Page 45 of An Epic Voyage
“Sadly, no.Besides Los Angeles and Miami, I’ve been to New York and Hawaii with them.Paris is on the itinerary later in the month, but I might not be around for that junket—at least, I hope I’m not.As much as I adore the fashion capital of the world, my sanity takes precedence.”
“Good for you for prioritizing your mental health.”
Jordy yawned dramatically.Everything he did was theatrical.“I think I’ll take a nap.”
“I’m going to do some exploring and walk around the grounds.Let’s meet back here for lunch.”
“It’s a date.”
Indy waited for him to leave before changing into her sneakers and grabbing her phone.She wasn’t sure about the security situation.She hoped to pry that info from Griffin.Until then, she’d play tourist.
As they were approaching the island, she noticed an interesting opening in the rocks on the north side.It appeared to be an indentation of some sort, possibly a cave.Whatever it was, it might be nothing, or it could be the perfect place to store a nuclear weapon.It was located on the far side, away from any structures, and definitely worth checking out.
Activity was buzzing in the house as she bypassed the elevator to take the stairs.Fresh vases of flowers were scattered about, their scent perfuming the air.No one paid any attention to her as she slipped out the back to avoid anyone coming from the yacht.
As impressive as the entry was, the rear of the house was the showstopper.It featured an Olympic-sized pool flanked by cabanas and lounge chairs, as well as a jumbo hot tub that could accommodate a football team.At some point, she planned to walk along the paths of a professionally landscaped Zen garden loaded with flowers, ponds, statues, and benches.
A gust of wind almost knocked Indy off her feet as she headed to the north shore.It was too soon to be the effects of the big storm, but the breeze had picked up significantly since their arrival.An ear-splitting tone sounded, followed by an announcement for everyone to vacate the house and board the yacht immediately.The hurricane must’ve turned.The safest course of action would be to heed the warning and return to the boat.
When had she ever played it safe?
Besides, this was more important.She might not have another chance to search the island.If Van Houten came back on his own, she knew the nuke would be gone.
The terrain was uneven, with small rocky hills and gently sloping valleys.Several varieties of palm were abundant, as were other trees, such as Caribbean pine and various fruit-bearing ones providing papayas and guavas.
Hindsight was twenty-twenty, but she wished she’d packed her hiking boots.It was slow going in her running shoes, especially with the wind hindering her progress.
Indigo glanced over her shoulder to make sure no one was following her.She couldn’t see any buildings or hear the warnings any longer.She could plead ignorance with a semi-clear conscience.Then she noticed the wickedly dark sky and the rough whitecaps on the water.There was no doubt that the storm would arrive soon.She didn’t know how much time she had to check out the cave, and it wasn’t smart to venture into an opening that could flood with water at any time.
But such was the nature of her job.
#
Jackson was preparedto commandeer a helicopter and fly into the eye of a storm himself to snatch Indigo out of the path of Mother Nature’s fury.
Though he was only a few years older than Indigo, Piper, and Chelsea, they felt like his daughters.Jackson had never told Evangeline, but he’d been offered dozens of promotions over the years.He’d turned them all down.There was no way he could leave those three women.He felt responsible for them.His gaze drifted to Evangeline as she attempted to reach Indigo again.
And try as he might, he couldn’t quit Evie.
What was wrong with him?She’d left him, yet he would still give up his life to make her happy.He’d dated other women over the years after his wife died, had slept with more than his share, but they were substitutes for the one he wanted but couldn’t have: Evangeline Charvet.
His phone buzzed and he answered, listening to what the other person said before thanking them and hanging up.Evie shot him a questioning look.
“The Coast Guard contacted Van Houten’s yacht captain.They’re loading everyone on board and making a dash back to Miami.”
She let out a sigh of relief.“Will they be able to outrun the hurricane?”
“If they leave now, they should be okay.They’re going to stick close to Cuba.”
“Good.I’m going to text Indy to call me ASAP.”
#
The wind picked upstrength as Griffin herded people onto the yacht.He wasn’t sure they could stay ahead of the storm, but they were going to try.It was their only option.It’d taken a dramatic turn to the left and headed directly toward them, but it was still a day away.That should give them enough time to get to Miami.
The boat crew hadn’t disembarked, so they were loading on the guests and the staff from the island.It would be crowded, but the boat was big enough to carry everyone.
Van Houten and his bodyguards pulled up in a golf cart.His assistant, Franklin, followed behind in another.
