Hiding in the bathroom—that’s what I’d resorted to? Okay, so I wasn’t prepared to wake up half naked with a blanket wrapped around me screaming my head off. I was mortified to have him see me so exposed and weak.
One minute I was ready to change into some suitable clothing to traipse all over the island to check it out, and the next I was waking up with the vision of my friend Alyssa getting hit by a car running a red light while she was in the crosswalk ahead of us. The car hadn’t even stopped; it just kept on going. The vision of her hitting the hood, then the windshield, being flipped over the top, and bouncing back onto the trunk before coming to rest on the pavement was burned in my mind. Her head had been at an unnatural angle. I knew instantly she was dead. Yet, hoping and praying I was wrong, I yelled out for someone to call an ambulance.
Every time I closed my eyes to try and sleep, I saw Alyssa’s body lying in the street. We’d all thought it was just an accident, but then Casey was pushed down some stairs at our hotel at almost the same time Hannah had gone out for coffee and been beaten up and left by a dumpster, as nothing more than discarded trash. Why had I ever agreed to this trip? Why had I taken that stupid video? Would it have made a difference if I hadn’t joined them or would the end result be the same?
After pulling off the cumbersome dress, I searched the bathroom for towels and toiletries, soon finding everything I needed to wash a day’s worth of grunge and exhaustion off of me. I’d napped here and there, only out of exhaustion, but always woke up screaming. I’m sure I put several agents’ nerves on edge as a result. The only time sleep had come easily for me was on the plane when I’d been wrapped in the warmth and security of Jonas’s arms.
I shook my head, not wanting to even go there. I wouldn’t go there. He had the looks and all that I wanted in a man, but I could easily tell he was carrying a buttload of emotional baggage. Then again, wasn’t I doing the same right now? Maybe I should cut him some slack. Derrick had mentioned we might be able to help one another, whatever that hell that meant.
Another round of tears hit me without warning, causing me to lean against the wall and slide down onto the bathroom floor. I knew I was going through the five stages of grief. I’d studied them in my classes and dealt with them in the clinical sessions concerning my patients, but it wasn’t something I’d ever thought I’d be dealing with.
I’d been in the denial phase, rejecting the idea that all this had happened, that one of my friend’s was dead while the other two clung to life. I wouldn’t acknowledge my own danger, at least not until Derrick came and got me.
Anger was already coursing through my system as well as bargaining. I figured if I allowed myself to go into hiding so my parents and Titan could have time to find and neutralize the threat against me, maybe my friends would be alright and maybe life could return to normal. But then I’d remember how Alyssa would never laugh with me again, never want to borrow one of my outfits, never anything, and I’d get angry all over again, taking it out on the first person near me.
What was wrong with me? I’d yelled at Derrick; I’d yelled at my father over the phone; I’d yelled at Jonas. I’m surprised he hasn’t already taken off in the seaplane and left me to fend for myself. I guess I deserve whatever treatment he gave me, but his barking orders one minute and being sincere the next was giving me whiplash as I tried to keep up with his demeanor. Was he more Dr. Jekyll, or did he mirror Mr. Hyde?
Swiping a hand over my face, I realized I needed to get my shit together. I couldn’t allow myself to become depressed. Maybe if I helped Jonas peruse the island, I could get my mind off of things. You’re bargaining again. You think if you can keep yourself busy you’ll keep your mind off your troubles and go right to acceptance. My subconscious wasn’t completely wrong, but I did want to keep my mind active to keep from reliving my friends’ horrid accidents. I wanted to keep busy so I wouldn’t think of Jonas and how much he affected me.
Turning on the water, I jumped into the shower and took a page from the advice I’d given some of patients. I’d told them to do one activity at a time and put their entire focus on that before moving onto something else. They didn’t need to try to fit society’s ideals of what they could handle and do in a day. No one had to define their lives for any of my patients, because they had the ultimate control. Once they managed the one activity with comfort, then they could add another and another until they were back to their own definition of normal.
Feeling a renewed sense of energy since showering and changing into some lightweight slim jeans, hiking boots, and a ladies formfitting t-shirt, I stepped out of the bedroom and made my way downstairs to the kitchen.
I was surprised to see two plates full of food. I walked over to the dining table to get a better glimpse at what smelled so good, when Jonas came up behind me and spoke, scaring the living daylights out of me. “I was just about to come get you. The food is ready. I hope you like fish.”
Putting a palm to my chest, I could feel my heart racing and adrenaline pumping through my system. I hated this living-on-the-edge feeling. It was nice once in a while to be an adrenaline junkie, but not as a daily thing.
To my surprise, he pulled a chair out for me, politely gestured for me to sit, and then pushed me in toward the table before taking the seat next to me. “I found some fresh sea bass in the refrigerator, some steamed broccoli, a fresh loaf of bread, and the makings for some mango pineapple salsa.” I watched as he dug in to his food with a slight smile spreading across his face, making me feel a little relaxed for once.
Taking my fork, I lifted a bite of fish to my lips and almost moaned at the heavenly flavor that swept through my mouth. I wasn’t normally a fan of fish, but this—oh my god—was fantastic. “Wow, this is really good!”
Jonas smirked and laughed. “Surprised I can cook?”
I shook my head. “Not surprised really. I know you military operative guys are prone to multitasking.” Geez, I wasn’t getting the words out as I intended. His brows started to furrow at my statement, so I held up my hands, “No, wait, I’m not phrasing this right. Let’s just say I’ve been around enough of you Titan guys to know that you are all great cooks.” I pointed down at my plate, “I don’t normally like fish, but, as a result of this meal, you’ve just changed my attitude toward the protein.”
He relaxed at my words. “Thanks. There were other options here, but this was the only one that would cook quickly and replenish our energy reserves. We’ve both been on several highs and lows recently, so we need to eat heartily for our bodies to keep functioning properly, especially if we’re going to go on a short hike of the island.”
I nodded and went back to eating my meal in silence. I hadn’t thought I was that hungry, but soon realized I’d managed to clean my plate. I watched as Jonas got up, taking our plates with him. “I can help with that,” I offered.
Jonas just shook his head. “No worries. I needed to stretch my legs. I’m not used to sitting for this long of a time. Besides, I needed to get up to get dessert.”
After finishing washing our dishes and putting them into the drainer to dry, Jonas reached into the refrigerator and pulled out a plate full of fresh fruit along with a pint of chocolate ice cream from the freezer. I began to lick my lips in anticipation. “How did you know this was my favorite dessert?” I questioned, wondering if my family had said something.
He brought the plate, two bowls, and a couple of spoons over to the table. He set them down in the space between us and finally answered, “I didn’t know, but it’s mine too.” What were the odds that we’d find something else we had in common.
I quickly ripped off the top of the ice cream container, causing him to laugh at my antics. After spooning some of the decadent treat into my bowl, I dipped my spoon into the frosty concoction and moaned appreciatively. Jonas had a spoonful of fruit, but stopped midway to his mouth to watch me.
Laughter filled the air around us. “If I wasn’t sitting here watching you, I’d say, based on your moans, you were about to have an orgasm, princess.”
I could feel the feverish blush hit my face instantly. His hand came round and turned my face toward him. I hadn’t really looked at his face carefully, not until that moment. He wasn’t brooding; instead, he looked at ease for the first time since we got here. His brown-green eyes were shimmering with laughter while he smiled, revealing perfect teeth. “No need to feel embarrassed. I didn’t say what I did to pick on you. I just like seeing a woman enjoy her food is all.”
I was feeling a little overwhelmed by his nearness, not understanding this pull toward the one man I wasn’t supposed to be able to stand. So I said the first snarky thing that came to mind: “I’m not sure what an orgasm is supposed to be like, but maybe my mouth is having a foodgasm. This is utter sin and decadence in a bowl.”
Allowing me to return to eating, his hand fell away from my face. Something passed between us—what, I don’t know—but I wouldn’t dwell on it. This ice cream was like the sun shining in the darkest of nights for me. Yes, it was a simple pleasure, but I wasn’t sure how long we’d have decent food here, if we’d get a replenished supply, or even how long we’d be held up on this island. And what the hell was I doing telling him I’d never experienced an orgasm. Granted, I wasn’t a virgin, per se, having experienced the exchange of oral sex with my boyfriend at the time, but I’d never experienced the so-called pleasures of what sex supposedly meant. Maybe I’d just been with the wrong guy or maybe it had been me. Who knows? I didn’t see the need to take it all the way with anyone, sacrificing my hymen, if they couldn’t even bring me any form of satisfaction with their hands or their tongue.
I continued putting fruit on top of my ice cream and eating it like there was no tomorrow. As far as I knew, there might not be, so why not live in the moment?
Several minutes passed before I got up from the table, taking the bowls and leftover fruit and ice cream with me. Jonas tried to argue for me to rest, but I snipped back, “I don’t know if you understand this, so I’m telling you now: I need to be doing something to keep my mind off of things. I’m not handling what has happened very well, so please back off.”
He held his hands up in surrender and didn’t press any further. “I get you. I’m the same way. I do better when my mind is occupied.”
I turned around and looked at him, realizing he’d finally shown me a crack in the armor he’d been wearing. I knew, from hearing my parents and some of the people at Titan talk, that he’d seen a lot of action over in Afghanistan. It made me wonder what was going on in that mind of his.
Shaking my head, I quickly put the ice cream back in the freezer and noted the thing was packed with ice cream, frozen meats, veggies, and so forth. Seeing all the goodies, I was prompted to open the refrigerator side to see what surprising things it held. There was milk, cream, eggs, butter, fresh fruits and veggies galore, along with a few fresh meat items. I put the fruit back on one of the shelves in case we wanted to pick at it a little later.
Pointing at the fridge, I asked Jonas, “Where did all this come from? Is this all the food we have?”
He turned my direction so we were facing one another as he explained, “Rick had arranged for the house to be fully stocked.” His hand motioned toward the appliance. “We have enough to get us going. The cupboards are mainly filled with pots, pans, plates, and the like.” Pointing toward the room around the corner, “We have a lot of canned and dry goods along with spices and a freezer loaded with proteins and veggies in that room. I doubt we’ll be here long enough to go through everything, but if need be, we can either get a food drop set up by Rick or we can go to the mainland while playing the part of the honeymooning couple to get what we need, provided Rick is fine with that.”
I nodded in understanding. I guess I hadn’t thought things through. I was so used to things magically appearing when we were in witness protection with my family. For the longest time, I’d thought there was such a thing as the food fairy; I know it’s silly, but it’s true. I walked around the corner and poked my head in the door, taking in the size of the room, the overloaded shelves, and the large freezer in the corner. A shiver ran up my spine as I realized this was probably going to last longer than I wanted, so I might as well accept my current state and make the best of it.
A warm hand landed on each of my shoulders, causing me to jump. “It’s just me,” Jonas said in a hushed tone, so as not to scare me. “We need to get moving if we’re going to manage even a small portion of the island today.”
I could only say, “Okay.” I stepped out of his reach and further into the pantry, where I discovered some portable water bottles, some protein snack bars, and some dried fruit. Grabbing those items, I asked, “Do we have a backpack and maybe a flashlight we can take along with us?”
He nodded. “There are some flashlights in the other room, and I think I saw a couple of backpacks too.” Jonas stepped away to go get the items, but turned back briefly, “Good call on the snacks and water.”
Feeling some sense of pride for wanting to always be prepared, I smiled at his compliment. I gathered the items, took them out to the dining table, and waited for Jonas to return.
We left the house a little past one in the afternoon with plenty of light left to explore some of the island. I’d expressed my concern about the safety of the island. Granted, it was in the middle of nowhere with few islands nearby—most were uninhabitable because of their small size—but still, couldn’t anyone just take a boat or even swim up to the beach and invade our hideaway?
Jonas took me the opposite direction of where we’d come in at, keeping close to the tree line so we could see the beach but not actually be in plain sight. He never answered my question, just kept trudging along our little path and looking up into the trees from time to time, before finally stopping.
He pointed out toward the ocean waves. “Do you see the buoys floating out on the water?”
I looked out and saw quite a few of them. “Are there supposed to be so many?” I didn’t know, so I asked.
A grin swept over his face. “Observant. I like that. Anyhow, you’re right. They are used by oceanographers to test the wave height and length, so the buoys are usually placed few and far between, but look closer.”
He handed me a set of binoculars he must’ve grabbed from the house. Holding them up to my eyes, I looked out across the water, not really sure of what I was looking for…wait a minute. “There’s something on the buoys. Is that supposed to be there? What is it?”
Jonas then pointed toward the trees. “Notice anything odd?”
I did, not instantly, but there was a coconut hanging on the tree at an odd angle with an electrical wire. You could just make out the hinge on the back of the coconut, most likely to allow it to swivel on its axis, along with a small lens on the front.
“I get the security in the trees with cameras to monitor what’s going on around us, but what do the multitude of buoys have to do with anything? Also, what happens if someone slips onto the island? Are there any motion sensors to alert us?” I know I was probably grating on Jonas’s last nerve, but hey, this was my life we’re talking about here.
Jonas walked forward and pulled some shrubbery away from the base of a coconut tree revealing a hidden sensor. “Each buoy has a waterproof electronic sensor attached to it. Mr. Tekcraff placed them around the exterior of the island. They detect movement above and below the water. If anything gets past the buoy defense, then the sensors close to the ground should alert us to any breach in the system.”
He went on to explain, “The whole system is wired to a security setup at the house. The computer will come up with a map of the island and locate where the breach is located and activate the closest camera feed in that area, hopefully giving us enough time to defend ourselves against an enemy or to get out of there and head to one of the escape routes.”
Okay, I thought the only way on and off the island was with the seaplane. “What escape routes?”
Looking a bit smug, he crossed his arms over his chest. “That’s why we’re out here today, so you can get familiar with the security measures around the island and learn where to meet me in the event of an emergency. I’m hoping we won’t get separated, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared just in case.”
“Okay, I’m up for some learning—anything to keep me busy and my mind focused. How does the buoy defense determine the difference between something manmade versus nature? Same question applies with the land sensors. Don’t some animals live on the island?”
Jonas laughed. “I like the way you think, Erica.”
Feeling a little better about myself, Jonas went on to explain that the sensors above and below the water on the buoys detect not only objects but also heat. If a device or human is trying to slip past the buoys, it will put off a heat signature, which will sound the alarm and activate the underwater cameras so we can see what the threat is. It will be the same with the sensors on land but, instead, will activate the cameras in the trees.
I was about to ask about marine life triggering the devices, when I realized the majority of the ocean’s population is cold-blooded, except for any sea creature that breathes actual air—whales, dolphins, seals, etc—they are warm-blooded and, therefore, produce their own body heat. So if they swam through the area, the camera would activate, but we’d be able to quickly dismiss them as a threat.
Several hours passed and I was shown where a speedboat was hidden amongst a rocky cove on one side of the island and disguised, similar to the docking area of the seaplane, to look like part of the rocky coast. No wonder I couldn’t see it from above or the side when we’d passed over in the plane.
A little further down the coastline there was another cove, mostly sand and trees, where two jet skis lay hidden amongst the scenery, neither visible from the air or sea unless you knew where to look and how to get into the building surrounding them.
Jonas pulled out a map of the island and pointed to the house. “We started here, and then moved down the coastline to the boat and finally the jet skis. We’re going to head back toward the house, cutting across the center of the island, because there’s a safe room there. At that point, we’ll stop for a snack and a breather before heading home.”
The word home seemed foreign to me, but I wasn’t going to argue. I was starting to feel hot and sticky in the humidity, and the exercise, while keeping me busy, was playing hard on my already exhausted body. The idea of a rest was more than welcoming.
I watched as he folded the map back up and stuck it in his back pocket before heading out. The terrain wasn’t as easy to walk as it had been closer to the beach area. There were fallen limbs, rocks, and some overgrown bushes we had to walk around.
I’d almost given up on the idea of ever getting to the midpoint of the island, when I heard the rush of water. Around the next bend, the sound grew louder and louder until it revealed a waterfall and a crystal clear blue lake in the center of the island with a large rock enclosure surrounding it. I could easily see Mr. Teckraff and his family swimming in this magnificent pool and diving off the cropping of rock.
I turned in a small circle as I took in the lush vegetation in this area. There were fruit trees as far as the eye could see. I saw banana, mango, avocado, and papaya trees interspersed amongst the island’s natural vegetation. I knew all these plants grew nicely in tropical climates, and this definitely was the perfect environment. At least we wouldn’t be starving for fruit, because the branches were already laden with delectable goodness I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into.
Jonas shrugged off his backpack and asked me to do the same before extending his hand out to me. “Take my hand a second. This rock area is slippery.”
Reluctantly, I took his hand, and he led the way along the edge of the pool of water and up to the edge of the waterfall. I thought we were going to stop there, when he jumped through, pulling me along with him. I screamed in surprise.
“Sorry about that, but according to the directions, you have to move quickly to avoid getting soaked.” Jonas offered up.
I looked at him like he was speaking another language. “Why are we back behind here?”
He let go of my hand and began feeling the edge of the wall; looking for what, I don’t know. I had just barely let the thought cross my mind, when he pressed on a small rock sticking out of the top edge of the little half cave, if you could even call it that, and the wall opened up and revealed a keypad for entry. What the heck?
My mind was in shock as I watched Jonas enter in some numbers listed on the back of the map. Once the numbers were entered, the panel sealed itself back into the wall, and a door opened, sounding much like the door of a bank vault with mechanical tumblers clicking into place.
I wasn’t far off the description when I looked inside and found a couple cots, some food, a video feed of the island, and walls of steel everywhere. “Is this a safe room?”
He nodded and explained we’d only use it if need be and only in an emergency.
We didn’t spend long inside it, mainly for me to know its location. He explained he’d make another copy of the map and codes for me back at the house.
I followed him back outside and sat down next to him, pulling my backpack up to where I could reach inside and get a snack. My stomach would pick that moment to protest the need for food.
“Hungry much?” Jonas asked as he reached in to grab his own snack.
I just shook it off and pulled out my water, taking a sip of the cold goodness in this exhausting heat before biting into the protein bar.
We sat in silence for a few moments as we ate our snack and just enjoyed the scenery. The sound of the waterfall was relaxing, and the view of the crystal clear water looked inviting. I couldn’t stand this humidity any longer. “Is the water safe to swim in?”
“Yeah, why?”
Geez, did men need everything spelled out for them. “I want to go for a swim. This heat is getting to me. I already had one bath today, but now I need another. If you expect me to make it back to the house, I need to take a dip and cool off for a bit.”
He shook his head. “But we don’t have any suits.”
I stood up and stripped down to my undergarments, happy I’d at least managed to wear a sports bra and a dark pair of boy shorts, so nothing could show through when it was wet. I tiptoed to the edge of the pool and jumped in, splashing Jonas in the process.
I came up from underneath the water feeling instantly refreshed. There was laughter evident on Jonas’s face; though he was fighting it. Why? I didn’t know. I swam over to the side of the natural pool and noticed the primal hunger going on in his eyes, with the color of his iris no longer evident and his pupils dilated. I wasn’t sure why he was acting so weird, but I decided to go for it and ask, “Are you coming in?”