After dealing with Tora’s situation, Andrew began giving offlers to his own people. As for the others, he could not be bothered with them.
Chantelle followed suit and said, “Mr. Sutton, Mr. Veyne, go start a fire too and prepare food.”
After speaking, she walked over to Andrew. “Mr. Lloyd, I thought you…”
Andrew cut her off with a cold smirk. “You thought I’d turn a blind eye and let him die, didn’t you?”
Chantelle gave a sheepish smile. “No, not exactly. I just assumed you believed Tora was beyond saving.”
Andrew said flatly, “Right now, there’s still no solid cure for necrotic venom. But at the end of the day, he’s still a living, breathing man. And Tora? He earned my respect—loyal, fearless, no nonsense. So if there’s even a sliver of a chance, I’ll take it.”
Chantelle smiled softly. “Governor McCormick always said you were a man of principle, and he wasn’t wrong.”
Andrew snorted. “Now that I’ve stepped in to save someone, you’re full of praise, Ms. García. But if I’d kept quiet, you probably would’ve lumped me in with Kevin and Buzz—cold-blooded and selfish.”
Chantelle shook her head, firm. “Mr. Lloyd, I’ve never thought that about you. I’ve always known you’re not cut from the same cloth as Kevin.”
Andrew waved her off. “Enough talk—go handle your team. We move at first light. Until then, nobody’s going anywhere near that cursed place.”
He took the dried meat Natasha had handed over and dropped down to sit on the cold earth, tearing into it hungrily. They had not had a proper meal since entering Gallow’s End heritage hamlet, and after a full night of hiking and danger, Andrew was starving.
Kevin wandered over, arms crossed, letting out a gruff snort. “Andy, when the sun comes up, my family’s team moves with yours. This cursed dump killed so many of my people. I’m not leaving until it’s wiped off the map.”
Andrew did not respond. He just tore off another hunk of meat and chewed it slowly.
Kevin had nothing with him, and he was starving. He shamelessly said, “Hey, throw me some of that! I’m starving here.”
Without missing a beat, Andrew moved the dried meat away and gave him a crooked smile. “Kevin, freeloading like that’s a no-go.”
Kevin was stunned. Then, his face darkened. “Andrew, what the hell is that supposed to mean? I’m the head of the Wright family and your sworn brother. You really won’t even spare me a bite?”
Andrew sneered. “Of course not. Or have you forgotten, dear ‘brother’? You’re the one who severed that bond not too long ago.”
Kevin’s face twisted with anger. “Fine! Don’t feed me. You’re petty as hell, you know that?”
Andrew shrugged. “You’re not wrong. I am petty. And I’ve got a list of people who crossed me. Also, when the sun’s up, you can lead your team wherever you want, but you’re not joining us.”
Kevin’s eyes narrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Andrew gave him a cold stare. “Don’t act clueless now. Your men are nearly wiped out. Do you think I’m gonna let you piggyback on my team after everything? You want me to carry your losses and hand you the prize? Not happening.”
Kevin clenched his jaw. “Andrew, if you’re planning to cut us out and hog the treasure for yourself, think again. You don’t want to team up? Fine. I’ll take the last of my men and search for the entrance ourselves!”
Andrew raised an eyebrow, then gave a mocking wave. “Be my guest.”
Kevin stormed off, face dark with fury. He regrouped with the last three survivors of his security team. They huddled together, without fire, without food, trembling in the cold, and were clearly having a miserable time.