Page 69 of Explorer's Revenge
Grinning, I tug him into my arms. He snuggles into my chest like he has a million times, but it feels different now. I don’t know if we’ll make it out of here, but it doesn’t matter, not now that I know he feels the same way.
After everything I’ve hidden, everything I’ve held back, he’s in my arms. I don’t know how long we’ll get to be together, but it doesn’t matter. We’ll have a chance, and that’s enough.
“It’s about time,” Logan mutters. “How much longer do we have to pretend to be asleep?”
“Logan . . .” Wilder sighs as I laugh, and Aiyaret hides his face against my chest, but he’s smiling and holding me tightly.
“What?” Logan asks as he rolls to his back, his hand over his eyes. “I’m not looking, but if they start fucking, I’ll be out there with the croc. There are some things I can’t unsee.”
I tug Aiyaret closer. “Idiots, all of you.”
“I’m with him. We love both of you, but I don’t need to see your balls,” Rick teases.
“Jesus Christ,” Wilder mutters. “Alright, since we’re all awake, let’s come up with a plan to get out of here.” Rick and Logan groan, and Wilder laughs. “Come on, idiots, it’s now or never.”
“We’re getting out?” I ask.
“Or we’ll die trying,” Wilder admits.
That sobers us all.
FORTY
MAEVE
“You owe me, kid,” my dad grumbles before he opens the door and rolls out. I wait behind it, dressed in clothes and gear he managed to get for me. I shouldn’t be surprised, since my dad is resourceful and knows exactly what I need. I wear cargos, boots with two pairs of socks, a long Henley, and a waterproof jacket. He also managed to gather food, water, and ropes, amongst other supplies, everything I’ll need to survive on the island. He doesn’t like what I’m doing, but he’s making sure I have the best chance at succeeding, and I love him for that.
I hear his wheels on the clean tile floor as he rounds a corner, putting our plan into action when I hear a crash then yelling. “Help me! Help me!” he shouts, and then there’s running. Sliding the door open, I peek out to see him groaning as he lies on the floor, his wheelchair tipped. The police officer who was outside waiting to speak to me is at his side, along with nurses and doctors. Smirking, I wave at him and hurry down the corridor, breaking into a sort of run, the only limping type I can manage, when I hit the stairs and descend. He already gave me the hospital’s layout. Luckily, the island we’re on is the one Istarted on before all this, so I know my way around well enough to get out of here.
I escape the hospital with no trouble and tug on my hat. My leg still aches, as does my shoulder, but I got some pain meds and an antibiotic shot before I left—we assured it—which should keep me going for now. I could head to the marina, but I need to get there faster, and if the island is still flooded, then boats might not travel there.
That leaves air.
I manage to hitch a ride in a car with a local, and they drop me off outside the small airfield. I stride through the private bays and hangars, looking for what I need, and I find it on the back row.
The red helicopter looks like it’s seen better days and clearly belongs to a tour guide. Rushing over to the guy in a big hat and floral shirt, I tap his shoulder. “Excuse me.”
“Jesus.” He spins, placing his hand on his heart. He’s a bigger man and middle-aged, with wrinkled skin from sun and time, but he looks nice. “No tours today,” he tells me in fragmented English.
“I don’t need a tour.” I pull out a wad of cash, and his eyes widen as he reaches for it. “I need a private trip to this island.” I show him the GPS, and he holds up his hands as I pull out another wad of cash. “You get both if we leave now.”
“Now?” Scratching his head, he looks around. “The storm only just settled. We aren’t supposed to be flying—” I pull out more cash, and he grins. “But who am I to deny your rights? Let’s go.”
Ajax would help if I fought hard enough, but I don’t have time for that. I need to get to them as quickly as possible, so this is the best way. He’ll come after me, and when he does, I need to be with the guys.
The pilot takes my bag and helps me into the other seat, and I settle in, putting my headset on while he completes his checks. By the time we are in the air, it’s already midmorning, so I won’t have long to find them once we arrive. The island is dangerous during the day, but in the dark, it’s a nightmare.
I need to find them before the sun sets, and then we’ll get the hell out of there.
The flight seems longer than before, but I think that’s just because I’m anxious to get there, worried they are in danger. I’ve already been gone too long. What if I’m too late?
I can’t afford to consider that, though, so I focus on checking my equipment repeatedly until the island comes into view. Leaning against the window, I notice the water has retreated, which is good. That means they have land, but it also means it’s going to be harder to find them. If the water washed them inland, they could be stuck.
“There’s nowhere for me to land,” he says into the mic.
“That’s fine, I’ll jump. Get lower.” I unfasten my belt and climb to the door as he curses in his native tongue.
“You’re crazy!” he yells, and I grin at him.
