“Did you notice anything unusual about the men who jumped you?” Colin asked.

Benjamin shook his head. “No. Not in the least.”

“Was this the first time such a thing has happened?” I asked.

“No.” Benjamin’s voice was measured, even. “The site has suffered its share of raids.”

“I thought those troubles had stopped.” The firm edge in Sir Richard’s voice cut through the room, and his son looked at the floor as if he’d never seen something more fascinating than the soft carpet that covered it. “Benjamin!”

“Sir?”

“You have assured me repeatedly that you are in no danger working there.” He pushed up hard on the arms of his chair and stood, towering over his son.

“It’s as safe as anywhere—”

“That is not acceptable. Not when you’ve been the target so many times.”

Colin stepped between them. “Target?”

“He’s exaggerating,” Benjamin said, standing. “The doctor will undoubtedly be here soon, and if it’s not too much to ask, I’d prefer to speak to him in private. Excuse me.” He hobbled as he walked, pushing away his father’s outstretched arm and slamming the door behind him.

“What’s this all about?” I asked.

“It was a few months ago,” Sir Richard said. “There were a string of attacks at the excavation. Bandits. Appeared initially to be nothing out of the ordinary. But they never stole anything—never did anything to vandalize the site. Just hid up in the hills with their guns, aiming at no one but my son.”

“You’re quite certain?” I shot a pointed look at my husband. “It sounds like we should visit the camp.”