Page 97 of Hidden Depths

“I don’t think so. Toss your guns over here.”

“Guns? We don’t have any guns.”

“I’m not an idiot. I don’t know who sent you, but there’s no way I’m letting you out of here.”

Tom looked at Isla. “I’m so sorry, honey. I’m the one that got us into this mess.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time.” She rolled her eyes. “Hey, mister, you may not be an idiot, but my husband sure is. I told him we shouldn’t come in here because it’s private property, but he insisted. All I want is a nice relaxing vacation. That shouldn’t be too much to ask, should it?”

“Guns. Now.”

Isla screwed up her face in confusion. “They don’t even let you carry guns on planes, do they?”

Goatee aimed his weapon at Isla. “Guns or I shoot her.”

“Okay, okay. Settle down. Can’t blame us for trying.” Tom pulled out his first, followed by Isla. “You want us to toss them to you?”

“Throw them out there.” He nodded toward the water.

Tom tsked. “I really like this one.” But they both complied.

“Come with me.” He stepped off the dock and backed up to give them room to pass him.

Isla made eye contact with Tom, and Tom responded with a slight tightening of his mouth. Peter had sent the right person for the job. His muscles tightened as he prepared for action.

Slowly, he passed by the guy, then paused and spun around as Isla lunged for the gun.

A round was fired into the air, and Goatee grunted, but before Tom could help subdue him, the man had thrown Isla backward, sending her into the shallow water full of rocks.

Tom tried to get a swing in, but the guy dodged, then retreated, raising his weapon.

Tom had no choice but to lift his hands in surrender. He glanced at Isla, who wasn’t moving in the water. She had known it was a dangerous job, but Peter and her husband were waiting for her to return. Tom had to make sure he did everything in his power to get her back to them.

“I have to help her,” he said, moving to the edge of the water slowly.

“No.” He fired into the air, and Tom froze. “She got what she deserved.”

“You won’t get the answers you want.”

“I’ve got you, don’t I?”

“I’m the sidekick. She’s the pro here. She’s in charge of this mission.”

Goatee squinted at him, then looked at Isla. “Fine, but if you try anything, I’ll shoot you both.”

Tom dropped into the water and waded over to her.

Her face was above the water, but a red halo surrounded her head.

After finding she had a strong pulse, he closed his eyes for a second and thanked God, then tried to stir her. “Isla? Can you wake up for me?” He started to lift her, and she groaned, but her eyes remained closed.

“Good girl. You keep trying to come back to me, will you? I’m committed to making sure I don’t lose you on this trip.”

Tom scooped her out of the water and carefully climbed up the rocks.

“Bring her inside,” Goatee said.

“I’ll need some bandages. She’s got a head wound.”

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