Gideon Monahan is a man dedicated to what he does -- recovering stolen art -- to the exclusion of anything else, including a personal life. There's a reason for that, something that happened in his past that he can't forget.<br><br>Cole Newell is an archaeologist with a problem. He needs to find out who looted a dig he worked the previous summer, after one of the artifacts shows up at his gallery. Cole calls on Gideon to lend his expertise, which, much against his better judgment, Gideon does.<br><br>When one of the looters is murdered, they set out to find answers, with the help of Detective Quint Hawk. In the process, Cole realizes he's attracted to Gideon, even though he's certain the man is straight. After he helps Gideon open up about -- and accept -- his past, can the two men become more than friends? Both Gideon and Cole hope so, once they overcome the myriad problems facing them.

It Takes an Archaeologist

“I talked with Cole,” Quint said. “He wants to know when we’re getting together so you can fill us in on what you’ve found out.”


“Whenever’s convenient for you and him,” Gideon replied. “I’m at your disposal.”


“If we do it tonight, it would have to be after nine, when he’s closed the gallery.”


“Yes. Unless you want to make this very official and do it at the precinct.”


Quint snorted. “No thanks. Let me call Cole, and I’ll get back to you.”


While he waited for Quint’s call, Gideon ordered dinner from room service. He’d barely begun eating when his phone rang.


“Cole’s fine with tonight. He can be at the hotel around nine-thirty, so we’ll see you then.”


“Good,” was Gideon’s brief reply before hanging up.


Chapter 19