“I know! So many people wantdesignerpets these days! Any rescue is a good rescue,” Chloe assured him. “Dogs and cats worth thousands of dollars, when so many animals need help!”
“Animals,” Broderick said, nodding. He shrugged. “I almost opted for a different tour—horseback riding on the beach, right in the water.”
“That was a great choice, too,” Daniel said. “And they have ATVs that go out from Montego Bay. There’s too much to choose from!”
“Horseback riding on the beach!” Chloe said to Wes. “That would have been fun, too!”
“Ah, yes, but here’s the thing. Only one day in this port and this was what we chose. It’s going to be great!” Wes said.
“And you know it, because you’ve been before,” Daniel said.
Their guide stood as the bus rolled into its parking space.
“All right, here we are!” he told them. “The waterfall is about one-hundred-and-eighty-feet high and about six-hundred feet long and tiered just like stairs! Now, we’ll be parked out by one of the gorgeous bar areas, right by a ground-level pool that looks toward the wonder of the steps! Some of you may just want to chill, to sit in the rush of the fresh, wonderful water, watch it dance and fall, drops like glitter in the air! Others are more adventurous—and more coordinated, wealways hope—and will look forward to climbing the steps. Whatever your choice, my friends, you will seldom find such natural, untainted beauty! Enjoy!”
“Hey, I didn’t come to just sit on my butt,” Daniel said, rising from his seat on the bus and looking at his brother.
“Hey, we’re not attached at the hip or anything,” Broderick told his brother. “You go climb. I am going to sit my butt down in the water and just enjoy the sun!” He glanced at Chloe. “Whoops, sorry for the anatomical reference—I’m sure my brother is, too!”
“And I’m sure our Princess Buttercup has heard the word before!” Daniel groaned. “Take your time, guys! I’m off!”
Daniel did seem to be in a hurry. Broderick just shook his head as his brother made his way past those who were taking bags from the overhead bins.
“I guess we’re going to do some stair climbing, too,” Wes said, looking at Chloe.
She shrugged. “As you wish!”
Broderick seemed to sincerely enjoy their banter. He laughed softly, waiting for them to rise and head out before them.
Chloe rose, smiled at him and headed off with Wes right behind her.
There was no doubt that the landscape in Jamaica was spectacular.
Chloe knew that the island was known and loved by residents and world travelers alike for its diverse geography; while the Dunn’s River Falls were probably the most popular, the island was filled with spectacular falls and the island offered rich forests, mountains, fresh water and incredibly beautiful beaches.
Many, many cruise ships offered ports on the island for their passengers. And, speaking to the McClintock brothers, she hadn’t been lying.
She’d been to the falls with her parents.
And she had traveled the mountains as a college student. But that, she knew, was a great part of this particular undercover gig—the truth was useful, it helped keep their conversations natural, made it so that they could keep their mission a secret while still sharing real facts about their personal lives and upbringing.
“So!”
Their guide announced the single word as they gathered at their starting point.
Some of the guests intended to just chill in the lagoon pool where they were gathered.
Some intended to walk up the dryer rock on the side of the falls.
And some intended to take the steps that put them in water that was ankle deep to waist deep.
Broderick intended to chill.
But since Celia, Jeff and Daniel were going to do the falls the “wet” way, that was the track that Chloe and Wes would take, as well.
It was no great hardship.
While approximately fifteen members of their group were going to be following another young guide up the falls’ rocky wet slopes, they managed to get positions near Celia and Jeff in the lineup, just a few people back from Daniel McClintock. Of course, their group was friendly—they’d all been cruising together, running into one another in the restaurants and casinos...
