You Can't Hide

by Wendy Davy

  Gage emerged from the house and met Jonas at the pier. With a brief exchange of words, Gage dropped the raingear and ran down the pier’s length. “Cara!”

  “What’s wrong?” She lifted her hands.

  The sounds of a boat motor ripped across the water. A fishing boat sped around the bend with two dark-haired men at the helm.

  Cara’s palms iced over. “Santiago,” she whispered as she recognized the driver.

  The other man in the boat looked as tall as Santiago, and every bit as vengeful.

  “Papa!” Carlos called, waving his arms.

  Eve threw herself on top of Carlos, pinning him against the boat’s floor. She tugged out a lifejacket and slipped it over her son’s shoulders before turning wide eyes toward Cara. “Get us out of here!”

  Jolted from her shock, Cara cranked the engine and jammed down the throttle. She cut the wheel to the right, barely avoiding the oncoming boat.

  A bullet’s rapport echoed off the water, and fiberglass splintered. Cara ducked low. Another shot. The windshield shattered. Pieces of glass rained onto her face, her clothes, and into the boat.

  She dared a glance behind her as Mercado tore a gun from Santiago’s hand. Cara guessed he’d realized Carlos was in the boat, and didn’t want his son in danger. At least that meant she could concentrate on driving, instead of dodging bullets. She sat up straight and gripped the wheel tight as she steered around one bend, and then another.

  She took a sharp turn left, wishing she’d paid more attention to the landscape as Gage had maneuvered through the marshland. Two more turns, and she lost her sense of direction. Now, her only hope to evade them was to lose them in the winding curves.

  Lord, don’t let us die…

  ****

  As Santiago maneuvered the boat in a wide arc and pursued Cara, paralyzing fear struck Gage, reminding him of how it had felt to be under Mercado’s control in Columbia. But this time, Cara was the one in danger. Of all the possible scenarios he’d played out in his head, he’d never imagined he’d be stranded on the island while Cara fought for her life in his boat.

  “This can’t be happening.” Jonas placed his hands on his knees, catching his breath. “Do you have another boat?”

  “No. But I do have a long-range rifle in the watchtower. I’m going up.” Gage placed a hand on Jonas’s shoulder. “I need you go inside and contact the Coast Guard.”

  Their gazes met for a brief moment, a mutual understanding of all that was at stake passed between them.

  Jonas nodded. “Consider it done.”

  Gage took off running, ignoring the slicing pain in his leg. He climbed the tower, exerting pressure he hadn’t dared attempt since his surgeries. Once at the top, he grabbed and loaded the weapon, and then stepped outside onto the balcony. A few sprinkles of rain began falling, and the wind gusted. Even if Mercado and Santiago stayed within range, the weather would provide difficulties in making an accurate shot. But, given the chance, he would try.

  Gage searched Foley Creek, desperate to find the boats. The narrow waterway snaked through grassy marshlands, and fear took hold as nothing appeared. Then something white flickered on the southern side of the creek.

  He peered through the rifle’s scope. He spotted Cara’s boat, and his chest squeezed tight. “No, Cara.” She’d taken a turn that would ultimately lead to a dead end.

  Santiago and Mercado followed at about two hundred yards behind, and they were closing in on her fast.

  Gage had two choices. Stay on the watchtower in the remote chance he could take a shot at Mercado and Santiago, or try and make it on foot to the southern side of the creek before Cara ran out of water.

  Either way, the odds he could keep her alive were dwindling fast.

  25

  Cara realized her mistake about three turns too late. The watchtower stood at her left, which meant she was heading south toward the dead end Gage had warned her about.

  Her heart leapt into her throat. She glanced at Eve and Carlos, huddled on the boat’s floor. They’d become her responsibility the moment she began driving. And, she’d made a wrong turn, possibly costing Eve her life and leaving Carlos in the hands of a murderer.

  Tears stung Cara’s eyes as she fought terror rising within. They didn’t have much time. The creek became narrower, the depth shallower. If she pulled over, would that give them an opportunity to run?

  She had no choice but to try.

  “Eve!” She called over the sprinkling rain and constant blow of wind.

  Eve looked up.

  “Get ready to run.”

  Eve’s face turned ashen, and then she bent low to speak to Carlos.

  Cara spotted a sandy patch of shoreline, yanked back on the throttle and drove the boat onto the land. The boat jerked to a stop, and the jarring knocked each of them forward.

  Cara’s mid-section rammed into the steering wheel. Pain exploded in her ribs, and she struggled for breath. “Go!”

  Eve stood in her heels, and helped Carlos from the boat.

  “Wait. Take these.” Cara ripped off her tennis shoes and tossed them toward Eve.

  “No. You’ll need them.”

  “There’s no time to argue.” The sounds of Mercado’s boat grew closer. “You’ve got to get Carlos away.”

  At the mention of her son’s name, Eve tugged on the shoes and scrambled from the boat. “Carlos, this is part of our adventure. We’re going to play hide and seek with Papa.”

  Carlos agreed and they both took off as Cara climbed from the boat. Her ribs ached from the steering wheel’s impact, and her thin socks provided little protection from the sharp reeds and shells lining the bank, but she dismissed the pain as she attempted to gain her bearings. To the east, the watchtower stood as a beacon of safety, but it was at least a half a mile away.

  She peered over her shoulder as Mercado’s boat sped around the last bend and ran ashore. Her adrenaline spiked as her fight-or-flight instincts took over. Cara took off running. Stumbled. Climbed again to her feet.

  Shouts erupted and footsteps sounded through the marsh.

  As she ran, Cara glanced again at the watchtower. A lone figure stood at the top, aiming a rifle in her direction. “Gage.” His name formed a plea on her lips as one of the men caught up to her, and a hard body rammed into her back. She fell face forward. Shells dug into her cheeks as hot, rancid breath landed on her skin.

  “He can’t help you this time.” Santiago’s grating voice stung her ears.

  Another man ran past, thundering after Eve and Carlos. Mercado.

  Cara said a quick prayer for Eve’s safety as Santiago flipped her onto her back and pressed his weight against her, holding her flush to the earth.

  ****

  Sweat beaded across Gage’s forehead as he peered through the rifle’s scope; Cara struggled beneath Santiago, arms and legs thrashing, expending energy she should reserve.

  “Let him think you’ve given up.” He urged as the wind carried his words away, unheard.

  Lord, help her remember what I taught her.

  She continued to struggle, as if in a panic.

  “Come on, baby.” Seconds passed as he held his breath.

  She suddenly went limp.

  “That’s my girl.” He steadied his finger on the trigger, waiting for the chance to squeeze.

  26

  Santiago pushed to his elbows, giving Cara’s lungs an opportunity to expand. She sucked in air, forcing her body to remain docile.

  “You deserve what you’re going to get.” Santiago seethed. “My brother is dead because of you.”

  Cara angled her head away from his foul breath and put into practice the actions Gage had taught her. “You’re too strong. I…” The words stuck in her throat. Giving up was not an option, but she reminded herself Santiago wouldn’t know that. “Do what you want with me.”

  Santiago nuzzled her hair. “Believe me. I will.”

  Cara fought back nausea and waited.

  Precious moment
s passed before Santiago repositioned, levering his body over hers. When given enough room, Cara shoved her palms into the shell-packed earth and pushed backwards. She wiggled her hips, and dug in her heels. She managed to scoot from beneath him, and kicked toward his neck. Her heel connected. A choking sound emerged from his throat.

  Cara lunged onto her feet and ran. The mixture of sand and mud beneath gave way, impeding her progress. But, she couldn’t stop now. Each step she took brought her closer to Gage, and to safety.

  Her foot slammed into something sharp. A slicing pain ripped through her flesh, and she stumbled. She fell onto her hands, and rough shells dug into her palms.

  A dark shadow stretched over her, and she looked up. Santiago stood above her, rubbing his injured throat. He released a guttural growl and lunged.

  A shot echoed through the air, and Santiago fell to his knees, clutching his chest. Blood seeped through his fingers, and he looked at his wound through wide, terrified eyes.

  Cara climbed to her feet, intent on reaching Gage, and the safety of his arms. Her heart raced as she spotted Eve and Carlos ahead, with Mercado gaining ground.

  “Mercado!” Gage’s booming voice sounded across the land. Birds flew from their sanctuary, taking to the air for safety. “This is Federal Agent Gage McKenna. Get down and put your hands in the air.”

  Hearing Gage identify himself as a federal agent served as a stark reminder of the authority he carried. Cara only hoped Mercado would respond.

  He did, but not in the way she’d hoped; he caught Eve and hid behind her. He withdrew a weapon from his waistband, aimed and fired three rounds at Gage.

  Gage dove into the tower’s enclosure.

  Mercado stilled, looking between Eve and the watchtower. With a low growl of rage, he made his choice. “I thought you were dead once, McKenna. This time, I’m going to make sure of it.” He shoved Eve and ran toward the tower, gun in hand.

  “Gage,” Cara cried as she followed Mercado. By the time she made it to the bottom set of stairs, Mercado’s footsteps rang out from near the top. “He’s coming, look out!”

  Lord, protect us…

  She climbed the first set of steps, and her palms began to sweat. The steps were steeper and narrower than they looked. At the first landing, vertigo hit. She squeezed her eyes shut and took in deep breaths.

  Sounds of a struggle erupted above, and Cara opened her eyes, forcing her feet to move. If Gage had been shot, he’d have little chance of defending himself. With that thought in mind, she kept her gaze on the steps before her and climbed.

  At the top landing, Cara entered the enclosed space as Gage leaned forward and plowed his head into Mercado’s stomach. Mercado grunted, and then recovered with a right hook to Gage’s jaw. The scents of sweat mingled with stale air as the fistfight continued.

  Cara looked for a way to help. Gage’s rifle and Mercado’s gun lay in opposite corners, as if they had been knocked from each other’s hands. But, Cara would have to bypass both men to reach one of the weapons. Searching for a more feasible option, she recalled the self-defense moves she’d learned, and looked for Mercado’s weaknesses. He favored his right leg, and upon closer look, a dark stain covered his thigh. Hoping that was where Eve had stabbed him with the scissors while escaping in Columbia, Cara charged forward and slammed her heel into his leg.

  Mercado howled and lost his balance, giving Gage the chance to knock him down. He yanked back on Mercado’s wrists, and had him subdued within moments. He put his good knee into Mercado’s back, and cast a glance at Cara. “There’s a set of handcuffs in the cabinet, by the old Coast Guard radio equipment. Will you grab them for me?”

  Cara found the set and handed them over.

  Mercado struggled but couldn’t prevent Gage from cuffing his wrists.

  “It’s over,” Cara sighed, adrenaline draining away.

  “Not yet.” Gage hauled Mercado to his feet, shoved him through the doorway and bent him over the balcony’s railing. “You’ve stolen my career, murdered my colleague, and threatened my woman. Give me one reason not to throw you off this tower.”

  Cara’s knees weakened. The drop would certainly kill him. “No, don’t…”

  The wild look in Gage’s eyes remained as he met her gaze. “He doesn’t deserve to live.”

  “Maybe not. But, you do. Don’t let him destroy the future God has planned for you.”

  Gage inhaled a deep breath, and looked over the horizon, keeping a tight hold on Mercado. Moments passed as a range of emotions crossed his features, and then he finally nodded. “I think this future you keep talking about is going to be a good one.” He lugged Mercado back inside the tower’s enclosure, just as the thumping of a helicopter’s blades sounded in the distance.

  Cara looked over the ocean as a Coast Guard cutter unloaded a group of men onto the shore. “Back up’s here. Not that we need it anymore.”

  Gage’s smile took away her breath. “I think we could make a pretty good team one day. What do you think?”

  “I think we already do.”

  27

  Cara had experienced enough commotion and turmoil to last her for months. After the last of the Coast Guard, federal agents, and local authorities left the island, she stepped onto the back porch for some much needed stress relief. The darkened landscape had a calming effect, and she took in deep breaths of salty air, memorizing the scents and feel of Cedar Island. She’d be leaving tomorrow, and she wanted to remember.

  Gage strode outside and tucked his hands into his pockets. “Jonas tells me he’s taking you home in the morning.” A sense of vulnerability surrounded him as he leaned against a faded porch railing.

  Cara sensed he wanted to say more, but he only watched her as if gauging her body language. She consciously kept her arms to her sides, instead of crossing them in a defensive gesture. “That’s the plan now that Mercado’s in custody and Santiago’s in the hospital. Have you heard how Santiago is doing?”

  “He will live.” Gage shrugged. “Or at least that’s what the surgeons say.”

  Cara shuttered. “But, he won’t get out of custody, ever. Right?”

  Gage stepped close and smoothed his palms along her arms. “You won’t have to worry about that. We have enough evidence to put them both away for the rest of their lives.”

  “So what are you going to do now? Will you be back on active status with the DEA?”

  Before he could answer, Jonas emerged from the house, followed by Eve and Carlos.

  Eve offered a warm smile. “Thank you for all you’ve done, Gage.” She gave him a quick hug. “And Cara. You’ve saved our lives.” The moon peeked from behind the clouds, illuminating Eve’s contented features. “I’m finally going home to New York. Carlos will meet his grandparents for the first time.”

  Carlos looked up with an enthusiastic nod. “Momma says they have lots of pets. They have an iguana, a bunny, and even a snake!”

  “That’s right.” Eve urged Carlos forward toward the beach. “Speaking of animals, let’s go see if we can find some ghost crabs. They like to come out at night.”

  The two wandered onto the beach, and Jonas stepped forward. “Eve plans to tell Carlos about his father a little at a time. Since Carlos had already entered the house before the shots were fired, he doesn’t understand why his Papa was taken away in handcuffs.”

  “It’s better that he didn’t witness anything.” Cara’s compassion came through her words. “I hope he’ll adjust to his new life.”

  “He’ll be fine. I’ll make sure of it.” Jonas looked toward Eve and Carlos, and then his gaze darted between Gage and Cara. “I’m guessing you two have some things to work out. I’ll leave you to it.” He stepped down from the porch onto the sand, following in Eve’s footsteps.

  “What were we talking about?” Cara brushed windswept hair from her eyes.

  “You asked if I was returning to the DEA.” Gage gripped the porch’s railing, and absently picked at the peeling paint. “I’ve spoken with
my superior officer. Considering all that went on here today, and with my most recent doctor’s report, he gave me approval to come back.”

  “You did handle Mercado well. And the shot you fired from the watchtower was impressive.” Cara encouraged, yet at the same time her stomach plummeted. If Gage went back to work, he’d be in danger on a daily basis. “When do you leave?”

  Gage scrubbed at his whiskers. “Well, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” He shuffled from one foot to the next and cleared his throat. A slight blush rose up his cheeks, displayed in the glowing moonlight.

  “What is it?” Cara concentrated on the calming sounds of the ocean, preparing herself for the unknown. “I haven’t seen you this nervous before. Even when facing Mercado.”

  “Bad guys, I can handle. Relationships, I need a little help with.”

  “You’ve lost me.”

  His face blanched white, and he looked toward the ocean. “I was afraid of that.”

  “I meant….I don’t understand what you’re trying to say.”

  “Oh.” A measure of relief crossed his features.

  Cara could hardly believe this vulnerable man was the same one who’d taken down a murdering drug smuggler. A sense of warmth grew in the pit of her belly. “Did you think I meant that you lost me?”

  He nipped his lower lip, and nodded as he peeked in her direction.

  “I didn’t know I was yours.”

  “I’d like you to be.” This time his gaze met hers, and held. “I’m not going back with the DEA in an undercover capacity. Even when the pain eases, the range of motion in my leg will never be the same. I don’t want to chance putting others in danger because of my limitations. But, I have agreed to work for the DEA as a self-defense trainer. I’ll be travelling all over the country.”

  “Oh.” Cara’s flaring hopes diminished.

  “But, in order to do my job I’ll need a partner. Part of my agreement with them is that I get to choose who I want.”