Because Jason was headed toward danger? Or because he was leaving her side? Maybe a little of both.
She took a deep breath as they climbed into the SUV, and felt a little sick at the thought of driving off without Jason. She knew he thought the fire had something to do with the attacks on Drakos—and Gus’s murder.
Dear God, please protect Jason. From the dangers he can see, and the ones he can’t. Please keep him safe.
Knox started the engine and Leland, in the front passenger seat, pulled up a map on his phone. No one, not even Rowan, looked nervous. That made her feel a little better. A little.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
Knox answered. “One of Drakos’ smaller resorts. It’s a backup location we decided on yesterday. We have a bungalow reserved, in case we need it. Which, apparently, we do.”
“Jason thinks the fire has something to do with what’s going on, doesn’t he?”
Knox exchanged a look with Leland, who angled himself to face her. “Jason doesn’t like coincidences. He’s smart. He knows what he’s doing.”
Tayla nodded. Her uncle seemed to place a lot of trust in Jason. The thought warmed her. But didn’t lessen her worry.
The resort they retreated to, Turtle Cove, was only a ten-minute drive from The Mandeville. Knox parked near a blue and yellow sign that read ‘The Pelican Nest.’
“This is us,” he said.
Rowan squinted at the sign. “The Pelican Nest?”
“Yes,” said Knox. “It was either that, Monkey Manor, or The Crocodile Cottage. Frankly, I thought the crocodile place sounded cool. It had a sauna. And a pool table. But Leland didn’t think we needed those things for some reason.”
“Okay, children,” Leland said, with a surprising amount of tolerance. “Let’s go inside.”
The night was dark, and the jungle was dense around The Pelican Nest, so it was difficult to distinguish much about their new . . . headquarters?
They entered, and Knox and Leland cleared the rooms. Just to be safe. And probably because the sniper yesterday—or was that two days ago?—had found them at a cottage, much like this one.
The Pelican Nest was declared safe, and Tayla collapsed on the sofa. She wasn’t interested in exploring their new lodging like she was when they arrived at the other cottage. She couldn’t stop worrying about Jason. But she decidedshe didn’t like sitting still either, so she walked through the kitchen and peeked into the bedrooms.
Leland suggested she get some sleep, but she knew that wasn’t going to happen. Not until Jason joined them.
The generous bungalow was clearly a family rental. The second and third bedrooms were furnished with bunk beds and playful turtle decor on the walls. Leland offered Tayla the larger room with the queen size bed. She felt bad accepting the nicest room, but she knew it was the most practical arrangement, since she was the only woman.
She dropped her tote in her room, but was too antsy to lie down. Maybe this kitchen would have some decaf coffee or tea.
She was searching the cabinets when Knox walked in. “Rowan’s taking a shower. Leland’s asleep.” He paused and cocked his head. “Wait. No. I don’t hear snoring. So, he’s not asleep yet.”
She tried to reward his attempt at humor with a smile. “I know he snores. That’s not news to me.” She found some herbal tea bags and an electric kettle. “Would you like some tea?”
“No. Thanks. I’m good.” He looked like he was going to say something else.
“What is it?”
“He’s going to be fine. You look worried.”
Was she that obvious? Great. “I know. But a lot has happened over the past couple of days. It’s hard not to worry.”
He was staring at her. Not in a creepy way. But she couldn’t read him. “Is something wrong?”
A small smile played in his eyes. “No. Nothing’s wrong. You just don’t need to worry about Jason. I know he’s all sweet and nice to you, but if he runs up against any trouble, he’ll honey badger his way through it.”
“Oh? Is that so? Well, that’s comforting.” It was, in a way. She could hear Knox’s confidence in Jason in his comments. Although it was difficult for her to picture Jason as a ferocious honey badger.
“So,” she said, wanting to change the subject, “tell me about yourself. Do you have a family?”
