The Spaniard's Dagger Author:Steven Farquhar When Liam Kindayr s discovery of a bejeweled dagger in an island canyon off Santa Barbara sets in motion forces that almost get him killed, he s determined not only to find a mysterious treasure, but to complete a journey of love and betrayal that was violently interrupted. Intrigued by the rust-encrusted weapon, Liam shows it to the wrong perso... more »n an ominous mistake, for he will have to confront a lethal Chumash Indian determined to shed light on an ancient legend. Liam then asks his best friend and UCSB history professor, Alex Malreaux, for his expert advice. It s another mistake, for Alex not only becomes obsessed with a treasure hunt, but with rewriting history to salvage his sinking career. Worse, his strange behavior fueled by jealousy of his wife Julia s attraction to Liam sours the men s friendship just when they need it most. Sailing with Sir Francis Drake aboard the Golden Hind, the lives of two pirates change forever when the historic 16th century hunt for a rich Spanish galleon leads to an opportunity they cannot resist. They survive a daring raid, a desperate escape from near present-day San Francisco, even running aground under hair-raising circumstances. But can they avoid a bloody clash over hidden gold and a beautiful Miwok woman? The answer to that lies buried in the muck of a sea cave on Santa Rosa Island . . . where Liam finally learns the stunning truth and must face the toughest decision of his life. Fraught with tension and suspense, The Spaniard s Dagger interweaves past and present at a breakneck pace that does not let up until Liam must make his choice, which may not only give him the woman he has long loved but set him free.« less