“I don’t want to lose you.” Her voice was tight as it pushed past her emotions. She buried her face into his shirt. “But I’m so scared. What if we never get free? I can’t watch you and Eva suffer, knowing it’s because of me.”
“Shh.” He curved his body around hers, wrapping her in his protection. “We’re going to figure this out. I promise. Remember, I’m good at this, really good.”
She sniffed and nodded against his chest. He was right. Maybe this wouldn’t end in her witnessing her loved ones die. Eva whimpered in her sleep on the mattress.
“Come on. Let’s get some shuteye.” Derrick kissed Kiki one last time, then led her to the bed.
When she scooted to the middle, Eva rolled over and snuggled against Kiki’s chest. Fear tried to bubble its way back to the top of her thoughts, but she pushed it down. She wrapped her arms around Eva, determined to do everything she could to keep her niece safe. The mattress dipped, and Derrick curled up against her back, wrapping his arm around both her and Eva. Kiki closed her eyes and breathed out. Together, they’d all escape. She lifted that thought up in prayer as she drifted to sleep.
Seventeen
The birds squawked in the jungle, signaling the start of a new day. Derrick took a deep breath, not wanting to move from where he held Kiki and Eva. What was he thinking, telling her she held his heart? He’d barely held in telling her the entire truth and declaring his love like some sappy movie. Talk about jumping into a relationship full steam.
His lips twitched up with the memory of her saying she didn’t want to lose him. When they got out of this mess, he wasn’t wasting any more time. A monkey shrieked outside, sending a shiver down his spine, and the rest of what she’d said slammed into his brain, cooling his hope. He had to get them out first.
He had to stay alert.
Think through every contingency.
Be ready to attack when the opportunity arose, otherwise they’d all just become another statistic of the Columbian crime ring. He took one more breath of Kiki, infusing himself with purpose, and carefully lifted his arm from around those he’d risk anything for.
He sat up and stared at the two snuggled together. How had Kiki slept with Eva’s arm wrapped around the back of her neck like it was? Eva’s mouth hung open as she softly snored.
Would this be his and Kiki’s future? Her tanned arms holding their children while they slept? He hungered for that more than he’d ever wanted anything. Would she give up the guilt she felt for her family’s corruption?
Son, you can’t keep blaming yourself for Josiah’s death. No one’s condemning you for that mistake, bud.
Derrick shook his head as his father’s words from the last time Derrick had visited replayed in his ears. Could he help show her that any blame she held was forgiven? Could he share his own past to help heal her future?
Your mom and I want you to be free of this burden, to live your life for yourself rather than what you think Josiah would’ve done.
The sun shone through the high window, heating Derrick’s already sticky skin. He’d tried to convince his dad that wasn’t what he was doing, that his need to always be prepared had nothing to do with failing Josiah. The conversation was more to convince himself than his father.
It’s just, I pray you find peace, peace with yourself and peace in God.
The heat spread through him, searing all the way to his fingers and toes. Why was he thinking about this now? His heart hammered in his chest and goosebumps covered his skin, though humidity hung thick and stifling in the air. He wanted that peace his father talked about, that God had promised. Derrick hung his head. He yearned for it, had thought if he prepared enough, he’d find it. He snorted. How thick could he be?
“Okay, I relent,” he whispered.
He raised his head with a smile as serenity settled over him like cool water. Kiki’s forehead scrunched, and she shifted on the bed. He prayed for help, prayed that God would save her and Eva, even if it meant Derrick had to die.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
His pulse roared in his ears. That sounded ominous. Footsteps approached, and he quickly scanned the room to make sure they’d hidden their work.
“Kiki, wake up, sugar.” Derrick bent down and shook her shoulder.
Her eyes popped open, and her breath sucked in. “What’s happening?”
“Someone’s coming.”
Her eyes widened even further before she turned to Eva and gently woke her. Derrick stood just as a clicking of the lock sounded through the door. Kiki scrambled to her feet, pulling Eva with her and tucking the child against the wall. Already Kiki’s muscles bunched as if in preparation of what would come.
“Remember what I told you.” Derrick held his hand up in a calming motion like he did with his frightened horses.
Kiki nodded, but the color drained from her tanned skin. The scrape of the metal door against the concrete floor turned his focus forward. Edgar stepped into the space, a triumphant smile stretched across his face. The guard with the gun stood in the doorway behind Edgar, his face blank of expression.
“How was your night? Comfy? Did you sleep well?” His sadistic smile grew with each question. “I hate to tell you that your accommodations are about to be downgraded. Well, for one of you, that is.”
No. Derrick’s hands fisted. They couldn’t get separated.
“The thing is, not all buyers want scrawny girls. And you, amigo, will bring a good price, even if you have to be drugged.” Edgar scanned up and down Derrick’s body and wiped a filthy hand across his mouth.
Derrick’s stomach revolted in disgust, and he sneered. Edgar’s arm swung quick, connecting with Derrick’s temple and buckling his knees with the sudden pain. Eva’s screams echoed in his head as he shook away the stars that swam in front of his eyes. Rustling behind him turned his gaze to where Edgar pointed a gun at Kiki, who hid Eva’s face in her neck.
“You go nicely with Marco or I will hurt them.” Edgar smiled again, his thick accent faking charm. “I’m not so picky about my conquests—guapo men, skinny girls, or too-short women.” He shrugged. “Torture is torture, and it turns me on.”
Derrick held up one hand in surrender as he pushed himself off the ground with the other and stood. “I’m going. Just don’t hurt them, please.”
Kiki’s eyes bulged without blinking. She pressed her lips tight and shook her head. Derrick held her gaze, willing her to be strong.
“No!” Eva shrieked, her arms exploding from around Kiki’s neck to smack Edgar’s face. “Leave him alone!”
Kiki grabbed Eva’s arms and held her struggling form. “Eva, sweetie, shh. Calm down.” Kiki turned her back to Edgar and moved to the corner of the room under the window.
Edgar pressed his fingers to his cheek where Eva had hit him. “A wildcat. How fun.” He motioned to Marco. “Go.”
Marco grabbed Derrick’s arm, his grip tight but not unbreakable. Derrick stole one last look at Kiki where she watched him leave. Her lips trembled and eyes glistened with unshed tears. Edgar stepped between them, blocking her from Derrick’s view, and followed him out.
Derrick breathed easier as Edgar slammed the door closed and clicked the lock with a testing shake. He wouldn’t be hurting Kiki or Eva, at least not now. Derrick turned forward and scanned his surroundings as Marco led him around the building to the backyard. Could he break Marco’s hold and make it to the jungle?
“Listen quick, Sergeant Nicholson.” Marco’s harsh whisper stopped Derrick’s scheming as he peeked to the man beside him. “Vega, CIA. I can’t break my cover, but I’ll help how I can.”
Derrick bobbed his head as he hung it in mock defeat.
“I’ll get your women on the yacht. There’s a garage for the watercraft, stern-starboard side, you can access by swimming.”
Derrick had boarded yachts in other rescue missions in a similar way. Relief loosened his limbs that his chance at saving them was a familiar one. Marco led Derrick to th
e wall outside the window. So, they would chain him.
“We hold prisoners on the port quarter, second level.” Marco slapped handcuffs on Derrick’s wrists. “You have until tomorrow.” His words held urgency.
“How do you like your new home?” Edgar yelled from the corner of the building where he stood with his gun at the ready.
Derrick glared. “I’ve had better.”
Edgar laughed, his head tipping back like Derrick had just told the world’s funniest joke. “I like you. You’ve got, how do you Americans say …? Spunk.”
Marco looped a chain around the handcuffs and locked it so Derrick’s hands were stretched over his head. The spy peeked at something to the right of Derrick’s head and, with a quick nod that way, struck Derrick across the cheek with a blow that left his ears ringing.
“You’ve got thirty minutes.” Marco’s hoarse voice barely came through the fog in his ears.
Marco adjusted himself and hollered in Spanish at Edgar about the burly American being nothing but a weakling. Derrick rotated his jaw as he slumped against the wall. The CIA sure didn’t pull their punches. He glanced to where Marco had indicated. Gratitude flooded in as a satisfied smile tweaked Derrick’s lips up.
Eighteen
“D!” Eva thrashed hard in Kiki’s arms.
Kiki put Eva down, not wanting to drop her. Stumbling, Eva dashed to the door and pounded her tiny fists on the metal. Her cries echoed Kiki’s own despair. Were they really going to sell Derrick? No, he’d get free, somehow.
Edgar’s taunting voice floated through the window, followed by Derrick’s calm tone. Kiki stretched on her toes to grab the bars and pulled herself up. Derrick’s hands extended high above his head, chained to that horrible wall. Marco swung, knocking Derrick’s head sideways, and Kiki gasped at the unnecessary violence.
“I can’t wait to see you strung up, Señorita Payne.” Edgar spoke right below the other side of the window. “What a thrilling picture that will be.”
Kiki shuddered, lowered herself to the floor, and leaned against the wall. The rough surface scratched against her forehead. She wished she could come back with some witty remark, but her brain froze with the image of Eva chained to that wall.
Was that their fate? Would an innocent girl be auctioned off to the highest bidder? Though only five, Eva was beautiful with her rose-toned brown skin, freckled liberally across her nose and cheeks, and her bright blue eyes. Kiki’s stomach rolled at what would happen to her niece if Kiki fell apart like she wanted.
Eva’s pounding had lost its strength, her sobs filling the small room with the heavy weight of fear and heartbreak. Kiki pushed away from the wall and moved to Eva, scooping her up and taking her to the window. The little girl’s tears soaked Kiki’s neck, running down her skin, and her tiny fingers dug into Kiki’s skin where they clung to her.
“Eva, honey. Derrick’s all right. He’s right outside. I’m going to lift you up to let you see, but you have to remember what we told you. These guys think we’re a family. Okay?”
Eva nodded, her sad eyes wide as she lifted her head. Was it a mistake to show her Derrick? Probably, but maybe if she knew Derrick was relatively safe, she’d calm down. Kiki’s arms burned as she lifted Eva to the window.
“Daddy!” Eva yelled, her voice shrill with emotion, the instant her face cleared the window.
“Eva? Eva, honey, I’m fine.” Derrick’s firm voice soothed over Kiki’s tight nerves and infused her with strength.
“Daddy, I’m scared.”
“I know, honey. You and mommy be brave for me okay, Eva-mine?” Derrick’s voice strained, and Kiki imagined having his arms bound like that had to hurt.
Kiki’s own arms burned with the effort of keeping Eva held up. “Eva, my arms can’t hold you anymore. Tell him we love him.”
“We love you, Daddy. We’ll be strong.”
“I love you too, Eva—you and Mommy.” Derrick’s voice held a hint of emotion Kiki couldn’t place.
Eva blew a kiss and sighed as Kiki lowered her to the floor. “Why was Uncle D’s arm bleeding?”
Bleeding? Kiki didn’t remember seeing any blood. Of course, Marco slamming his fist into Derrick’s face had distracted her.
“I don’t know, honey, but he’ll be okay.” Kiki crouched down and pulled Eva into a hug. “A little scratch won’t get him down.”
Footsteps approached outside, and Kiki tensed. Eva trembled as she turned her gaze to the door. What terror did these sickos have planned now? The small slot opened at the bottom of the door, and a tray slid in, followed by a canteen.
“Breakfast,” a gruff voice said before the little opening snapped shut.
Eva’s nose wrinkled at the greasy beans and rice filling the chipped bowl. “Beans for breakfast?”
Kiki forced a smile. “I love beans, and look, they even gave us tortillas. How’d they know burritos are one of my favorites?”
Kiki hugged Eva, then stepped to the tray. Grease congealed along the edge of the bowl. Kiki bit her lip, then schooled her expression. She stirred the food, picked the tray up, and took it to the bed.
“Breakfast in bed.” Kiki put as much cheer as she could into her voice. “Just like princesses have.”
Maybe bringing up Eva’s obsession would distract her from the different meal. Her lips trembled into a slight smile. Well, maybe it wouldn’t work, but at least eating gave them something to do.
“It looks like there might be some pork in here.” Kiki at least hoped it was pork as she stirred the concoction again and spooned some onto a tortilla.
After folding it, she stretched it out to Eva. She shook her head and backed up like Kiki held out a snake instead of food. She pulled her hand back and looked at the burrito. Yeah, Kiki probably should test it first. She swallowed hard, then took a tentative bite. While seasonings didn’t explode into her mouth, the bland food wasn’t disgusting— just flavorless. She took another bite, then held it up for Eva.
“It’s not bad, just doesn’t have Sosimo’s flare.” Kiki waved Eva forward. “Come on, honey. You have to eat if we want to stay healthy and escape.”
Eva took one step forward, her shoulders hunched in, diminishing her already tiny frame. If only Kiki could fix this, could get Eva free. They’d escape this hell somehow. Hadn’t Kiki been training the last several months for this? Hadn’t she been pushing herself to not be the weak person she had been?
Kiki didn’t think Derrick had been lying when he’d said she’d impressed him. She would’ve gotten away from their abductors if Matias hadn’t pushed that gun to Eva’s head. If Kiki stayed alert, at the ready for an opportunity, she would get them free. Then, she’d use all that info Derrick had drilled in her the last day to survive in the jungle until she could find help.
Eva took a bite from Kiki’s hand, her nervous expression shifting to exasperation. “These guys need to spice things up. Maybe after Daddy and the others come and kick their backsides and rescue us, Sosimo can teach them how to cook.”
Kiki snorted as Eva took the burrito and plopped down on the mattress. Oh, to think like a five-year-old again, where the world’s problems were answered so simply. Kiki had no illusions of a grand rescue, not with how far they’d been taken. Yet she also wasn’t willing to roll over and die. She’d get them free one way or another, then she’d figure out how to get them home. She slapped the spoon of beans onto her tortilla with extra force as determination burned hot within her.
Nineteen
Metal from the handcuffs bit into Derrick’s skin as he jammed the empty hook protruding from the wall back into the open space of the restraint. With the cuff pushed up on his forearm as far as it would go, he leaned his weight so that the hook bent the restraint. He gritted his teeth as the jagged metal sliced into his skin. The cuff snapped, flooding adrenaline through his body as his arms came free.
He glanced around for any enemy while he twisted his wrist and dashed for the jungle. He stole one last look back, his throat tighteni
ng at the memory of Eva hollering out the window. Her tiny fingers wrapped around the bars and face pressed against them had nearly torn his heart in two. Now, he had to leave them unprotected. He just prayed Marco had told the truth. If whatever was happening went down the next day, that gave Derrick plenty of time to plan. He just had to stay out of sight. He ducked into the rainforest, pushing the large leaves out of the way.
This place would explode like an angry wasps’ nest the minute they discovered he had escaped. He needed to find a place to lie low until the darkness of night covered his actions. The outline of a building peeked through the thick leaves. Derrick slowed, ducking into a dense bush to survey the area.
He pushed a branch down and peered through the foliage. Though birds and monkeys made a raucous clatter in the treetops, he detected no humans roaming the dirt path that stretched to other buildings poking out of the trees farther down. He turned to the structure in front of him. Maybe he could find a place to hide inside. Something about the building looked familiar, so he leaned farther out of the brush to get a closer look. The door he had breached with Ethan and Rafe on that mission that changed his life forever stood not ten feet from him once again.
Derrick’s head spun, and he stumbled back, his knee dropping to the ground. His heart pounded hard and fast against his ribs like a M240 machine gun. It couldn’t be. Derrick shook his head, rubbing his scalp with his palm. He had to be mistaken.
He pushed the branches aside again, his hand shaking the leaves with his trembling. He had to make sure he wasn’t imagining things. He’d never forget the pitted cement at the base of the barn walls or the metal extension jutting from the far side of the original building. He’d never forget the look on Ethan’s face as he turned from the doorway, two bullet holes bleeding from his chest. The door still had holes from the rounds that had punched into it as the entire complex had barreled down on Derrick and his team.
Convincing Derrick Page 9