by Kelly Wood
“You’re a drug smuggler?” Gray asked Guy in English, pointing to the cash.
“How else would I have access to a private plane?” Guy asked a question in response, shrugging his shoulders.
“Silencio! There can be no witnesses,” Number One said, his eyes flashed with anger.
Guy waved him off. “He doesn’t understand what he is seeing and he doesn’t speak Spanish. This is Central America. Who would he tell?”
“How about we kill him just to be sure?” Number One said. Gray tried, but failed, to keep his face from showing his surprise and fear. “He knows enough Spanish, it seems. Look at him.”
Gray inched back toward the open passenger door. He put his arms up in silent surrender.
“Kill him. It’ll save me the trouble,” Guy said. Spanish still being used when he addressed the others.
Gray tensed at Guy’s words but his gut told him that Guy was bluffing. He didn’t actually want Gray dead. At least, not yet, or what was the point of dragging him all this way? Guy still wanted or needed something from Gray.
Number One pulled his gun out and aimed. Once he started to move, Gray reacted. He grabbed his bag from the seat and ducked around the open car door. The shot echoed around him, but the door kept it from hitting him. Gray ran toward the trees, keeping as low as possible, his tall frame making it nearly impossible. Once he entered the tree line, he zigzagged between trees for cover.
Multiple shots rang out, Gray assumed all three men were now shooting. The drug runners clearly wanted him dead, and Guy would rather he died than escape. Gray ducked down behind a large tree and tried to plan an escape route.
Sweat beaded his forehead from the exertion and pain radiated in his side. Gray took large pants of air to catch his breath. The shooting stopped. The silence that followed was deafening. Gray guessed they were locking up the money before following him. Time to move. He pushed off the tree and plunged further into the woods. He took each step with caution, barely making a sound. Unlike his pursuers. The men entered the woods behind him, louder than an elephant stampede. Gray could hear every step they took. They weren’t trying to be quiet about giving chase. They slowed down as they neared his position, taking caution.
A mosquito bit Gray’s arm, but he refrained from swatting it. Any movement or sound could give away his position. The waterfalls roared to his left, but Gray couldn’t see the moving water through the trees.
The river was fast-moving, so Gray decided to head for it. Maybe he could jump in and swim to the next town? The fall alone might kill him since the river was a thirty-foot drop down the side of a cliff. Of course, a bullet definitely could kill me, he thought.
Gray tensed his muscles to spring up and run for the water. His wound sent a hot branding iron of pain into his side. He grunted from the small movement. A swim was out. Gray might not have the strength to keep his head above the water. What he really needed was a place to hide out and rest until the men left. The woods weren’t an option. They would eventually find him hiding behind a tree. And, with the pain intensifying, Gray wouldn’t have the strength to pull himself up into a tree and wait. Plus, it would be full light soon. He would be spotted eventually.
The caves were an option. But with Guy living here as a full-time resident, he would know about them. If Guy, or one of the others, found Gray in one of the caves, it would be like shooting fish in a barrel.
Gray thought Guy was only acting when he told the men to shoot him. Gray believed Guy still wanted him alive. Guy may lead the men away from the falls so he could come for Gray later. But was Gray willing to risk it? Was he willing to risk his life on a guess and a feeling?
A twig snapping had Gray turning his head toward the sound. They were closer than he expected. He’d hoped the men would’ve taken longer to lock up the money before chasing him. His mind wandering and trying to formulate a plan had distracted him from his surroundings.
Gray made a decision. He felt around on the ground until his hand closed over a good-sized rock. He threw it to his right. The rock hit a tree twenty-feet away falling into the underbrush below it. He hoped the distraction would give him enough time to gain some distance.
“Over there!”
All three men moved toward the sound. Gray stood up and ran toward the water. Throwing the rock had cost him, his side screamed in agony, but he kept going. The sound of the water grew louder as he neared the river. He cleared the line of trees and picked up his pace. He would be exposed until he could climb down the cliff.
Shots rang out as the men followed him. Dirt kicked up in front of him from a bullet hitting the ground. Gray kept going. He felt the butterfly bandages rip open and the wound start to bleed again. Gray pressed his hand to his side to staunch the bleeding.
Gray reached the side of the cliff. He ignored the stairs to his left that led down to an observation deck. He tucked his right leg under him and slid over the side. He reached out and grabbed onto a support post as he fell over the side of the cliff. His wound tore open even more from the jolt of catching his body weight. He swung under the deck and used it for cover. He couldn’t see anything under the boards. He used his sense of touch to feel for handholds and footholds in the cliffside. He prayed silently the whole time that he would choose wisely where to place his weight.
Footsteps echoed above him as the men stepped onto the platform. Gray held his breath. His muscles strained to hold himself still. Blood tickled as it ran down his stomach.
“Where did he go?” Guy asked. “I don’t see him.”
A gunshot rang out, making Gray’s ears ring. A bullet tore through the planking the men were standing on and hit the rockface next to Gray’s foot. Gray yelped, giving away his position.
Chapter Seventeen
Regan Harris
Driving down CA-5
Honduras
Ben drove the car with Liam riding shotgun. Gracie, Jax and I were crammed in the back seat together. Our bags were piled on top of each other in the hatchback. A GPS unit built into the dashboard of the car gave Ben directions to G and G Brewery and Hostel. Carl had texted Jax a confirmation only minutes after Jax asked to compare the two faces. I resigned myself to believing Guy and Garcia were one person. I was mad at myself for not recognizing him when I saw him blow up the pool.
“Tell us what you can about the hostel,” Ben said to me. “You’ve been there?”
“Yes. Gray and I stayed there for a week once. The place is great. It’s in the middle of the jungle. Small cabins are spread out with walkways connecting them. It’s quite charming,” I said.
“And you remember Guy/Garcia?” Liam asked.
“I do. We didn’t interact with him much but a tourist went missing on our first day. He organized the search. Gray and I helped look for her.”
Ben nodded his head, taking in the information. “What else? Other than the cabins, what other places are there at the lodge?”
“The center of the property hosts a small restaurant with outdoor seating. There’s also a pool there. That’s where all the guests hang out because it’s the only place with WIFI access.”
“It sounds more like a resort than a hostel,” Jax said.
“To Americans, hostels are scary places where serial killers find their next victim. To travelers on a budget, they’re great. I prefer them over hotels,” I said.
“Why?” Jax asked, disgust in her voice. I think she’d seen one too many scary movies.
“What do you do in hotels?” I asked.
“You sleep and watch TV and shower.”
“Alone in your room. If you have a few hours to kill, you stay in your room. Alone. In hostels, there’s always a common area. People gather there to talk, drink a beer, share a cigarette. You get to meet people from all over the world. You make friends. You share stories and make recommendations on other places in the area to see. It’s great,” I said.
“So, that’s where most of the people will be? By the restaurant?” Ben asked. He met m
y eyes in the review mirror.
“Mostly. During the day, most of the people staying there will be out on excursions. Hiking volcanos, caving behind Pulhapanzak, trekking. Gray and I did all of those things. In the early afternoon and evening, people will gather at the restaurant. Or sit around the fire pit and talk.” My voice was wistful with fond memories of staying at G and G. Gray and I had made many friends there on our visit.
“Is that how you knew Guy? I mean, Garcia?” Gracie asked. I glanced her way. She had sat quietly until now.
“Yes. Gray and I met him a few times. We’d see him around the property. Catch glimpses of him, but we only spoke to him a few times throughout the week.”
“About what?” Gracie asked.
“Well, he asked where we were from and what we were doing. Looking back, I see he was especially interested in Gray’s life. We didn’t think anything of it. Travelers naturally share a lot of personal information.” A thought occurred to me. “Do you think Guy seeing Gray brought all this on? Everyone says Gray is the spitting image of his father at that age.”
“Maybe. Most likely we’ll never know,” Liam said.
“You didn’t recognize him in Las Vegas?” Jax asked.
“No. He looked different. Head shaved. Different clothes. The thought never crossed my mind that I knew him,” I answered.
“It’s like seeing your maid at a fancy restaurant. It’s so out of context that her face doesn’t register,” Ben said.
“Uh, sure,” Jax said. She rolled her eyes at me, and I stifled a giggle. With the possible exception of Gracie, the rest of us didn’t have firsthand knowledge of maids.
“Does Guy live on the property?” Ben asked.
“Yes. Guy has a small cottage behind the restaurant. There’s also a larger building near it where the staff live. I never saw either, though. I only heard the staff talk about them. I think it’s more dorm-style living.”
“We’ll start there. You said it’s away from the others?” Ben asked.
“Yes. More private. But we won’t be able to get to it without booking a room.”
Liam turned around in his seat. “Why? What haven’t you told us?”
“The main entrance is gated. Only guests and staff are allowed in.”
“No one else?” Liam asked.
“Some local teachers used to come in for a beer at night. But they were well-known by the staff,” I said. “It’s private. Not the kind of place where people pop in for food or drink.”
“Why is the property gated? Is that necessary?” Jax asked. I gave her a look.
“Yes. I don’t know if the fence goes completely around the property or tapers out. The jungle would be a natural barrier for most of the place. To answer your question, Jax, Central America can be very dangerous. Drugs come from South America and the clear route to the US is straight north. Most homes are gated with barbed wire and broken bottles adding more protection from people trying to go over the walls,” I said.
I forgot sometimes that a lot of people from the US didn’t experience impoverished countries the way I did. Ben had travelled extensively but first-class hotels offered a different experience. Gracie has been locked in Las Vegas by Michael. Liam, I didn’t know about. And Jax preferred all-inclusive resorts over any other type of accommodation.
“Back to the drug kingpins,” Jax said.
“Don’t worry. The general rule of thumb is to leave them alone and they will leave you alone. I was just explaining the need for security. That’s all.”
“Let’s focus on our plan,” Liam said. “When we get there, I’ll rent us cabins so we have access. Let’s leave most of our stuff in the car so we can make a hasty exit after finding Gray. We’ll start with Guy’s house and expand the search from there.” Liam had switched to his cop mode, planning and executing the search and rescue as best he could.
“I’m not going back,” Gracie said in a whisper but everyone in the vehicle heard her.
“What?” All heads turned toward her.
Gracie turned away from looking out the window to address us. “I’m not going back. I’ve lost my husband for thirty years. I’m staying.”
“He kidnapped Gray!” I said. “And stabbed him,” I tacked on as an afterthought.
“And I’m sure he is very sorry for that. He was forced into a situation that he didn’t want. Guy wanted me. Our baby. A new life. Instead, he was assaulted and left for dead before Gray’s father sent him away. I’m staying,” she reiterated.
“But you can’t.” I turned in my seat, smushing Jax farther into the door.
“She can,” Liam said. “She’s an adult. She can make her own decisions.”
“But I thought you loved Gray. And Guy hurt Gray,” I pointed out.
Gracie took my hands in hers and looked me in the eye before she spoke. “If you saw Gray stab someone, or shoot someone, would you turn away from him? Or would you want to know his side of the story?”
I hesitated. Gracie had me and she knew it. I wouldn’t trust what my eyes had seen if Gray hurt someone in front of me. I would defend him. I would believe there was an explanation, or desperation involved.
“I’m sorry Guy hurt Gray. I’m sorry we were all hurt in this. But Michael and Frank brought it on themselves. You and I were nothing more than collateral damage. I still love him, Regan. I’m staying. For now, at least. Once we find him, he may not be the person I remember. I understand that. But I’m willing to take that chance.”
Gracie’s voice pleaded with me to understand. I wanted to say I didn’t but I did. I would want Gray. Even if it had been thirty years. I would still want him and trust him.
Ben watched us in the rearview mirror, only glancing at the road ahead sporadically. The GPS indicated a turn was coming up. He looked back to the road and slowed the vehicle. I kept holding Gracie’s hands. I’d only known her for a short time, but I worried for her safety. Not physically but emotionally. She was in for a long journey ahead.
“Table the discussion. We’re here.” Ben turned again and stopped at the gate leading to G and G.
Chapter Eighteen
Gray Thomas
Clinging to cliff
Pulhapanzak Falls, Honduras
Sweat dripped down Gray’s chin as he hung onto the support beam. The men above him argued about how to get to him. Since his cover was blown, Gray made his way down the side of the cliff and toward the water as quickly as he could, keeping the deck and rocks between him and them. Getting shot wasn’t an option today.
As he neared, the spray from the falls drenched him. His feet slipped constantly from the water soaking his shoes, but he gritted his teeth and kept moving.
Gray looked up to see Number Two climb over the railing and head toward him. Gray picked up his pace. He had about ten feet to go when another shot was fired. The bullet hit inches from Gray’s head. The rock and dirt thrown back from the impact cut his face and got in his eyes. His eyes instantly watered hoping for relief from the stinging.
On instinct, Gray reached for his face to clear his vision. The hand holding him to the side of the cliff slipped and his footing gave way. Gray fell back and hit the water with a splash. Gray managed to gasp in a breath of air before submerging. He held what little air he had in his lungs and swam under the water, against the current. With any luck, the men would think he’d been hit and would continue their search downstream.
If he remembered correctly, there was a large boulder he could hide behind. Excursions into the caves climbed over the boulder. Swimming around it, against the current and injured, was much more difficult and took longer. Gray reached the massive rock and used it to pull himself around. His lungs were burning with the need for air but he couldn’t surface yet, not until the rock would provide some cover for him. His backpack felt like a fifty-pound weight pushing down on him. His feet dragged with every kick from his waterlogged shoes. He wanted to kick them off but couldn’t afford the time it would take. With one last pull, he moved around t
he boulder and exploded from the water. He gulped in air, his body relieved to feel it filling his lungs again.
After a few minutes, Gray peeked around the rock. Number Two still hung to the side of the cliff, looking around for any signs of Gray. Guy and Number One stood on the platform searching for him. Both men looked downriver, expecting him to have moved with the flow of the water.
Gray put his back to the rock and got his bearings. He was on the edge of the river. The water was about waist-high to him though he didn’t stand up. Tears leaked from his eyes from the pain in his side. They ran down his face, blending with the river water.
There was a five-foot gap Gray needed to cross to get to the falls themselves. He would be exposed the whole time and it would be slow going. The rocks under his feet were coated in algae and quite slippery. Gray took his shoes and socks off and let the river carry them away.
Gray checked around the boulder but quickly ducked back down. Guy and the others were looking in his direction. Gray counted to one hundred and checked again. All heads were turned away. Gray kept his body low, with his head barely above the waterline. He used his bare toes to grip the slippery rocks below. The current was too strong to attempt swimming under the water. Sharp, jagged edges cut into the soles of his feet as he pushed himself forward, but he kept moving. Now wasn’t the time to take tentative steps. He needed speed.
The spray from the falls worsened as he neared it. He kept his head down and breathed through his mouth. The feeling of walking through a waterfall felt like drowning. Water hit him from every direction. He was soaked to the bone, waterlogged. His jeans chafed against his thighs. His side burned. He wanted to curl into a ball and give up.
But he wouldn’t. He needed to get away. He needed his babysitters to give up and leave. He needed to find Regan. If she found his last clue, she would be heading straight into the lion’s den at G and G Hostel. She’d have no way of knowing that he wasn’t even there, and, more importantly, she’d have no way of knowing where he actually was.