“I can’t answer that. It could take a while. I’ll run the images through several data bases until I get a hit.”
Jason’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I understand. Do what you need to do, but time is not on our side. We’re leaving for the pier in two hours.” He looked at Knox and Leland. “We need to be in place before anyone shows up tonight.”
They both nodded.
He held up his cell. “I’m going to check in with Eric.”
Jason walked out onto the balcony to make his call and everyone else busied themselves. Leland cleaned his gun. Knox made himself a snack. Rowan’s eyes never left his computer screen.
Tayla wished she could do something productive. She made some tea—mostly to distract herself. While it steeped, soothing peppermint aroma wafted to her senses, relaxing her. Her head felt a little clearer. The guys could probably benefit from some peppermint tea as well. But she knew better than to offer herbal tea. Leland looked like he could eat nails right now. She wasn’t going to waste her time.
She glanced to the balcony window and noticed Jason had finished his call. He wasn’t heading inside, though. He leaned on the balcony railing, facing the ocean.
She understood the gravity of their plans tonight. And she wouldn’t dare interrupt any preparations for that, but at the moment, they were in a waiting pattern. And Jason was alone on the balcony. This might be the only opportunity to talk to him before . . . well, before who-knows-what happens tonight. And she definitely wanted to talk.
He turned when she opened the door to the balcony. “Hey.”
“Hey,” she said. “Am I intruding? Did you talk to Eric?”
“Yeah. You’re not intruding.” He gestured toward the ocean view. “Come look. It’s gorgeous today.”
He was right. The beach, the waves, and, in the distance, jungle, and cliffs—the view stole her breath.
“Wow. It’s gorgeous.” She pulled her long hair over her shoulder. “How do people live here? I mean, it would be amazing, but how would you ever get anything done? I’d be staring at this all the time.”
He nodded. And leaned on the railing again. “I’ve travelled a lot. I don’t think I’ve seen a more beautiful view.” His head turned to her. He opened his mouth and closed it again.
“What?”
He shook his head. “Nothing.”
She stood next to him, facing the ocean. “Look, Jason, I know this isn’t the best time for a personal conversation. I know you need to get ready soon, but please tell me one thing.”
He turned to her. “What’s wrong?”
She met his eyes, wanting to study his expression when she asked her question. “Did I say something wrong today? When we were exploring the rocks?”
“No. Not at all. Why?”
“You were almost a different person on the drive back to the hotel . . . very different from the Jason who asked me out an hour before. If I said something—”
He looked sad. And guilty. And maybe frustrated. “No. Tayla, no, you didn’t say or do anything.” He glanced inside.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “This isn’t appropriate timing. We can talk later. Tomorrow, maybe?”
He nodded, but she saw pain in his eyes. “We’ll talk more later, but Tayla,” he placed his hand over hers on the railing, “I want you to know . . .”
A mix of emotions stirred in his expression. He finally sighed and slipped his hand off hers. “I guess I need to process my thoughts.”
“It’s fine. You have more pressing things to focus on. I really do understand that. I wish there was a way I could help tonight. If there’s anything I can do—”
He smiled. “Thanks. But no. Just keep the door bolted and stay safe. And we could use some extra prayers.”
“I’ll be praying. You can count on that.”
His smile faded. “I didn’t mean to make you feel like you did anything wrong earlier. I apologize for the mixed signals. We’ll talk more after this is over, okay?”
“Of course. That sounds good. And please be careful tonight.”
