Chapter 10:
Chloe had a Jeep stored behind some trees a few yards from their camp. Sully got in the passenger seat just to make sure Chloe didn't try anything funny while driving, leaving Grace and Nate in the back. The awkward silence continued for about two hours when Chloe's phone rang.
"Yeah… No…. How did you…", Chloe takes a breath, "Yes, sir". She hangs up before tossing the phone in the console. "Change of plans, we're heading into town".
"What?!", everyone exclaimed.
Chloe turned the Jeep sharply, sending Grace into Nate's side. She looked into Nate's eyes feeling a shudder run through her before pulling back into her seat.
Chloe explained that her buyer requested their presence at his mansion. Apparently, he had a tracker on the Jeep and overheard their entire conversation. The drive took another two hours before they pulled into what could only be described as a fortress combine with the Playboy mansion. The mansion looked like it was straight out of a magazine. The gates with multiple guards carrying guns were stationed, but as they approached the main "house", beautifully dressed women were seen everywhere. Some were sunbathing by the pool, some laughing as they sat on swings, and others dancing in a group by the gazebo. Each woman looked like a model straight from Sports Illustrated or something. The Jeep suddenly stopped and a middle-aged man with a white handlebar mustache and salt and pepper hair was waiting for them on the front steps.
"Hello, hello. My lovely Chloe, you return with treasures I never hoped for… please, please come in and enjoy. I'm have a little gathering by the pool.", he turned and showed them to his pool area, where even more beautiful women were splashing and playing in the pool. "We're welcoming back Sasha from her triumphant return from Milan. She just finished her first time at the Fashion Week there." He ushered them to the gazebo and shooed away the girls to make room for everyone. As the sat down, Nate felt the gnawing feeling he always got when they were in an unknown situation.
"Rodolpho, bring us some tea and those tasty cakes Charlotte makes… you'll love them." The butler left immediately, leaving jut the five of them. "When I realized my lovely Chloe had stumbled onto the infamous treasure hunters Nathan Drake and Sully Sullivan, I insisted we be introduced. Tales of your adventures have reached to many." Rodolpho returned and proceeded to pour each of them a cup of tea. Nate looked over at Chloe's buyer and could have sworn he gave Grace a wink; it made his stomach churn. "Apologizes for not doing so before, but timing is crucial in my line of business. The name's Walter P. Jameson, international business tycoon and advent treasure collector. It has come to my attention that we are all interested in the same find, The Ark of Covenant. You all know the legend, I presume?". They nodded. "Excellent. Now, I was prepared to have Chloe continue the find, but I think having you join would be most beneficial."
"With all due respect, Mr. Jameson…", Nate started.
"Walt, if you please."
Nate cleared his throat, "Walt… we're not here for the Ark per say. We actually tracking Grace's father, Professor Adams. We think he's looking for the Ark, and to be honest we have found any evidence to say if it even exists."
Jameson scratched his face and leaned in closer, "You made it here, didn't you?"
"Based off where we think he is heading. To be frank, it sounds like a myth."
Walter leaned back and laughed, "Have you and your associate built a reputation on finding so-called mythical treasures."
Nate was stumped. "Mr. Jameson…"
"No, no, no… Walt… And hope I may address you, Nate?". He continued without any approval, "I, too, have made a reputation for myself. I am the person who knows what they want and knows how to get what they want. Currently, what I want is to find the lost Ark of Covenant, and I want you and your associates to help me find it."
Nate became hyperaware to the extra guards that seemed to appear suddenly. "Now, as to how I get what I want…well… that's entirely up to you."
Nate glanced over at Sully, silently communicating an escape plan. Before anything could take place, Nate heard Grace speak up. "Well, of course. This seems like a win-win situation for everyone." Nate and Sully looked at her baffled. "Forgive them Mr. Ja-, excuse me Walt. They're skeptical of everyone. All we're for is to find my father and working will be the best solution to achieving that goal. We'd be honored to assist.", Grace said with a charming smile plastered on her face.
Jameson smiled as he admired Grace up and down; Nate felt a sudden urge to punch something. "I've always said that the woman is the logical one of the species. Very well, you three will stay here in my home and tomorrow we will begin our work. Rodolpho will show you to your rooms. Rodolpho stepped forward, waiting to show them the way. "Oh, I almost forgot. I'm have a party tonight for some friends. I'll have my dresser provide you with appropriate attire. Until tonight, rest and enjoy."
With a flourishing wave, Jameson left the group and disappeared into the hall.