“How long can you stay here in Hawaii?”Avery asked.
“I believe a few months.I need to see what kind of visa I was granted to visit your country.I was in so much of a panic when they rescued me, I went along with it.I didn’t have time to think anything through.If I had, I’m sure I wouldn’t have agreed to come to the commander’s house.”
Avery smiled.“Knowing you?You’re right.He doesn’t seem like the kind of man you’d want to spend time with.You’re both too stubborn,” she teased.“But I can guarantee you’ll be safe at his home.Ryan told me that it’s not safe for you in Panama anymore.”
Luciana shook her head.“No, it is not.I know too many of the cartel members’ faces.The homes of the leader were not exactly a secret, but I know some of their inner workings now.They go out at night and kidnap unsuspecting teenagers or young women.Aside from identifying the cartel members, I could identify the women as well—provide confirmation that they were kidnapped by the Gulf Clan.The cartel would probably kill me on sight—or else kidnap me again,” she said, her voice choked.
Avery reached over, putting her hand on Luciana’s arm.“The guys will never let that happen.Never.You’ll see.They’re protective of those they care about.”
Luciana shot her a pointed look.“I believe you, but I am a stranger to them.I’m your former roommate, si, but it’s not the same.You have a brother and boyfriend among these men.Of course you needn’t worry.”
“I swear you don’t need to worry either.”
They continued talking, the minutes stretching into another hour as the sun slowly moved across the sky.Harrison and Ryan were inside having a beer, leaving the women alone to catch up.“The team is all briefing in the morning,” Avery confided.“Commander Madden gave them the day off.He never takes time for himself, but clearly, he wanted to see to it that you were all right.”
Luciana worried her lip.“Hopefully I’m not keeping him from his work.”
“I think you are his work now,” Avery joked.
Luciana let out a huff of laughter.“I suppose so.He’s the one that found me, so he seems to think I’m his responsibility.”She looked into the vast backyard, smiling.“This almost feels like a dream—us here together, relaxing outside without a care in the world.”
“Yeah—we couldn’t exactly do that while down in the Darien Gap.”
“Do you miss it?”Luciana asked.
Avery grew quiet.“Yes and no.I’m glad we helped the people that we did, but I’ve got a great new job lined up here already.I’m managing the nursing staff at the hospital.It’s perfect timing, really.I was ready for a change, and they had an opening.It’s part-time at the moment but will be ramping up soon as the previous manager retires.And I couldn’t wait to finally be in the same place as Ryan.”
“Good for you,” Luciana said, flashing her friend a smile.“I’m glad you’re happy.You deserve it.”
“You could work here,” Avery pointed out.
“Perhaps.I’m not licensed to practice medicine in the U.S., however, so it would take some time to get everything in order.”
“Valid point, but I’m sure you could get the paperwork straightened out and line something up.I’m stressing you out,” she noted, realizing Luciana was suddenly feeling overwhelmed.“There’s no rush.You’re just enjoying your first day of freedom, and here I am planning the rest of your life.”
“Si.I can hardly believe I am here,” Luciana admitted.
“Just take things one day at a time,” Avery advised.“And we’ll talk more.There’s no need to hash things out now, but I’m sure at some point we’ll want to talk about...it.”
The women exchanged a glance, Luciana’s heart pounding.She knew her friend was worried about her but had no interest in talking about the fear and panic she lived with each and every day.
The men finally came out to check on them, and Luciana noted how Harrison’s gaze scanned over her.Once again, it wasn’t leering.He was assessing, making sure she was okay.How often, as a nurse, had she quickly sized up her patients?It was strange to have another person so watchful in regard to her.She didn’t mind it though.It felt good to know he was checking in to see if she was well.Luciana had been on her own for a long time, and Harrison’s concern was something she appreciated.
Avery and Ryan eventually said their goodbyes, Avery insisting Luciana contact her if she needed anything before she came by in the morning.
“I’ll get you a cell phone tomorrow,” Harrison said.“I have a landline, which of course you’re welcome to use.I’ll write down a few numbers for you.”
“You have work tomorrow, no?”
“I do.I’ve got to debrief with my SEAL team.We’d like to speak with you at some point, too.Some of the knowledge you now have may be helpful in the U.S.government’s dealings with the Gulf Clan.”
She swallowed, worry shooting through her.
“Hey,” he said, lifting a hand but thinking better of it, pausing before he touched her.“We’ll only do whatever you’re comfortable with.If and when you’re ready, I’d be interested to find out what you know.It could be helpful to the U.S.and our allies.”
Luciana wrapped her arms around herself but met his gaze head on.“Si.I will share the horrible things they do.I want to stop them from hurting other girls and women.”
His jaw ticked.“You don’t have to share your own story,” he told her, his voice serious.“Not unless you want to.I would like to hear about the number of men involved, the operations they took you along on.We know of two instances.”
