Think of the money!” But Ryan pushed ahead, following the light of his headlamp as he unfastened a flashlight from his belt. When he turned that on, brightness flooded the cave as though a small sun had risen, and the sudden brilliance burned Jack’s eyes, nearly blinding him. Jack still hadn’t gotten a good look at either of the men, but he could tell that Ryan was thinner and younger than Stoney, and he wore a thick leather belt that all kinds of tools dangled from, like a repairman’s. Ryan moved swiftly. The tunnel seemed to be as familiar to him as his own backyard. “H-h-help! J-Jack!” Sam wailed. “Hold on, Sam—we’re coming!” Jack called out to the boy. Now that there was light to mark the path ahead, neither Jack nor Ashley had trouble keeping up with Ryan. They hurried behind his retreating figure. Ryan stopped suddenly and turned to Jack, and this time, Jack could make him out clearly. He had pale blue eyes, the kind that looked almost colorless, and long orange-red hair pulled back into a ponytail.
