“Yeah, well camping is easy. You don’t have to worry about drug lords shooting at you while you sit around the campfire roasting marshmallows or a snake dropping out of a tree and wrapping around your neck. This is a life and death situation.”
Tina fixed a hard stare at him. “I get it, okay. You don’t have to lecture.”
“Good.” He paused, studying her face. She looked determined, but was that enough to outweigh her inexperience? He hoped he wasn’t making a mistake.
She interrupted his thoughts. “When do we leave?”
“Leave?” He checked his watch. “I’d like us to be on the road within the hour.”
“All right. I’ll just call my friends. Let them know I’m okay so they don’t send out a search party.” She pulled out her phone and he listened to the conversation curious as to what she’d say. “Hey, it’s me … Yeah. I’m fine. Listen, I’m going to spend the next few days with that guy from the airport. I’ll meet up with you in…” She paused and looked at him.
He held up three fingers.
“In three days. … Yeah, he’s a douche, but I’m giving him another chance.” She winked at him as she spoke and he chuckled softly. Brat.
Her tracks covered with her friends, they headed towards the parking lot.
Bringing Christina along was a mistake. Stone reminded himself of his folly for what seemed like the fiftieth time as he waited in the jeep, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. They were parked by a roadside stand while she picked out souvenirs.
We should not be wasting our time on frivolity, his wolf groused. We have a mission to complete.
He agreed with his wolf. Why the hell did they need souvenirs? They were on a mission, not a holiday jaunt. He’d pointed that out to her when she’d demanded they stop. She’d countered with the fact it was all part of their cover. A couple on vacation would be picking out kitschy vases and hand-woven mats. He’d sighed heavily and pulled over. They were still on schedule and, he reluctantly admitted, she was right. It was doubtful anyone would question them, but it was better to err on the side of caution.
Lucky for him he’d parked in the shade. It helped. A bit. The sky was a clear blue, no clouds to obscure the relentless sun. Heat off the pavement created air currents that shimmered and danced, distorting the view. Bugs buzzed in and out of the jeep’s open windows. Without even a whisper of a breeze to cool him off, his shirt stuck to his back and trickles of sweat slowly made their way down his chest. Still it wasn’t as bad as being in the desert, he reminded himself. He’d take lush vegetation and tropical birds over sand any day.
Brushing away an annoying insect, he watched Christina haggle with the vendor over the price of an item. In an effort to be less conspicuous, she’d knotted her hair up in some kind of bun thing, but coloured ends still poked out here and there reminding him of some exotic bird. At least the sunglasses she’d donned hid her eye shadow and she’d traded her sandals for sensible running shoes. The cute pants and lace top they’d deal with later on when they reached their stop for the night.
Once she was done making her purchases they’d continue down this road towards the beach, but unlike most tourists, they’d be continuing on into the jungle rather than staying at the coast.
Reno had plotted a series of back roads and dirt tracks that would take them into the jungle and across the border into Cantala. Once they were inside the country, they’d drive to their first rest stop and stash the vehicle there before making their way on foot to the so-called ‘Lycan Embassy’ which was the last known location of Paul Duffy and his family. Hopefully, the communiqué they’d intercepted had been wrong and all of the Lycans were still alive. After freeing them, they’d try to get back to the jeep and leave the way they’d come. If the situation became dicey, he’d contact the chopper that would be on standby on the island of Santa Marietta and arrange for a rendezvous at a clearing Reno had found on the satellite imagery.
With any luck, Christina would be back with her friends lounging on the beach and he’d be on a flight back to the States in less than forty-eight hours. If things didn’t go as planned, well, he’d do whatever was needed.
A Lycan will act in a way that puts the needs of the pack first. His wolf reminded him. The good of all must supersede the needs of the individual.
He nodded. That particular verse from the Book of the Law had always resonated with him, guiding his choices on each and every mission. This one would be no different.
“Stone, look at what I bought!” Tina climbed back into the vehicle, holding up a small rag doll with colourful ribbons in its hair. “One of the children might like this, don’t you think? You said they were only two and four years old, right?”
He glanced dismissively at the item she was showing him. “You do know all the stuff you bought will probably have to be chucked out to make room for the Duffy family, don’t you?”
“If it does, it does. I had fun acting the tourist.” She finished stowing her purchases in the back and then sat down beside him. “I’m ready.”
He checked his watch. “We’re still on schedule. We’ll stop and get something to eat near the beach. Our cover, should anyone ask, is that we’re going to watch the sunset. In reality, we’ll be leaving the main road and heading into the jungle. You any good with maps?”
“Not bad.”
“Here.” He handed her some papers. “It shows satellite images of the route we’ll be taking. I’ve outlined it in red. It’s pretty overgrown but passable.” With a flick of his wrist, Stone started the engine and pulled onto the road.
Tina studied the papers. “We’re not going to drive right into Cantala, are we?”
“Almost. I’m hoping we can make it to an abandoned mission church just inside the border. We’ll spend the night there and then strike out on foot in the morning.”
“Sounds good to me.” She studied the maps for a few more minutes before folding them and putting them away.
The sun was streaming in the window, a warm breeze ruffled her hair. Tropical flowers bloomed in profusion, their heady scent drifting into the jeep. She stretched out her arms feeling relaxed and tilted her face up towards the sun. “Isn’t the weather lovely? So much nicer than the dreary stuff we were having back in Chicago.”
Stone’s reply, if he made one, was drowned out by a loud thump as the jeep hit a pothole. The highway—if it could be given that grand a name—was littered with cracks and ruts. Stone steered around those he could, but quite a few were unavoidable.
Tina laughed as she bounced in her seat and braced herself with one hand on the dash. “Reminds me of bumper cars.”
He frowned at her. “You do understand the seriousness of the situation. This trip is no walk in the park.”
“So you’ve told me.”
“I know, but it doesn’t seem to be sinking in.” Disapproval emanated from him and she scowled at him for raining on her parade.
“I’m not an idiot, Stone. I can see the rifle-gun thingy you’re wearing. I’ve seen the news reports. I know what the members of a drug cartel are capable of. I could spend the next few hours chewing my nails and worrying, but it wouldn’t change anything. Why not enjoy the moment?”
He grunted. “Fear isn’t always a bad thing. It makes you cautious, makes you double check each move. Impulsivity can kill you in this line of work.”
“I’m sure it can. But being too scared to act isn’t good either.” She pushed a stray lock of hair from her face. “I have faith in you, Stone. Exactly why, I’m not sure since I really don’t know anything about you, but there it is. You’ll keep me safe.”
Focusing on the road, Stone hoped she was right. Images of his last mission played through his head. In the end, he’d gotten most of the Fae out safely. Only Adisa hadn’t made it. Her loss still stung. She’d been so close to freedom…
“Look at the birds, Stone. Aren’t they gorgeous?” Christina called for his attention pointing at a flock of parrots.
He s
pared a glance at the colourful creatures. “Nice.”
“Is that all you can say? Nice. This place is amazing. Look at the wild flowers, the clear blue of the sea, the mountains in the distance. You haven’t commented on them even once.”
“Maybe because I can see the danger that lurks behind a pretty surface. The flowers could be poisonous, sharks infest the water and the mountains provide hiding places for the drug cartels.”
“Spoil sport.” She wrinkled her nose at him. “Not everything that looks pretty is dangerous.”
“True. You seem safe enough.” He wondered where that comment came from.
“Why thank you, Stone.” Her cheeks flushed showing her pleasure at his observation.
His wolf cocked its head and eyed him curiously. You find the witch attractive, don’t you?
He didn’t reply, lapsing into silence as she chatted beside him.
As planned, they stopped for an early meal near the beach, Stone prompting her to eat heartily as it might be the last decent meal she had for a few days. She dithered over the wide choice of local dishes while he quickly picked the seafood special. After finally making her choice, she sat back in her seat enjoying the breeze that drifted through the open archways.
“Have you been to this part of the world before?” She asked.
Stone was looking out the windows. It provided an excellent view of the ocean, the waves lazily rolling onto the white sands of the beach. “To Mercosta? No. But I have been to other countries in Central America.”
“Oh.” She waited for him to elaborate. He didn’t so she tried again. “Do you do a lot of traveling with your job?”
“Enough.”
“Is this going to turn into a game of twenty questions?”
“Possibly.” He shifted his gaze towards her. “In my line of work being reticent is the norm. Sharing too much personal information could get you killed.”
“So it’s safe to assume you’re not a travelling shoe salesman.”
He snorted. “I can honestly say I have never sold a pair of shoes in my life.”
“Now we’re getting somewhere.” Tina leaned forward, an elbow resting on the table, her chin propped in her hand. “Tell you what, I’ll share my theories about you and you can tell me if I’m warm or cold.”
His eyes sparkled with amusement and he gave her a long, searing look. “Christina, I probably still have marks on my back from your nails. You are definitely not cold.”
“Stone!” She felt herself flush and checked if anyone was close enough to hear their conversation. Thankfully, the tables were well spaced.
He actually grinned. She tried to frown at him, but the corners of her mouth kept turning upwards, pleased that she’d managed to make him smile. Every time he showed some emotion, she felt like she’d won a small battle.
“You’re trying to distract me, but it won’t work.” Giving an over-played sigh of exasperation, she returned to her original theme. “This is what I’ve deduced about you. You’re a man—”
“Nothing new there. You’ve seen the evidence.”
“I’ll ignore that.”
“You’ve never ignored it before.”
“Behave!”
“Sorry.” He took a sip of water and she took the opportunity to speak without him making innuendos.
“You’re a man who has spent time travelling the world. You’re very closemouthed. You share little about yourself or your feelings. Based on that you could be a professional poker player.”
“I have played a game or two.”
“But that would be too frivolous an occupation for you.” She pursed her lips and shook her head. “I see you as serious, single-minded.”
“I’ll concede to that.”
“And you’re strong. Very fit. You’re hands are rough, calloused, like you’ve done manual labour. Definitely not an office worker.”
He nodded his head in agreement.
“You have a scar, despite Lycans being amazing healers. That means you were someplace lacking proper medical care.”
The amused, tolerant expression disappeared from his face. She was treading on dangerous ground, but she wasn’t about to back down.
“You’re here, headed to Cantala to help some people, people who have died since you were first asked to do this job and now you’re going to try to get the remaining members of the group out. I think you’re a soldier or maybe a mercenary, something similar to a Lycan Special Ops. Someone who goes in when everything starts to fall apart. Am I close?”
He fixed her with a steady stare, the grey of his eyes appearing colder than usual. For a moment she thought he was going to deny her deductions. Instead, he leaned back in his chair. “Our food is here.”
Sure enough, their server was crossing the room, arms laden with dishes.
“Don’t think I’ve given up.” She murmured. “This is only a reprieve.”
He raised a brow yet made no comment, instead picking up his fork and beginning to eat.
Silence fell between them. For a while she didn’t mind, focusing on her food, but eventually the quiet began to irk.
“You don’t like seafood?” She noted that he was eating like an automaton, no enjoyment of the meal evident on his face.
He shrugged. “Food before a job is solely for sustenance. It’s like fuelling a car.”
She sighed as he resumed eating, his gaze fixed out the window. What was he thinking? Was he going over strategies? Rehearsing the route they’d take? Her attempts at starting a conversation were met with monosyllabic replies so she gave up and, when the owner appeared to see if they were enjoying their meal, she started chatting with her instead.
The woman was a font of information and she soon learned about the best beaches, craftsmen to buy from, food that would be too spicy for her palette, the names of local birds and butterflies.
“Oh, what’s that called?” Tina pointed to a bird with iridescent green feathers on its back and a red belly.
The woman glanced out the window and gave a gasp of surprise. “A quetzal!”
“Are they rare?”
“Well, they’re usually seen in the mountains and some say that if a tourist spots a quetzal, it means they will have good luck and an unforgettable adventure.” The woman’s gaze lingered on Stone’s gun before shifting away.
Tina smiled. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“It’s only a saying, of course. Either way, I hope you enjoy your time here.” The woman smiled and moved on to another table.
“Did you hear that, Stone? We’re in for good luck.” Tina turned to look at him. He’d been listening quietly the whole time.
“If you believe in luck.” He nodded towards her plate. “Are you done?”
“Yes. I couldn’t eat another bite.”
“Then we’d better be on our way. The sun sets in a little over an hour. We want to get to the mission church before dark.”
Chapter 5
Tina studied Stone out of the corner of her eye. His face was set, his concentration fixed on the road. Didn’t the man ever relax?
“So what are the names of the children?” Tina tried to start a conversation.
“Names?” Stone flicked a glance her way.
“Yes, names. I’m assuming you know basic information about them.”
“Uh, yeah. I think Reno mentioned it.”
“You think?”
“Okay, I’m sure he did.”
“So?”
Stone furrowed his brow. “Paul, Junior. That was one of them.”
“Named after his father.” Tina nodded. “What about the other one?”
“Er…it was a flower.”
“Rose? Violet?”
“No.”
“Daisy? Heather? Ivy? Lily?”
“That’s it. Lily.”
“Okay. Paul and Lily. You said they were two and four years old. Which one is the older one?”
He shrugged. “Paul.”
“Do you really know or is that
a guess?”
“If it is I have a fifty-fifty chance of being right. If my guess is correct, you’ll never be any the wiser.”
“Stone!” She rolled her eyes and he smirked.
“The boy really is older.”
Tina gave him a suspicious look. He appeared entirely too pleased for his own good. At least he seemed more relaxed. She eased back in her seat, glad to have accomplished her goal.
After a few short miles, Stone slowed the vehicle and then stopped completely. “I think this is the road we turn on to next. Let me see the map.”
Tina pulled the maps from the backpack where she’d stowed them and handed them to Stone. While he studied them, she peered down the so-called road. If she stared really hard she could almost make out two parallel indents that might have been tire tracks…or maybe not. It was difficult to see very far. The overhead canopy blocked a lot of the light and vegetation crowded the roadway from both sides creating deep shadows. Lianas were draped overhead like large snakes waiting to drop down on unsuspecting travellers and she was sure she could see spider webs hanging between the branches. All that was needed was a sign saying ‘Beware all ye that pass this way.’. A shiver swept over her.
“You okay?” Stone looked up from the map.
“Nervous.”
“I thought you said you weren’t worried.”
“I wasn’t. I mean, I’m not. Not exactly.” She rubbed her hands up and down her arms to sooth the goose bumps that had arisen. “I have a confession. I’m not that good with spiders and snakes.”
“If you’ve changed your mind—”
“No. I’m going to go with you. You’ll need help with the children.”
“Here.” He handed her the map and a compass. “Navigate. It will keep you busy.”
She glanced at the map. “It looks pretty straight forward.”
“It should be. I’ve marked down how many miles we have to travel before we turn.” He pointed to a spot on the map. “Help me keep an eye on the odometer. Five miles then we head north.”