by Han, Barb
“These are the same guys who smuggle little girls out of our country and sell them into the sex trade. When they’re not doing that, they’re funneling money in. They have sophisticated channels set up like you wouldn’t believe.”
Lauren’s shoulders dropped forward. “It sounds so hopeless.”
With effort, she forced her back straight, refusing to let them win. She wouldn’t cry anywhere near those jerks. They didn’t deserve the satisfaction.
“Not hopeless, sweetheart. We’ll find him. I can’t figure out one thing though. Why are they looking for you? They must want you something awful to come looking in a hurricane.”
A shiver ran down Lauren’s spine. Why would they want her? She hadn’t done anything wrong. She’d never once so much as cheated on her tax return. She drove the speed limit. “They don’t know me, except that I’m related to Max. I haven’t broken any rules or gotten mixed up with anyone bad that I know of. Work is my life.” She searched his face, needing him to believe her. “Is it the money?”
He shrugged. “None of it makes sense. You’re not involved. So why keep coming at you?”
“How on earth did they find us here? And Gregory …” Tears streamed down her cheeks.
“He could’ve been involved. We find Max and we’ll get answers to both our questions,” Jaden said quickly.
Did something warm flicker in his eyes? Now I’m seeing things.
“Don’t you mean if he’s still alive?” she asked.
“He is,” Jaden said confidently.
It was confidence Lauren wished she had, but didn’t. Max’s situation had never felt more hopeless to her. A hot tear broke loose and raced down her cheek. “How can you be so sure?”
“Professional hunch,” he said calmly.
How he was being so cool, she had no clue. The whole situation had her nerves jittery. One glance in the corner toward Gregory had her stomach churning. “Your instincts always right?”
“I’ve only been wrong once before.”
“Let’s hope this doesn’t make twice,” she said, but he didn’t hear. He’d already moved back to the South American.
“Where’d you take the gringo?”
Beady Eyes’ lips thinned. He said nothing.
“Oh, you want to do this the hard way? That works too,” Jaden said. He palmed a set of matches, lit the first one, and held it against the guy’s hairline.
He shook his head, and then huffed out a breath. The flame flickered and extinguished. His black, beady eyes were unreadable.
Jaden lit another match and waved it close to the Latino’s eyes. “He still alive?”
Beady Eyes nodded.
“Where then?”
“I already said I don’t know.”
“Fine.” Jaden balled up a piece of paper before setting it on fire. He dropped it in the Latino’s lap.
He bucked, trying to knock it off. “Damn. I told you everything I know. I swear.”
“I’m slow. Give me a recap.”
“He’s alive. I handed him off this morning.” His black eyes now wider with panic. “Now get that thing off my lap before you fry my nuts.”
“You the one who beat him?”
Beady Eyes squirmed, the heat obviously becoming too much for him. “Hurry up. This ain’t cool. Take it off.”
“Okay. If you say so. One thing first.” Jaden dealt a blow that left the guy unconscious. He picked up the ball of fire and threw it in the sink. A second later, he stripped the Latin guy’s weapons, moved to the patio, and tossed all but one of the guns over the sea wall. “Insurance.”
He pulled the guy’s cell phone from his pocket and tried to unlock it. “Password protected. Figured as much.”
Jaden closed his fist around the SIM card. “Might be able to get something out of this at headquarters.”
He moved to the bathroom next, with Lauren trailing close behind. He stopped long enough to tie the Latino’s arms and feet together and snatch his key ring. “That should hold him. Give us time.”
Lauren followed him into the kitchen.
“We need supplies. Find whatever you can. A paring knife. Fruit. Water. Anything that might keep us alive in case we don’t make it to the safe house.” Jaden approached the back door. A gust of wind smacked it against the wall as soon as he opened it. “We need to move. Our location has been compromised. More men are most likely on the way already.”
Fear gripped her. Lauren’s stomach rumbled. The roll and bite of pineapple hadn’t satisfied her hunger. Food. She needed nourishment. They were about to move again but she could hardly stand the thought of leaving the only safety they’d found.
A voice in her head reminded her that against all odds Jaden had kept her alive.
She sure didn’t plan to hang around in the condo alone with a dead man in the living room, an unconscious man in the shower, and his twin in the living room. She trusted Jaden to get them to safety. He’d made the right calls so far, managing to keep them alive despite their circumstances.
Thunder clapped. Before Lauren could rationalize her thoughts, she found Jaden and burrowed into his chest.
He wrapped strong arms around her and brushed a kiss on her forehead.
She couldn’t stop herself from wondering if he felt the same sense of comfort when they were this close as she did, not that it was relevant now. More men with guns waited out there.
In here, they’d been safe for a little while. She wished she could linger in that feeling as long as possible. No more thoughts about her brother. No more thoughts about the raging storm outside. No more feeling empty and alone …
“You okay?” Jaden asked, searching her face, looking at her like he couldn’t quite read what was on her mind.
She collected her random thoughts. She hadn’t come all this way to stop now. “Fine.”
“What can I do to help?” His hand closed on her shoulder.
She immediately withdrew and winced.
“What’d I do?”
She peeled her shirt back enough to reveal a blue and purple bruise the size of a grapefruit.
Concerned lines scored Jaden’s forehead. “Jesus, what happened?”
“Not sure. I took a pretty big tumble off the board back there.” It had hurt, but after everything they’d been through so far, it seemed small by comparison. “It’s fine. Just a little sore.”
“Let’s do this. Let’s get out of here and get to safety. Then we’ll take care of these.” He motioned toward her bumps and bruises.
“Meaning your safe house?”
Jaden nodded. “Shirley Heights.”
“Can we trust it?” Lauren asked, unsure if Jaden could honestly answer yes.
He shrugged. “It’s our best chance of survival right now. We can’t stay here. The location’s been compromised. We have no choice but to go for it.”
Lauren took the hand being held out to her and followed Jaden through the door.
Outside, palm trees bowed until they bent sideways. Blasts of wind chilled her skin as she crossed the parking lot. She struggled to stay on her feet against the powerful gusts. Each drop of rain felt like a needle. Heavy debris whipped around and blew past as if it were light as a cotton ball.
Visibility was worse. She could not see more than twenty feet ahead. The white sand beaches had turned on them, mixing with rain and burning her eyes. A small spot of chaos in the ocean had grown into a monster.
Jaden fought for every step of forward progress he made against the raging wind. He stretched his arm out in front of him as though feeling his way.
At this pace, Lauren feared they’d never get anywhere.
Hadn’t he said they must be somewhere near English Harbour? Other than the condo, there was nothing around but small hills, a few scattered palm trees, and a rocky coastline.
If they were close to English Harbour that would be welcome news. Nearby Shirley Heights was the checkpoint he’d mentioned.
If he could get them there, Lauren felt con
fident they could ride out the storm. She prayed like mad that the people they were running from hadn’t found it first.
The brush underfoot was thick. Her foot tangled, and she nearly lost her balance. Jaden’s hand steadied her. She looked up in time to catch a glimpse of something colorful and substantial. It was near. “What’s that?”
“Let’s check it out.”
As they moved closer, she got a good look at the bright yellow beacon. She kept an eye out for falling debris as Jaden guided them to a yellow 4 × 4.
The Jeep, a soft-top complete with window zippers, wouldn’t offer great support but was better than being completely exposed to the elements.
Jaden pressed his face against the plastic window. “The keys are inside.”
He secured the supplies behind her chair, scuttled around to the driver’s side, and then climbed in.
He wasted no time cranking the engine.
Glory of all glories, it started on the first try.
He tapped the gauges. “Can’t be sure about the gas. Says it’s full, but these old Jeep’s are notorious for floating needles.”
“Think we’ll be alone at the next safe house?” She had to shout to be heard over the rain and wind lashing the Jeep.
The Wrangler rocked back and forth as Jaden gunned it. He jammed the gearshift while he stomped the gas pedal. “It’s top secret. Not even Gregory knew about it. Even so, I can’t be sure until I get there.”
He didn’t need to say more. She realized pretty quickly all that he meant.
Cranking the wheel left, he just missed a tree branch sailing through the sky. He had to slam the steering wheel right to avoid another that nearly careened into them.
Crack. One caught the windshield, causing a fracture that ran sideways the entire length.
The Jeep was old to begin with, and it was taking a beating. The windows started fogging, and the big crack across the front made it nearly impossible to see out the window.
“To be honest, I’m not sure if we’re safer in here than out there,” Jaden said. “One strong gust of wind, one wrong turn, and we could find ourselves in a death roll. Buckle up.”
Right. She hadn’t even thought of putting on her seatbelt. Hearing his words, Lauren’s stomach sank until it hit rock bottom. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t imagine being caught outside in a hurricane on an island that was three miles wide, racing for her life in a Jeep.
And there just might not be a tomorrow. No new day to find her brother. No more time to sort out the messes he’d made.
Anger stirred in her chest at what he’d become. She wanted to find him if only to strangle him herself. Why Max? Why did you do it?
Another thought hit her. There might be no tomorrow to be with Jaden.
She looked up in time to see a thicket. A palm tree broken in half and a few other mangled trees completely blocked the road. “Watch out.”
Jaden nailed the brake, and they both flew forward. The Jeep spit, sputtered, and fishtailed until it came to a stop at the edge of the rubble.
Seeing the road was completely blocked, he vaulted from the Jeep and went to work quickly clearing debris and untangling branches.
Lauren hopped from the passenger seat in time to yell, “Look out!”
A palm tree spun around in the sky, and then flew straight into Jaden’s side, knocking him onto the mound of debris.
“Oh. God. No.” By the time she got to him, he was slumped over on top of the heap.
Winds howled as she gingerly turned his face around. His head moved too easily. She felt for a pulse. Got one.
If he didn’t survive, she’d surely die too.
“Jaden.”
The branch had probably knocked him unconscious. His forehead was gashed, and the cut was wet with rain and blood.
What to do? Think. Think. She couldn’t imagine the situation getting any worse. Fear ravaged her. Rain pelted her face, stinging her eyes.
She gently tapped Jaden’s cheek with the flat of her hand. “C’mon.”
With a severe shake of his head, Jaden sat upright. “I’m all right.”
He grinned a haughty, sexy little grin, no doubt meant to abate any doubts about just how fine he felt, and bound to his feet. His gaze locked onto the road behind them. “We gotta get out of here. Now.”
“What is it?” Lauren asked, concerned.
“Get in the Jeep and drive.”
“What do you mean? What are you planning to do?”
“Go. And don’t look back.”
“What about —”
“I’ll meet you. Don’t worry. I’ll stay back and cover you.” He wedged behind the mound of debris, pulled out his new gun, and took aim.
Lauren turned in time to see a black SUV speeding toward them.
Her hands shook from adrenaline. Determination welled in her chest. She refused to give up. But leaving Jaden? The one man who’d kept her alive this long?
His plan had better work. Whatever that was. He had better find her again.
She would not survive without Jaden. The thought popped up so spontaneously that she quickly told herself it was only about surviving the storm.
Chapter Eight
Lauren hopped into the driver’s seat. She wanted to scream and cry, but what would that accomplish?
Besides, there was no time.
Slamming the gearshift into Reverse, adrenaline pulsing through her arms providing a boost of octane-like strength, she practically stripped the gears trying to back up the truck.
The motor coughed, chugged, and then stopped.
Shit.
She mashed the clutch and stomped on the gas pedal. Next, she jiggled the key.
The Jeep growled.
“C’mon.” She cranked the key again after giving the truck a moment to rest. Nothing. She sucked in a breath before trying again. The engine whirred but didn’t catch.
Pumping the pedal harder, she prayed she wouldn’t flood the engine.
Please. Don’t do this to me …
Suddenly the engine hummed as the Jeep vibrated to life.
“Thank you. Thank you.” Please let driving a stick shift come back. It was something she hadn’t done since college, and like many university experiences, she’d hoped to forget.
“You can do this,” she said, trying to rally. She stole a glance toward Jaden for support. He was huddled behind the debris. Tap. Tap. Tap. Flashes of light shot from the barrel of his gun. The SUV had stopped, the doors were splayed open, and men were answering the firestorm.
She slammed the gearshift into Reverse, and then jammed it back into Drive as she nailed the gas.
Inching the truck forward, she wrenched the emergency brake when the tires spun. The last thing she needed was for this baby to roll backwards at a critical moment.
Battling worsening weather conditions and her own scattered nerves, Lauren gripped the steering wheel until her knuckles went white. The sounds of gunfire tapping all around her.
Inside the Jeep felt like a time tested tornado shelter compared to what waited on the other side of the thin aluminum door.
She could do this. Just like everything else in life, when pressed, she’d found she could do almost anything. There’d been no choice then and none now. This hunk of metal on four balding tires had to roll over the barrier.
Her shoulder ached. She was tired. The surge of adrenaline wore thin, and she started to feel the pain in her legs and her lower back.
The tires spun as she eased on the gas pedal. She released the emergency brake. The truck slowly began its crawl at a frustrating pace. The wipers on the Jeep couldn’t clear slobber off a baby’s chin, and the headlights were even less effective. Water and fog combined into a thick wall that decreased visibility next to nothing.
And she hoped like everything there wouldn’t be anything else on the road. She was straining to see past the front end of the Jeep as it was. She was thankful, at least, for four-wheel drive. She prayed the thing had airba
gs.
Nope, it couldn’t — when Jaden slammed on the brakes earlier and they flew forward, an airbag would’ve come out.
The Jeep tires ground on top of branches as it continued its climb. Then came a loud thud. Lauren’s foot slipped off the gas. The Jeep rolled backward. She mashed the brake.
Lauren wiped fog from the windshield. It streaked. Damn. She couldn’t see any better. If anything, she’d just made it worse.
She nailed the gas, but nothing happened. The sound of tires spinning out reverberated in the rain, the whirring noise trapped in the space around her. No forward movement. Another crush of panic caught in her chest. Something slammed into the back of the Jeep. A bullet? Had she been hit? She scanned her shirt for blood. Relief flooded her when she found none.
Jaden?
Panic gripped her. She glanced around. No. Thank God, he was fine. She didn’t even want to think what she’d do if he was hit.
Pressing the gas pedal harder, the Jeep rocked back and forth. With a loud thump and a chug, the truck broke free, and she navigated it to the top of the hump.
But as she started over, the truck tipped forward. Sucking in a breath and squeezing her eyes shut, not really wanting to know how far she was about to free fall but needing to, Lauren tapped the gas. She needed to gather her reserves fast because the Jeep was rocking side to side against the howling wind as men with guns inched closer. Jaden wouldn’t be able to hold them off forever.
Besides, the faster she got out of there, the faster Jaden could make a run for it. The faster she’d be with him again. Even a minute without him felt like eternity. She told herself it was because he was a professional at keeping people alive and she was scared. That’s the only reason you feel so vulnerable without him. Right?
Clamping down the urge to yell for help, she leaned forward and nailed the gas. Shifting her weight did the trick. The Jeep rolled forward and then downhill.
Relief washed over her, until she realized she was alone again.
Jaden had told her to go, but where?
The sound of rapid gunfire nearly stopped her heart. Her pulse galloped.
Oh. No. Jaden.
Every bone in Lauren’s body cried out to turn the Jeep around and go back to find him. Her fingers gripped the wheel harder. Her knuckles burned.
