It was a small marina, with only about a dozen boats moored at any one time. There was a tiny shop which sold tackle, bait, snacks, and snorkeling gear, plus motorboats could fill up on gas. But it was still early and no one was about.
She decided to greet him as he arrived and invite him back to the cottage for coffee. It was the neighborly thing to do, rather than hiding in the dark and spying on the mysterious stranger. She made a damn good cup of coffee; besides it was a better way to learn his secrets than by snooping.
Once the boat was moored she saw him jump off, and tie up. She was about to call out to him, when suddenly she realized he wasn't alone. A man came from below to the deck, then reached behind him to assist a child of perhaps seven or eight. The boy was thin and ragged, the same as the man. They looked wet and bedraggled, and Kayla had a horrible feeling that her earlier remarks about Sean being a smuggler might be correct after all.
Had he met a boat out in the open water between here and Cuba, and transported the illegal immigrants into the country? Was that how he made his money? How he was able to afford three month’s rent up front? Her mother said he’d paid in cash. What would he do if she confronted him? Would he deny it, threaten her, or simply turn around and disappear? She had no credit information.
Who did that nowadays? That should have been the first clue that he was up to no good. Yet, wait a sec. He'd paid for the rental car with his credit card. Did she still have a copy of that transaction? She turned and was about to quietly slip away and find out, when she happened to hear him speak Spanish with the small, wiry man.
The father of the boy returned to the boat, lifted something off the floor and carefully shifted that weight to Sean, standing with his arms spread wide. From where Kayla stood it looked like a body. Had someone died? Murdered? Was this secretive guest of theirs someone who'd bring illegal immigrants into the country and get rid of the ones who died while crossing?
The thought made her shudder. Her heart thundered in her chest and her skin broke out in a sweat. She fell back into the shadows, watching the men as they carried the body down the ramp, over the mangroves, to disappear amongst the cabins.
She followed slowly, her stomach clenched, her mind in denial. She was a good judge of character and she truly did not think Sean Flannigan was dangerous or mixed up in bad business. But how could she know for sure? There was only one way to find out the nature of his secrets.
Before she could talk herself out if it, she walked up to his cottage and knocked firmly on the door. She heard Sean say something to the people inside, but not being fluent in Spanish, she didn't understand.
She knocked again. "Sean. It's me, Kayla."
After a few seconds he opened the door two inches. He'd taken his shirt off and was using a towel to dry his sandy brown hair, probably hoping she'd think he’d just gotten out of the shower. "What can I do for you?" he asked, his accent pronounced. "It's a little early for a social visit."
"You can stop the act, Sean." She pushed the door wide. "I know you're hiding some people inside. What I don't know is who or why."
Sean shook his head, spraying water on her, then scratched his chest. Still faking. "I was just getting dressed. Can this wait?"
She brushed past him. "Where are they?"
"Where is who?" he asked politely, stepping aside.
He was every bit as good as an actress as her dear mother. She put her hands on her hips, breathed in and out, and tried not to stare at his tanned muscular chest. No fair, him taking his damn shirt off. It was distracting.
"The people from the boat. I saw you. You can't deny it." Before he could answer, she walked down the hall and opened the door to his bedroom, but it was empty. "I was out for my jog, and I saw a man and a boy on your boat. Where have you hidden them?" She went to the second bedroom, not knowing what she'd find when she opened the door.
What if someone was dead? She didn't have her cell on her, and even if she did, how long would it take the police to arrive? This smuggler and the immigrants could be long gone by the time the local cops showed up, leaving her with a dead body to explain.
"It's not what you think,” Sean said, stepping toward her. His brown hair curled over his ears, his demeanor calm.
She glanced back at him, her hand on the doorknob. "Were you helping them into the country illegally? Is that why you're staying in this cabin, so close to the pier? Using your boat to bring people across?"
He slowly shook his head. "Go home, Kayla. Everything will be fine. I’ve done nothing wrong. Trust me."
Her stomach knotted. "Trust you? You’ve been close-mouthed and guarded since you arrived.” She tapped the door of the bedroom. “You're hiding people in my cabin. I own this place, and I won't have any illegal activities going on."
Hearing a noise, she looked once more at Sean, hoping he’d tell her the truth. When he didn’t, she opened the door. Inside, she saw a man and the boy sitting on the floor between the bed and the wall. Beside them lay a woman, breathing heavily, her belly swollen.
Dark, wet hair clung in lank hunks against the woman’s pale cheeks. Her lips, blue and trembling, parted as she fought for even breaths. Attempting to sit up, the pregnant mother dug her hands into her thighs and moaned in pain.
“Is she in labor?” Kayla asked, her hand to her throat.
Sean put a steadying grip on her shoulder. “Her name is Juanita. The father is Miguel, and the lad here is Raul. If you give me a minute, I can explain.”
"Oh my God!" Her eyes switched from the huddled, frightened family back to Sean. "She's having a baby right now?"
"Looks that way."
"Well, don't just stand there,” Kayla said, pushing away from the doorjamb. “Call for an ambulance."
"I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Sean said, his tones much too relaxed for the situation. “Juanita's already in labor and we can't risk moving her. Besides, she needs to have the baby here."
Kayla pointed at the family staring between her and Sean, sensing their vulnerability. Fear. The little boy’s large brown eyes beseeched her to help them. "Here?” She dropped her voice to a lower, calmer, octave, walking into the kitchen and out of view. “Why? The baby could die—or the mother might. What exactly is going on? And don't you dare lie to me!"
Sean reached her side and took her face into his hands. He gazed into her eyes for a long moment, as if deciding whether or not he could trust her.
Trust her? What about him?
She shook loose. "Tell me, or I'm calling the cops."
"Their raft capsized and I found them about a mile out, clinging to a piece of driftwood.” Sean tilted his head toward the bedroom, his voice cool as if he picked up strangers all the time. “As you probably know thousands of Cubans flee their country every year, and it's a dangerous crossing. These people are desperate, Kayla. Desperate enough to risk their lives to get here. And damn lucky they didn't get caught."
"You rescued them? You're not trafficking or smuggling, or selling their body parts?" She wanted to believe him. Had an easier time imagining him as a hero.
His lips curled into a half smile. "No. Did you really think I might do that?"
"Not really,” she said, leaning against the kitchen counter. “I didn't know what to think. I’m still not sure—but that woman, Juanita? Is that her name?" At his nod, she carried on. "Well, Juanita can't have a baby here, in this cottage. It isn't safe." She lifted her head and straightened her spine. Sure she felt sorry for the immigrants, but her family and their business had to come first. "I'm sorry, but you’ll have to drive them to a hospital if you won’t call an ambulance. We can't get involved. Paradise Cove is our livelihood."
"I understand,” Sean said, nodding his agreement. “I’d leave right now, but since it seems she’s in labor, I'm concerned about moving her." He gently placed his hands on her shoulders, his eyes warm with compassion. "We aren't doing anything wrong, Kayla. The law states that if they make it to American soil they’re free to stay. Ot
her countries aren't so lucky, but Cubans are welcome, thanks to President Clinton for implementing the wet foot/ dry foot policy." His thumbs pressed into her upper arms before he took a step back.
Kayla could see the concern on his face, and didn't want to add to it, but she had to be sensible, and not let emotions rule her decision. "I don't know anything about that. I would like to help, I really would, but I can't risk it. We have everything at stake. I'm sorry."
"Why don't you call for an ambulance," he spoke gently, "while I see to this woman? If the baby is born before it gets here, they can transport them all to the hospital. The family will be out of your hair, and everything will work out fine."
She followed him as he returned to the bedroom and kneeled down beside the woman. Her husband held her hand, murmuring what sounded like words of comfort, while the little boy sat cross-legged on the bed, shivering.
"I'm doing the right thing," Kayla said, feeling as though she needed to justify her actions. "I'm not being cold-hearted, just prudent under the circumstances." She glanced at the young, frightened boy. Guilt became a big lump in her throat, and she nearly choked on it.
Sean looked up at her and nodded. "Prudent is good." A small smile crept over his face. "This baby will ease the family’s way to citizenship." He turned his attention to the mother, whispering what Kayla presumed were words of encouragement.
"I need to discuss this with my mom and sisters. Maybe they can stay until the baby comes." She understood how important it was for the family to have a healthy baby and soon.
"Of course." He took the woman's fingers in his. She was curled up in a fetal position, and looked to be in agony.
Kayla backed away a few feet, wanting to hide from these people and not see their despair. "She needs a hospital. They all do. Look at them," she urged. "They need medical care." As she spoke, she grabbed an afghan from the closet and put it around the small boy's shoulders.
"You're right. They do." He held up the woman’s bare arms, covered in ugly welts. "Jellyfish bites. They're all badly bitten."
She stood there, torn between her instinct to help and fix while protecting her mother and sisters.
Sean said, "If you could have seen them clinging to that wood, a small piece of what had been their raft, and know they braved possible storms, strong currents and the very real threat of sharks, you'd know just how determined they were to leave their country behind." He rubbed his jaw. "When I asked Miguel about it, he said the raft was made from spray foam, wrapped in tarp and metal rods. The engine was from an old car."
Kayla squirmed at the image forming in her head. It wasn’t safe, by any means. "That's crazy! I can't believe anyone would be desperate enough to try crossing the straight in a thing like that."
She tried not to look at Raul. The fear in his big brown eyes just melted her heart, urging Kayla to wrap him up and protect him. But getting involved might mean landing her own family in trouble. She didn't have the solution to the immigrant issues. At this moment, Kayla just wanted these people safe, protected and handed over to professionals who would protect their rights.
"Well, unfortunately too many people do,” Sean said, sitting back on his heels. “No one knows for sure how many lives are lost, but it's believed that only one in four rafters make it to shore."
One in four? What terrible odds. "How do you know this stuff?"
"I had a lot of spare time when I was sailing around for the past month." Sean kept his eye on Juanita as she took shallow breaths. "I'd seen the Coast Guard patrolling the straits, and found it interesting enough to read up on."
"Speaking of the Coast Guard, we need to alert the authorities and tell them they’re here. You can explain to Homeland Security or Immigration, or whoever's in charge, just how you rescued them at sea." He could be a hero; she’d be out of trouble.
"That's the problem,” Sean said with a slight shrug, glancing at her over his shoulder. “They didn't make it by themselves. My rescue at sea could mean they have "wet foot." Not sure how that would play out. Might mean they'd be deported."
Ah. "I see. Well, that makes things more difficult, doesn't it?"
"Guess it does." He shrugged. "There's something else you should know. I'm a doctor, Kayla.”
She blinked. Why would a doctor be hiding away like a recluse in her humble little cottage instead of doing what he was trained to do? Except today, he was. Fighting to save these people, rescuing them from certain death.
“I'm just asking for a few hours, until they’re strong enough to leave. Then we can call the authorities. I'm sure there's some protocol that has to be followed, but first I want to deliver a healthy baby, a US citizen. Don't you?"
She chewed on her bottom lip. He had a compelling argument, but what were the consequences of helping them illegally? She took a few steps back. "I'm going to get something for their jellyfish bites and talk this through with my family. I want the same things you do, but we also have a business to protect." Her stomach was roiling, making her slightly nauseas. "I'm worried, that's all."
"I don't want to cause you or your family any trouble." He glanced at the woman and her husband, then swore softly. Sean got to his feet, and led Kayla from the bedroom.
"What?" she asked. His firm touch was oddly comforting.
"Change of mind.” He scowled and released his hold on her arm. “This isn't fair for me to put you in this situation. Hell, I rescued them. I’ll take them back to the boat, deliver the baby there. It's better not to involve you in this. I wasn’t thinking beyond their long-term safety. I should have considered yours, too. Go back to bed, Kayla."
She heaved a sigh, and kept her head lowered. “Give me a moment. I have to think.” Her mind swirled. This was dangerous business.
Of course she wanted to help! Yet neither of them knew the legal implications. Paradise Cove Cottages might lose their operating license for assisting Sean and the Cuban immigrants. She couldn’t risk that. If he went back to the boat, all she had to do was return to her own cabin and pretend this never happened. She didn't have to worry her mom and sisters over this. All was good.
Kayla lifted her head, having made her practical decision. Their eyes met and her heart shifted. A cloud of doubt dissipated as she held his unwavering gaze. He was a good man. Brooding and dark, but courageous and strong. He cared deeply about these people. Having saved them once, he was fighting to save them again.
She sighed, and her shoulders slumped in surrender. She couldn't do what he asked.
"Leave them be." Kayla straightened her shoulders, going into management mode. "A few hours won't matter. Tell me what you need. More towels? Hot water. Help me here. I've only seen this done on TV."
His brown eyes lit up, and she was struck again by that zing she’d felt at the pool yesterday. He had a wide sensual mouth that looked particularly good spread in a big grin. "Vinegar to treat the jellyfish bites, and tweezers to help remove the tentacles. Sheets to protect your floor. A jug of water. Food. It could be a long day, or night."
"Forget the floor. Put that poor woman on the bed. I have an old comforter that I'll bring and she can lay on that. You can save them both, can't you? No one is going to die."
Something dark flashed across his face. "No one will die."
"What kind of doctor are you?"
"I'm a cardiac surgeon. A specialist. I haven’t delivered a baby since med school." He shrugged. "But I'm sure I'll remember enough."
She nodded and backed down the hall. "Hopefully, my family will agree to let them stay. But only for a few hours." She turned and raced to get supplies.
***
Sean released a long breath. He sure hadn't expected Kayla’s understanding, figuring he might have to carry Juanita back to his boat and deliver the baby there. The cabin was a hundred times better than the narrow, rocking boat, and it was going to be tricky enough.
Juanita was delivering two months early, and the woman was both in shock and in poor health. It was obvious that she and
the boy were malnourished. The father was wiry, without an extra ounce to spare. He had no idea when they’d eaten their last good meal.
He told Miguel what was going on, telling him to get his wife comfortable, and then left to make breakfast. It was going to be a long morning and they would all need some nourishment. He made a large pot of coffee, and glanced in his refrigerator, wishing he'd bought a dozen eggs. He had some Egg Beaters, milk, cheese and bread for toast. That would have to do.
He put the first three items in a bowl, whisked it and had it simmering on the stove when Kayla waltzed back in. She was carrying the comforter, towels, a water jug, and extra sheets and dumped them on the sofa. "Is that coffee I smell?"
"Help yourself." He took down an extra cup from the cupboard, and offered her some milk, not having bought cream or sugar. "How did your family take it?" He turned off the back burner, then grabbed some plates and set them near the toaster.
"They’ve agreed for the moment." She drank her coffee quickly, then put the cup on the counter.
"Okay. Thanks. I’ll do my best to keep you from being involved." He sipped his coffee, studying her. She'd showered and taken off that sports bra and her tight fitting Nike gym shorts. Shame really. He didn't get to feast his eyes on a body like that every day. She wore a pink Paradise Cottages tee, and jean shorts that came to mid-thigh.
"What are you looking at?"
"Sorry, if I was staring," he answered, lifting his gaze. "Just thinking."
"Well think more, and stare less," she told him. She folded her arms under her breasts and leaned against the counter. "I still have some questions."
"Go ahead. Ask away."
She gnawed on her bottom lip. "I was just wondering how you managed to find them clinging to a hunk of wood in the dark, if the Coast Guard didn't? And how in the world did you get three people out of the water and onto your boat?"
"I tossed a life preserver, but when they couldn't reach it I knew they were in trouble. I jumped in and managed to get Juanita safe. Raul and his dad still had the wood they were clinging to and paddled over to the ladder. When they climbed into the boat, Miguel was able to help me get his wife on board."
PARADISE COVE (PARADISE SERIES Book 1) Page 5