“It used to be much longer. But it’s so thick, with the humidity it’s very hot.”
“I’ll find something to put it up and get it off your neck.”
“Don’t bother, Rio, I’m just edgy.” His kindness made
her ashamed.
“I found wet clothes smelling of river water that night.
Were you in the river?”
She nodded, making every effort to rally. “Bandits attacked us. They came out of the jungle shooting guns. I think Simon was hit. I went overboard and the river swept
me away.”
His muscles clenched in reaction. “You could have been
killed.”
“I was lucky. My shirt snagged on a branch below the waterline and I managed to crawl onto a fallen tree. I made my way here. The house was a surprise. I almost didn’t see it but the wind was blowing so hard, it took away some of the cover. I was afraid I wouldn’t find it again if I went exploring so I tied a rope between two trees to show me the way. I thought it was a native’s hut, one they use when they travel from place to place.”
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“And I thought you were a bandit who had circled around and managed to get in front of me and was lying in wait. I should have known better, but I was exhausted and I hurt like hell. Who is Simon?” He had waited an appropriate amount of time. Carried on a conversation like a rational human being. He could feel the intensity of his suppressed emotions eating away at his gut. He knew better than to let her inside. He knew better, but she was already there. He didn’t know how it happened and worse, he didn’t know how to get her out.
“Simon is one of the men in our church medical relief group.”
“So he’s a stranger. None of you knew one another before this trip.” The relief sweeping through him irritated the hell out of him.
She nodded. “We all volunteered from various parts of the country and came together to bring the supplies.” “Who was your guide?”
“Kim Pang. He seemed very nice and I thought him very competent.”
Her hand was on his thigh where he hunkered down close to the bed and she felt him stiffen. His eyes glittered with sudden menace, sending a chill through her body. “Did you see what happened to him?”
She shook her head. “The last I saw of him, he was trying frantically to cut the rope to allow the launch to get away. Is he a friend of yours?” She wanted Kim Pang to be safe. She wanted all of the others to be safe, but it would be dangerous if the guide and Rio were friends.
“Yes, I know Kim. He’s a very good man.” He wiped his hand over his face. “I have to go out and see if any of them are still alive, see if I can pick up any tracks.”
“In this weather? And it’s getting dark now. It isn’t safe, Rio. They were taken on the other side of the river.” She would have to leave immediately. Rachael detested how selfish it made her feel. Of course Rio needed to help the others if he could, although she didn’t see how he could
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accomplish anything against a group of armed bandits.
In a sudden fit of temper at herself, or the situation, she flung off the thin cover. “I need to get out of this bed, this room, before I go completely mad.”
“Slow down, lady.” Rio caught at her, preventing movement. “Just sit still and let me see what I can do.” There was a nicker of knowledge in his eyes, as if he could read her mind and knew her selfish thoughts.
Rachael watched Rio stalk outside and disappear from sight. She could hear him making noise on the verandah, unusual when he was usually so silent. The wind helped to dispel the oppressive heat and claustrophobia, but she wanted to cry, stuck in the bed, unable to get across the small distance to the open doorway. The mosquito net fluttered in the breeze. As always, Rio hadn’t lit the light; he seemed to be able to see in the dark and preferred it.