense of camaraderie and understanding. The journey was just beginning, and the mystery of 0-8-4 continued to unfold, promising new challenges and discoveries.