A/n: This is really short, but I just needed to get something out there after that double cliffhanger I put you guys through.
Disclaimer: Don't even go there, bro.
Ben sat, alone; on the stairs of the Trinity Church alter just starring at the same spot on the floor for at least two hours now. The vision of Riley's body collapsing to the floor, replayed over and over again like some kind of sick movie. After that, it was like Ben's body was on autopilot, physically he was there when Sadusky and his agents came rushing in to arrest Ian and his men only minutes after the techie fell, but mentally Ben was at the hospital not moving from his side. He hadn't seen the younger man in hours, and the last time he did, Riley was being rushed out of the church and airlifted to a nearby hospital. The treasure hunter wanted to go with him, but was forced to stay behind to answer questions of both the FBI and the police. All in all, this had to be the longest day of Ben's life and it was far from over.
"How are you holding up, Mr. Gates?" The cordial voice came from the left; Ben recognized it as Sadusky's. The FBI agent took a seat in the spot next to Ben, who responded to his question with a worn-out sigh. "That bad, huh?"
"You don't know the half of it," The treasure hunter replied with a dark chuckle. "I just wanna get out here. I should be with Riley."
Sadusky nodded, feeling sympathy for Ben. "Well, you'll be able to do that in a minute, I just have to ask you one more question."
Ben scratched the top of his head, and then folded his hands in lap, expelling an exasperated sigh. "Ok, shoot."
"Why did you lie to Mr. Howe about not being able to go further and find the treasure?"
The treasure hunter exhaled. He knew this was going to come up sooner or later, and, admittedly, it must've looked quite bad risking Riley's life for the sake of Ian not getting to the treasure. "It seemed like a good idea at the time."
"And now?"
"Not one of my best," Ben confessed, with a nod. Sadusky chuckled at the other man's blatant remark, and then his tone turned serious once more.
"I think I would've done the exact same thing," The FBI agent told him. Ben couldn't help but look shocked. "The Templers and the free masons believed that the treasure was too great for one man to have, not even a king. That's why they went to such great lengths to keep it hidden."
"That's right," Ben agreed, his voice hollow sounding and distant. Sadusky placed a comforting hand on the treasure hunter's shoulder.
"You did the right thing, Ben. I know it doesn't seem like it now, but in the long run it will." The FBI agent produced a small piece of paper from his inside jacket pocket. "Your friend's at this hospital. Visiting hours are long over, but just tell them if they have a problem, they can give me a call."
Ben took the paper from his hand as if Sadusky had just handed him the treasure itself.
"Thank you," The historian's voice was coated with a thick layer of gratitude. "For everything."
Sadusky smiled and held out his hand for a handshake. "Anytime Mr. Gates. Just promise me one thing?"
"Yes, of course, anything."
"Promise me that you'll come back for the treasure."
A/N: I know, I know. This chapter's mad short. I just wanted to get something posted so people wouldn't come to my house, torches ablaze and pitchforks in hand. The next chapter should be up in a few days, and Ben and Riley will finally be reunited…so yes that means Riley's alive, for those who couldn't already tell. Review!