Page 68 of Fighting for Mallory

“We must hurry,” Ali urged. “Omar is dead.”

“We’ll deal with the dead Omar,” Hutch said. “You go rescue Mallory.”

Luca grabbed his equipment bag. “Let’s go, Ali. If you try to run, I will shoot you in the back.”

“Yes, Luca Martinelli. You are Mallory’s avenging angel.”

“Damn straight I am. And please stop talking as if you were born in the nineteenth century.”

“I do not know any other way to speak, Luca Martinelli.”

Luca rolled his eyes as he took Ali’s arm and guided him toward the borrowed Range Rover.

Ali knew the area well, and they moved swiftly through the dark woods to the hillside entrance. Instead of rappelling down to the phosphorescent blue cave, Ali led Luca through the tunnels to the Cave of Osiris. As they entered the cavern, Luca stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes marveled at the statue of Osiris, the gold objects, and the river of fire. It amazed him that such a treasure could exist without anyone being aware of it.

Ali touched his arm. “Mallory Hayes is over there.” He pointed to a sleeping bag.

Luca dropped the equipment bag and rushed toward Mallory. He dropped to his knees and drank in her appearance. Her pale face and colorless lips alarmed him. Luca pulled her from the snug sleeping bag and gathered her into his arms. He kissed her forehead, her cheeks, her mouth.

“Wake up, my love. You’re safe. I’ve got you. You’re in my arms.”

He knew she heard him because tears formed large drops and spilled from her eyes. Mallory tried to clutch him with her bound hands.

“Luca! Luca! Are you really here?” She opened her eyes. Her chest heaved with emotion.

“Yes, baby, I’m here.”

“Ali found you.”

“He did.”

“Is he here?”

Luca beckoned Ali forward. “I am here, Mallory Hayes.”

“Ali, I owe you my life. Thank you. Thank you for bringing Luca to me.”

“You are welcome.”

“Mal, are you able to walk? Ali told us about the wound on your back.” As he spoke, he cut the cable ties.

“Yes, yes, I can.”

Luca drew her up with him. With wonder at her courage, her strength, and her resilience, his fingers trailed down her face before his mouth claimed hers in a soft kiss filled with deep gratitude and love. Mindful of her back injury, Luca wrapped an arm around Mallory’s waist and guided her toward the exit she followed when she escaped.

No one spoke as they moved through the tunnels to the surface. By then, Mallory’s legs gave out, so Luca carried her to the Range Rover. Once settled inside, he announced, “I’m taking you to the hospital, Mal.”

“No!” she cried. “Not here.”

“You need to be examined, and you need rest.”

“Her wound is infected,” Ali commented.

“That’s it. I’m taking you to the hospital.”

“No, Luca. I’m afraid. This place is crawling with members of Neheb’s cult. You have to bring him down. Once he’s either dead or in custody, then I’ll go to the hospital. Le Conte Medical Center in Gatlinburg where Maverick’s wife works.”

“All right,” Luca relented.

---