Flawless Danger (The Spencer & Sione #1) Read Free Page B

stared out at the countryside, taking in the wide fields of grass dotted with bunches of low bushes and vibrant wildflowers.
    Farther inland, scrub brush clung to the ground, spreading in and around various shrubs and saplings. Beyond the trees, clumps of vegetation climbed up the slope of a verdant mountain that loomed toward the sky.
    She’d never been to the small Central American country before but had heard others rave about the beauty of its coral reefs and jungles and its cultural significance as the site of various Mayan ruins.
    Looking away from the lush scenery, Spencer crossed her arms, feeling both defiant and forlorn. Her fellow travelers had been an eclectic mix of nationalities and socio-economic types, all of them excited about their Belizean adventure, reading guidebooks and discussing plans for excursions.
    But there would be no zip-lining through the jungle for her.  
    Spencer’s next move was to check into the Belizean Banyan Resort in San Ignacio, part of Step One , Ben had explained. The favor was comprised of several steps. After she completed a step, Ben would tell her the next step. This pattern would continue until the last step, which would be the satisfaction of the debt she owed.
    An hour or so later, the driver turned into the town of San Ignacio. As he navigated the narrow, dusty streets, they passed various stores and businesses, most of them in states of disrepair, giving the place a sheen of squalor that Spencer found both deplorable and charming.
    Along the crumbling, concrete road, listless dogs meandered aimlessly, while locals loitered in the doorways of restaurants and bars that had seen better days.
    After coming much too close to a group of backpacking tourists hiking down the shoulder, the driver turned the cab onto a side road and sped along the ribbon of gravel cut through large trees with broad leaves.
    The road ended, and the resort came into view.
    Beyond a large clearing of manicured grass, dotted with short Sego palms, was a palatial building in the style of a Caribbean colonial mansion. Peach-colored with white shuttered windows and white trim, it was surrounded by tropical jungle vegetation and highlighted by golden sunshine.
    The driver headed toward the circular cobblestone driveway, then stopped under the portico near the entrance, and shifted into PARK, allowing the cab to idle.
    “We’re here, ma’am.”  
    “Miss,” Spencer snapped, correcting his mistake.
    “What?”
    “I’m not a ma’am.” She rolled her eyes, opening her purse to get her wallet, already deciding she wasn’t giving him a tip. “I’m only twenty-three years old, which means you are to call me miss.”
    “Sorry about that.”  
    “I doubt very seriously that you’re truly sorry, but whatever.” She gave him a dismissive wave. “How much do I owe you?”
    “You don’t owe me nothing,” he said and then added, “Bitch.”
    Startled and confused, Spencer jerked her head up. Glaring at the driver, a middle-aged man with sagging, copper-colored skin, dark bushy hair, and a mole on the tip of his nose, she asked, “What the hell did you just say?”
    “Cab was paid for in advance, and this is for you.” He turned and tossed something at her. “On behalf of Ben Chang, welcome to Belize.”
    Cursing, she fumbled the small black, hard object as it fell into her lap. A cell phone. She grabbed the cell phone, stared at it, and then looked at him. “What is this?”
    “Burner phone,” he grunted. “Can’t be traced. And here’s the charger.”
    Another small black object sailed over the seat, this one with an electrical cord extending from the bottom of it.
    “Ben Chang told you to give this to me?” she asked, heart punching as she shoved the charger into her purse. “You know Ben?”
    “I work for Mr. Chang,” the driver said. “He’s gonna call you on that phone. Make sure it stays on. Keep it charged.”
    “Do you know anything about this favor he wants me to