Page 16 of Bayou Sunset

Noticing something in the distance, Daisy Mae grabbed the binoculars and set her food and drink down. The boys had been right about one thing. The boat appeared to be following them. This island was off the beaten path, so who would be fishing or touring here?

Merde.It was probably another treasure hunter. She was sure her brothers hadn’t kept their mouths shut about the map. They’d probably talked about it at the bar with people around. Daisy Mae didn’t want trouble when she knew the map was fake. All the maps today were except the ones where treasures had already been located.

Sure, Jean Lafitte had supposed hidden treasure around them, but she thought it’d all been found. There had been a significant find at the mansion on another island. That was supposedly Lafitte’s.

When the other boat stopped, dropped anchor, and threw out the dive flags, Daisy Mae sighed in relief. The twins were making her paranoid. Someone was diving, and they were still areasonable distance from them—nothing to worry about.

After checking out the boat and her gauges, Daisy Mae did what she usually did with paying passengers. She pulled out a book. Sure, she helped her passengers set up and bring in their catch, but sometimes, fish didn’t bite so greedily. So, she had her backup plan.

It’d been a while since she’d started this particular book. Remembering the plot made her laugh out loud. It was about a treasure hunter who’d returned in time and met the pirate who’d hidden the treasure she’d been seeking. At least that wouldn’t happen to her.

Escaping into a world of intrigue and romance, she lost focus on the world around her.

*****

Romeo followed the twins to the island. JP brought out the waterproof bag that held their elusive map. He and Pierre held it, whispering and pointing. Were they expecting him to hit them over the head and steal the treasure for himself?

Pierre turned around and waved Romeo forward as JP rolled the map and returned it to the pouch. “We gots a hike a’fore us.”

Romeo followed the twins, figuring that to be the case, but knowing it couldn’t be long since this island appeared small. The island, while it had a rather large sandy beach, also had lush vegetation without trails. So, the twins had found an island no one had explored or at least visited recently. Good on them.

Romeo wondered what Daisy Mae was doing. The hairs on his neck still prickled, and he almost turned around and went to her. Then, he told himself she’d blow the horn if something were wrong.

Pierre asked, “Chèr, how long ya stay dis time?”

He followed Pierre, feeling the weight of the situation. He had no clue how things would unfold. He was sure that DaisyMae’s safety was paramount, but he couldn’t divulge that to Pierre. “No idea,” he muttered, trying to mask his concern. Perhaps today would mark the end of this relentless treasure hunt. Maybe the twins would finally understand that they had been led on a futile pursuit and would abandon it altogether.

As they ducked under overhanging branches, stepped over decaying vegetation, and cautiously avoided numerous snakes, Romeo’s thoughts drifted back to each mission he had undertaken while working for HIS in various jungle and wooded environments.

As Bravo’s team moved through the dense undergrowth, he and the team leader navigated their way while the others focused on clearing the area. He vividly remembered the times he had to skillfully wield a machete, and there was one close call when he nearly cut his leg. In the aftermath of that incident, his team leader, Grits, entrusted him with the compass, recognizing his lack of expertise in wielding a large knife.

Lost in thought, the first blast of the horn almost passed his notice. The second, however, jolted him into action.

Romeo reacted without hesitation at the sign of trouble. He rushed back through the way they had come, shoving aside tree limbs and leaping over fallen logs in his path. Daisy Mae was in distress, and he was determined to reach her as quickly as possible.

He had spent considerable time navigating the rugged island trail they had tried to maneuver through. Finally, as he emerged onto the beach, the piercing sound of gunfire filled the air. His heart nearly came to a halt as he witnessed a boat zooming pastSeas the Day, unleashing a storm of gunfire at Daisy Mae and the boat.

Romeo was submerged in the water, his mind disregarding his safety. With an unexpected burst of speed, he propelled himself through the water, reaching the boat in what felt like anastonishingly short time. Unfortunately, the boat firing on Daisy Mae had passed them by, but it appeared to be approaching for a second turn.

Romeo boarded and raced to Daisy Mae, about to pull her into his arms. In an instant, he halted as he watched and listened to her.

“Mon Dieu!” she said, checking a Kimber 9mm magazine. “No one shoots at mebateau.”

When the other boat headed back their way, Romeo reacted. He snatched the gun from Daisy Mae’s hand and pushed her behind him. Ducking, he emptied the magazine at the passing boat. When they didn’t return for another pass, he sighed with relief.

Romeo turned and embraced Daisy Mae. He regretted following the twins to the island.Always listen to your gut,he’d been advised. And he’d ignored it.

It only took a moment to realize how good Daisy Mae felt in his arms. She fit perfectly with her head on his shoulder, just below his chin.

She relaxed into him, then, as if catching herself, she stiffened and pushed away. “If ya ever do that again,couyon, I’ll shoot ya meself.”

“Ya be welcome,” he said. Romeo didn’t know what just happened. He’d protected her. Wasn’t that what all women wanted?

“Never, grab me weapon again.”

Okay. So that was it. Maybe he shouldn’t have grabbed it without asking. But there had been no time. “Next time, I won’t.”

She pushed on his chest. “There best not be a next time.”

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