Amazon Burning (A James Acton Thriller, #10)

by J. Robert Kennedy

  “Is there anything I can do?”

  Milton shook his head, plopping himself into his wheelchair, slight relief written on his face.

  Acton motioned toward the chair with his chin. “Maybe you should try sleeping in that tonight.”

  Milton’s head bobbed in agreement as he guided himself out the door and down the hall toward the deck. “Not a bad idea, but it might compress my spine being upright so long.”

  Acton sighed, two worries now on his mind. He had to get Laura, but he also didn’t want his friend to relapse, perhaps losing the mobility he had gained through such hard work. “Maybe we should send the boat back with you on it. This might take a few more days.”

  Milton shook his head. “No can do. Got a call late last night. Leather and his team are here.” Acton’s heart leapt with hope. “They’ll be parachuting in late this afternoon, early evening. And they’re going to need the boat.”

  “Why?”

  When Milton explained the plan, Acton shook his head in disbelief. “Those Special Ops guys are effin’ nuts.”

  “Tell me about it. Thank God we have them.”

  “Amen to that.” Acton looked at his watch. “But we can’t wait for them. We’ll lose another day, especially if they don’t get here until evening.”

  “Agreed,” said Milton, positioning his chair at the aft of the boat, Acton perching on the edge of a chair beside him, looking out at the village. People were starting to move, most like zombies, their joints still impaired from the overindulgences the night before. “Where’s Hugh?”

  Acton grinned. “Our friend got a little somethin’ somethin’ last night.”

  “No kidding!”

  “All damned night from the sounds of it.”

  “Hugh Reading, breaking hearts the world over.”

  Acton laughed knowing full well Reading would cuss Milton out if he heard that one, last night’s actions not in the man’s character from what Acton knew.

  But sometimes you just have to let go.

  The poor man had been alone for so long, blowing off some steam with a willing partner in the middle of the jungle was well deserved. Acton was happy for him and couldn’t wait for the ribbing to begin.

  “You’re never going to let him forget this, are you?”

  Acton winked at Milton. “You know me so well.”

  Reading woke to find himself under a blanket, his head still thick from whatever godforsaken homemade alcohol had been handed about through the night around the communal fire. As he tried to remember all the details, one thing became abundantly clear as it wiggled beside him.

  He had had sex.

  Oh god! Please don’t let it be—

  A face popped out from beneath the blanket and he sighed in relief as the young woman from yesterday smiled at him, kissing him gently. She said something to him, words that had no meaning, but she seemed content.

  “Honey, I have no idea what you’re saying, but you have no idea how relieved I am to find you here.”

  She kissed him again and he returned the kiss, which was when he discovered he was naked, a hand suddenly gripping his growing manhood. He looked about and realized he was in a communal cabin, but most people seemed to still be asleep.

  Oh, what the hell!

  His hands began to roam her incredible body, she far prettier than he was handsome. As his mind began to wonder what kind of protection they had used last night, he not in the habit of carrying condoms at his age, he remembered being tossed a strip by one of the crew.

  Thank God!

  But where were they now? As things began to grow more heated, and hard, he pushed himself up on an elbow and smiled when he found one more unopened sitting on the floor. He grabbed it then the girl yanked it from his hand, putting it on for him, obviously well versed in how they worked.

  I hope she learned that last night, otherwise she’s the camp tramp.

  But at this moment he didn’t care.

  She pushed him on his back and mounted him, both sighing in ecstasy as he got one last memory of his time with this woman whose name he had no clue of. And this time alcohol wasn’t going to interfere with the memory.

  He pulled her down and kissed her hard, hoping he wasn’t going to regret this, and as their love making progressed, slow and steady at first, then quickening in intensity as he heard her begin to climax, he did his best impression of a twenty year old in a fifty something body, leaving them both gasping and satisfied, he quite pleased with himself in the end. It was the best sex he could remember, and he was happy they had one more go at it, one that he could remember and savor for years to come.

  Somebody yelled, nothing panicky, more like an announcement, and the entire lodge stirred. He suddenly blushed, his British sensibilities returning, but his lover refused to move. Instead she continued to lay on top of him, quietly cooing in his ear, whispering words he wished he understood.

  I hope she’s not falling in love.

  He’d hate to break this young girl’s heart, but then again, it was more likely she’d break his. He was a novelty she was trying out for one night, a story she could tell her friends about, about the night she spent with the tall white man. She was a memory he could tell no one about, he the dirty old man who had “taken advantage” of a young naïve girl.

  Though that wasn’t how he felt.

  If anyone was taken advantage of here, it was him—that much was pretty clear. She knew what she wanted from the start, and she pursued him.

  He was just a little surprised and pleased that he had let her.

  The desire to just continue lying with her, to continue feeling her warm, soft body against his, to continue to make love to her throughout the day was overwhelming, but he knew he had to get up. The search for Laura would be getting underway soon, and she was far more important than another roll in the hay.

  “We have to get up, beautiful.” The words meant nothing to her, but a quick double-tap on her bum and him pushing himself up on his elbows was enough of a hint. She grinned, pushing him back down as she climbed out of bed, revealing her entire spectacular body for the first time.

  He gasped, shaking his head at how damned lucky he was.

  Nobody would believe me if I told them.

  He wondered if a cellphone picture would be appropriate, just to remind himself.

  What are you, sixteen?

  At the moment he felt it, but he thought better of capturing the moment. She quickly donned her short skirt from yesterday, then motioned for him to stay put. Returning several minutes later, she had water and some sort of plant roots that she crushed in a small bowl then mixed with the water. She then took an incredibly soft animal skin, soaked it in the mixture, and began to give him the best sponge bath he had ever had, a happy ending had by all.

  By the time they were done they were alone, sounds of activity outside making him feel guilty. He kissed her one last time, rising from bed and dressing, his clothes in a pile beside the bed. He shook out his boots, some massive insect dropping out causing him to start.

  He shook harder, smacking them together.

  Nothing.

  He tentatively put his feet in the boots, hoping to not feel anything squish or worse, bite, and was relieved to reach the steel toes without any surprises. Dressed, the young girl grabbed his arm and led him out. As they emerged into the sunlight, the entire camp turned and cheered, turning him a shade of red he hadn’t seen since he fell asleep on the French Riviera during his honeymoon so many years ago.

  The crew of the boat were particularly boisterous, jabs in Portuguese flying fast and furious, he for once happy he didn’t understand the language.

  And to his embarrassment, everyone seemed ready to go. He looked for Acton and saw him waving from the boat as he walked down the ramp, backpack strapped across his back.

  “Have a good night?” asked Acton with a grin, his teeth covered tightly behind his lips.

  “Umm, ahh, yeah, I guess you could say that.”

&n
bsp; Acton slapped him on the shoulder, returning the smile from the beaming young girl. “Well, I’ve got some good news and some bad news. What do you want first?”

  Reading hated that question. Just give me the damned news!

  “Bad news.”

  “Bad news is Greg’s back is pretty bad, and we’ve got Leather’s team parachuting in late this afternoon or early evening, and they need our help. I don’t trust the crew to follow the instructions correctly, and I’m afraid Greg will overexert himself if he has to get involved.”

  “And the good news?”

  “I need you to stay here with him.”

  “How’s that good news?”

  Acton looked at the woman on Reading’s arm. “You’ve got nothing to do until late this afternoon, and a cabin on the boat that isn’t being used that perhaps you’d like to give Kinti a tour of.”

  Reading felt himself flush as he glanced down at the woman’s smiling face. Kinti? The memory of learning her name rushed back and he felt ashamed for having forgotten it. “Kinti,” he said, smiling.

  “Hugh,” she replied, placing her hand on his chest.

  Reading cleared his throat. “Umm, well, that sounds like a good idea. I mean, me staying behind to take care of Leather’s arrival.”

  “Thought you’d agree,” winked Acton. “Keep the satphone charged and on either you or Greg at all times. And try to make sure that Greg gets some rest.”

  “Will do.”

  “Fabricio is remaining behind, Sandro will be coming with the search party, so you guys should be safe.”

  Reading nodded. “I’ve been around a few years, lad. I can take care of myself.”

  Acton laughed. “Sorry, I’m acting like a mother hen, I know. I’m just worried about Greg. I know I’m leaving things in good hands.” He slapped Reading on the shoulder then bowed slightly to Kinti who giggled, gripping Reading’s arm even tighter. “We’ll see you soon.”

  “With Laura.”

  “From your lips to God’s ears.” Acton walked toward the group, Sandro, the second mate on the boat, and the only other one who could speak English, beginning to bring him up to date on what was happening.

  Apparently even Fabricio doesn’t trust his men.

  Reading pointed to the boat and Kinti nodded, smiling. They climbed the ramp and he introduced her to Milton, then made some excuse to go below. Milton grinned.

  So I’m transparent.

  He opened the door to his cabin and found it in shipshape condition, just like he had left it.

  With an entire large box of condoms sitting on the pillow.

  Kinti grinned, pulling him inside and closing the door.

  She’s going to be the death of me.

  She quickly stripped him down, pushed him on the bed then jumped on top of him.

  But what a way to go!

  One Day’s Travel from Rio Negro, Northern Amazon, Brazil

  It was a feast Laura Palmer thought she could never partake in, but Tuk had insisted, in a pleasant way, and she was curious. She had eaten snake meat on several occasions, but never one as large as a female Green Anaconda. This thing must have been approaching ten meters in length, with the girth of a small man.

  And they had killed it, together.

  After lying on the ground for several minutes, Tuk had jumped up and immediately gutted and skinned the creature, taking large chunks of the meat and cooking it over a fire made from the fat reserves of the female. Tuk clearly was visibly upset about so much of the creature going to waste, it obviously not his people’s way, but there was little choice. She was certain the jungle would lay claim to the rest of the carcass and none would go to waste.

  The taste was as expected, it similar to other snakes she had eaten, but just with bigger chunks—chicken with a hint of fish, but not as chewy as chicken. The flavor really came from the roasting over the fire, and some type of herb mixture Tuk sprinkled over it, a tiny animal skin pouch for just such an occasion tucked away in his larger bag.

  Once she got over what she was eating, and positioned herself so there was no risk of seeing their kill below, she had stuffed herself on the white meat, sleeping heavily, Tuk only feet away, both exhausted.

  And this morning they were pushing forward, and had already been doing so for hours. Tuk had cooked a lot of extra meat and was liberally handing it out to her, to the point where she was too full, having to refuse him otherwise she might find herself throwing up with the pace they were keeping.

  Why so fast today?

  She had the impression that today he wasn’t just heading in a direction, but heading to a specific location, he stopping occasionally it seemed to get his bearings. They were going at such a speed she was having a hard time marking their trail, and had to admit on occasion she just plumb forgot. This never lasted more than a few minutes, but she had to remember she was a hostage. Stockholm Syndrome was real, and if she weren’t careful, she’d fall into its trap. She was creating a bond with him for her survival so that James and the others would have time to follow her trail and rescue her.

  She couldn’t risk thinking that Tuk was a real friend with no maleficent intentions. He had kidnapped her, he had some obvious plan, which she still thought involved eventual marriage or their tribal equivalent. And that meant sex.

  Which meant rape, no matter how nice he planned to be about it.

  I need some way to delay whatever ceremony he has planned!

  She again thought of faking an injury, perhaps a twisted ankle, and again thought better of it. It was essential to mark their path if she were to survive.

  And if she were to be ultimately raped while awaiting rescue?

  She’d deal with it when the time came.

  She felt her chest tighten slightly at the thought of it, at the thought of what her beloved James might think. She knew he was a good man, a fair man, and wouldn’t blame her, but she would have been with another man, voluntarily or not.

  And if she wasn’t careful, Stockholm Syndrome might just have her forgiving the poor, simple, weak man who had kidnapped her, allowing him to do with her as he pleased to make things easier until rescue.

  Are you kidding me?

  A flash of anger overcame her defeatist attitude. Rape was rape. Sex without consent was rape. And she’d fight any bastard who intended to rape her tooth and nail, no matter how nice they were, or how good a friend they became. She was the master of her own body, and no one was going to take it without a fight.

  Tuk seemed to sense a change in her demeanor and he gave her a thumbs up with a questioning, “Okay?”, something she had taught him last night after their ordeal.

  She nodded and forced a smile on her face. “Okay.”

  They crossed a small creek and he suddenly seemed excited, pointing slightly to the left of the meandering water source and urging her forward. As they pushed through the underbrush, suddenly they came upon a clearing and what she saw in the center had her heart leap into her throat.

  “James, help me!”

  Tuk was quite pleased at the time they had made, and as they entered the clearing, he was also pleased to see no one else was making use of the Cleansing Pit. He wasn’t surprised, it was a rare ritual, but the pit was always kept prepared just in case there was a need.

  And today there was a need.

  Suddenly Lau-ra screamed something and turned to run. He grabbed her by the arm, pulling her toward the pit.

  “Don’t worry, the Mother will protect you!”

  She struggled against him, the first time she had really done so in the two days they had been together, and it almost shocked him at first. Didn’t she come willingly? She was a Spirit Person, the Woman of Light. If she hadn’t wanted to come, there was no way he could have taken her, but she had let him.

  “Please, calm down, you won’t be hurt. It’s just the Cleansing Pit. You need to be cleansed before we can be mated. I thought that was what you wanted?”

  They were at the edge now, a rope, tied
to a nearby tree, hung in the pit just in case someone happened to fall in accidentally. He had heard of the occasional animal being found at the bottom, but that was rare, the pit not hidden like a trap. Most animals gave it a wide berth. He grabbed the rope with his free hand and placed it in Lau-ra’s hand. She threw it away, shaking her head, shouting something.

  It sounded negative.

  And it angered him, slightly.

  If she weren’t going to climb into the pit voluntarily like most did, then he had no choice but to put her in himself. But it was the depth of almost two men, so tossing her inside might kill her. He quickly wrapped the rope around her arm, yanking on it, causing her to yelp in pain, then he pushed her over the edge.

  Instinct took over.

  She reached up with her free hand and grabbed the rope as she fell, smacking into the earthen wall with a grunt, tears pouring down her cheeks as she screamed at him. He pointed at the floor, jabbing his spear for emphasis, and she lowered herself, finally letting go of the rope. He yanked it out, tossing it away from the pit.

  He motioned for her to be quiet and she acquiesced, apparently realizing it was too late for her now. It was essential she remain calm. She would need her strength for the upcoming ordeal. But how to explain it to her? She certainly recognized the pit from her previous life before the Spirit World.

  Perhaps she had died in one?

  If that were so, then the Mother hadn’t found her worthy.

  Would that mean now, in this second chance at life, the Mother would once again find her not worthy? Would he return here at the end of the ritual to find her dead, once again departed to the Spirit World?

  Was that even possible?

  He wondered. He had heard of spirits taking human form, but had always been told it was usually forbidden unless there was some specific purpose to be served for the Mother. In this case he had simply assumed the purpose was for him to find a mate so he could procreate and help his tribe expand and continue to honor the Mother.