#Chapter 67 A gemstone

Kadeem Bob squirmed in his seat, clearly uncomfortable with the threat that lingered in Riley's voice. His voice trembled slightly when he spoke again. "Okay," he said quietly. "Maybe I did meet with him a few times." He swallowed hard and continued speaking quickly, as if trying to get it all out before he changed his mind. "He's been looking for something for years - some kind of ancient artifact or relic that's supposed to have immense power or something like that." Kadeem leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Bob. "Interesting," he mused, trying to keep his tone casual. He could feel the flutter of excitement in his chest, like a butterfly trapped in a jar. "And you've been helping him?" Bob hesitated before nodding slowly. "Yeah," he said quietly. "I've been helping him gather information. In exchange, he promised me a cut of whatever he finds." Riley snorted in disgust. "And you don't care what kind of damage that kind of power could do?" "Not really," Bob shr