Third Half Read online

  Todd went to the front of the plane and returned with a small red metal case. "I think I have some aspirins in here."

  "Thanks," she said, forcing a weak smile, then watched as he took a small bottle from the case.

  "It still may help if you try to eat a little something," he said as he handed her the white bottle. "You should keep up your strength."

  She felt a twinge of guilt, remembering the half sandwich she had hidden in her bag. Though it had been stale, it still tasted like a gourmet meal compared to the rations he had eaten. "Actually, I never was a big eater," she said truthfully. "And right now, I'd rather rest."

  "Okay," he said softly, watching her lie down again. "You do that. We have an even bigger day ahead of us tomorrow."

  "Bigger," she repeated weakly, as sleep finally overcame her.

  Todd leaned his head back against the wall of the plane. Yes, it had been quite a day. So many unexpected things had occurred to them. For what he felt must have been the thousandth time, he wished Mary Catherine had remained in New York. But then . . .

  His frown deepened as he remembered their moments together at the edge of the pool. He knew how much Mary Catherine now regretted those moments. He didn't want her to regret it, but how could he blame her? After all that happened she was weak and vulnerable. Yet, she hadn't seemed weak and vulnerable.

  A long exasperated sigh escaped his lips as he looked back at the woman now sleeping soundly only a few feet away. He usually had far better control of himself, but something about her got under his skin. And that was something he could not afford. In his line of work you had to keep your emotions in check.

  I have to do whatever I can to get this whole mess straightened out as quickly as possible. Then put as much distance between us as possible.

  I

  When Liane awoke, the throbbing in her temples had increased, yet carefully she raised herself to a sitting position, trying to recognize her surroundings. Within a moment all memories returned to her: the plane crashing in the jungle, the dead soldier whose clothing she now wore, the trek through the tangled green underbrush looking for a village.

  But instead of a village, they had found the clear, cool pool of water, swimming in its refreshing depths, before . . .

  As the final memory returned, Liane looked around the compartment to find her companion, wondering where he had slept the night before. She found him propped up next to the hatch, sleeping; yet she suspected he had kept vigilance there most of the night while she had slept.

  Quietly she started to get up, but stopped as a wave of nausea overcame her. Closing her eyes, she waited for the queasiness to subside before again attempting to stand. Weak and dizzy, she started for the hatch, hoping to open it without his knowing.

  "What are you up to?" Todd asked as he stretched his arms wide above his head. "I must have dozed off."

  "Were you awake all night?"

  "Someone had to stand watch. We aren't exactly safe in the heart of Manhattan."

  "We wouldn't exactly be safe sleeping out of doors there either," she tried to joke, as another wave of dizziness caught her unaware. She leaned her weak body against the wall for support.

  "Hey, what's wrong?" Todd stood and stared intently into her pale face.

  "Nothing . . .well . . ." She looked up, suddenly wrapping her arms around her middle as a cramp nearly doubled her over. "I better go outside."

  Without a word he opened the hatch, stepping out ahead of her. "Can you wait while I check if it's safe?"

  "No, I can't," she groaned, passing him as she nearly ran toward the bushes.

  Todd watched with concern as she finally returned. "Now, tell me what's wrong."

  "Isn't it obvious," she snapped irritably, immediately regretting her anger after he seemed so concerned. "I feel awful," she admitted more softly. "My head, my stomach . . .I . . ." She stopped as the color drained from her face. She quickly turned, again rushing toward the bushes.

  This time when she returned, Todd made her sit as he felt her head. "You feel pretty warm, too. You probably have a stomach virus. It's nothing uncommon to strangers in these regions. I doubt it's anything more serious. The shots you get before coming down here, take care of that."

  "Shots?" She gave him a grim look of despair, her green eyes glittering within her ashen face.

  "Yes, the ones you got before leaving the States."

  "Oh . . .those shots." Liane looked away, suddenly more frightened. She had not had those shots. The same shots that had made her sister so violently ill.

  "Hey, do you think you'll be up to heading out of here today?" Todd asked, eyeing her with concern.

  "I don't . . .Oh no." She rose again and left him.

  Liane was dragging herself weakly back toward the plane when a shot rang out. Without thought she hurried ahead to make certain Todd was all right.

  "Don't shoot!" Todd shouted as the men raised their weapons toward Liane. "She's unarmed."

  One of the men said something in a language that was fast becoming familiar to Liane, though she still didn't understand the words. She saw the men lowering their rifles. Glancing at the group before her, she realized they were all clad in clothing similar to what she now wore.

  Her eyes stopped on a small familiar form standing behind the others. "It's you!" She smiled at the boy, then looked at Todd. "He knows Jack. Tell him I'm the nun from the orphanage."

  Todd repeated her words in their language, as the boy slowly stepped forward. He looked at her face, then at the pants and shirt she now wore.

  "I'm only wearing this so I can walk more easily," she said in excitement, trying to explain. "My habit is inside the plane." She started for the plane, but one of the men jumped forward and grabbed her.

  The first man said something to the one now holding her, and she was released. "You may get it," he then said to her.

  She started for the plane again, followed by the soldier, then as she glanced over her shoulder she noticed Todd had joined the leader and was pointing to the shallow grave some distance from the plane. She saw the man's grip tighten on his rifle, but his expression was unreadable.

  Suddenly another pain shot through her middle as she nearly doubled over. "Todd!" she called before slumping weakly to the ground.

  She felt smooth leather, cool against her warm cheek, and knew when she opened her eyes she would find Todd. She noted the look of concern on his face, and the dark terror in his brown eyes.

  "We're going with these men, M.C.," he said. "Suarez, their leader, won't take no for an answer. Do you think you can make it?"

  "Do I have a choice?" she said, glancing around at the group of men. Not waiting for a reply, she sat up, supporting herself against Todd. "We have to go with them." Her words were urgent. "I know the name, Suarez. It was in Jack's notes, hidden with the other things. These people may know something about Jack."

  "I already asked them. They know him, but won't say anything else."

  "Could they be the ones holding him? They tie in with Juanita, don't they?"

  "Don't ask so many questions," Todd ordered. For your own sake. "Save your strength. We have a walk ahead of us, and I don't have any idea how long it will be." He helped her up beside him. "They're ready to leave."

  As they started she turned to look at the plane. "My bag."

  Todd sighed and looked to the leader, releasing her as he saw the man nod. He quickly went into the plane and returned carrying her small duffle bag.

  "Thank you," she nearly whispered, seeing his jaw tighten beneath his beard.

  "Don't worry about it," he replied gruffly. "I realize you can't forget what's inside here." Anymore than I can forget who I am.

  He flung the bag over his shoulder and put his arm around her for support as they followed the military-garbed men into the dense green jungle.

  Under other circumstances, Liane supposed, much of what she saw would have seemed beautiful. The many varieties of orchids, the yellow broom flowers, the purple he
liotropes with their light scent. All could represent a tropical paradise. If we were free to enjoy them.

  She heard the sounds of wild jungle animals in the distance, and ordinarily would have been delighted to view the many species of colorful birds. Yet, it was all she could do now to keep her eyes open to look at them.

  "Todd, please stop," she begged, knowing he had been practically dragging her, supporting her weight for a long time. Still, even that wasn't enough. "I have to rest."

  "Carry her," the leader ordered.

  "Oh, Todd, I'm sorry," she moaned, closing her eyes as he lifted her into his arms.

  She heard the faint voice of a child saying something beside them. Opening her eyes, she saw the little boy taking her bag.

  "He said he'd like to help," Todd whispered close to her ear. "I gave him your bag."

  She forced an exhausted smile for the boy, before closing her eyes again.

  I

  "We have found the pilot and his companion. We have them at our base," Suarez said into his radio. "Enrico was killed when their plane crashed."

  "I want them brought to me immediately!" The order was issued with little room for debate.

  "The woman is not well," explained Suarez. "I don't think she will be able to make the trip. Shall we bring the pilot alone?"

  The other man paced. Not another obstacle when we are so close. "We need them both. If she cannot travel within the next day I will summon a doctor."

  "Yes, Sir," Suraez replied. "Now I must end this transmission before our location is traced."

  "Remember. One day, no more!" The man ordered before disconnecting. The last thing he needed was for the location of the rebel base to be found.

  I

  When she awoke she was cold and unable to stop shaking. She realized she was inside a hut of some sort. She was thankful Todd was still with her, and the little boy was close by his side.

  "Here, drink some of this," Todd lifted his canteen to her parched lips.

  "I don't think I can keep anything down." She pushed it away as her stomach churned in rebellion.

  "You have a fever and need liquids," he ordered. "I'm trying to convince them to get you medical help. But they say the same thing I did. You have a normal virus. Nothing serious. You should be over it soon. Still, I don't like it . . .You don't seem right."

  "Todd . . ." Tears glistened in her emerald eyes and her head seemed to throb even more. "I didn't . . .have the shots."

  "No shots! But how . . .? Never mind," he said quickly, turning to their young companion. He said something to him and waited as the boy rushed out of the hut.

  At that very moment they heard sounds of gunfire and something exploding. At first Liane thought it was the pain in her head, as she squinted reaching up to press her hand against her forehead. Soon she realized it was more.

  Todd didn't wait to look outside; he grabbed Liane roughly from the floor of the hut and pulled her toward the door.

  "What is it?" She hesitated, eyes wide as she saw the sight outside. It was like a battle scene from television. Men were shooting, falling into pools of red, being blown apart. All right before her eyes. Yet it wasn't on a screen. Death was surrounding them.

  "Don't look!" Todd ordered as he firmly grasped her arm. "Just run if you can." He nearly dragged her with him into the cover of nearby brush and trees, not stopping until the sounds became distant.

  "Oh God . . .Oh God . . ." She choked, feeling ill again. Fear chilled her more than the fever. Looking into Todd's face, she saw his fear also. "The little boy . . ." Before she could say another word everything started to spin, then she drifted into oblivion.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  She thought she could hear Todd's voice calling her name. And then his cool touch stroking her brow, holding her hand. But when she awoke he wasn't there. Was it all a nightmare?

  To her surprise, she was lying in a huge bed, surrounded by expensively elegant furnishings. There was bright light coming in through a huge balcony window. Turning her head, she thought she saw a man standing in a far corner of the room.

  "Todd," she called weakly. Her body relaxing as he turned and she could make out the outline of his beard, his familiar face – she knew that it was him. She drifted back to sleep, a smile on her lips, knowing he was safe and close by.

  When she awoke again, another man was stooped over her. The grey-haired man, dressed in a suit and tie, was listening to her heart through a stethoscope.

  "Where am I?" she asked again, noting the strangeness of her surroundings.

  "In the home of Senor Valenquez. Do not worry. You are safe," the doctor assured her.

  "Where's Todd?" She tried to sit up, but the doctor placed a preventive hand on her slender shoulder.

  "Not just yet, my dear," he said, smiling as he wiped his brow. "You have been very ill. And through quite an ordeal from what I have heard."

  "What about Todd?"

  "Your friend has gone. Early this morning, after seeing you were well, he left here." The doctor noted her troubled expression and patted her hand. "He was by your side from the moment you were brought here."

  "And where is that?"

  "The ranch of Senor Valenquez. He's a fine caballero," the doctor explained. "You were lucky to be brought here. I could be summoned immediately."

  "And when was that? How long have I been here?"

  "Only two days," the doctor replied. "You have been quite ill. Fortunately it was not exactly what your friend had feared. He said in your delirium you said something about not being inoculated before coming to our country."

  She blushed nervously. "I must have been delirious."

  "In any case you have had a form of Salmonella poisoning. It also can be very serious, as you have found. Probably caused by something you recently ate. Your friend said he wouldn't have known what it was, you did not eat while with him."

  "Well . . .I did have a chicken sandwich." She looked contrite as she stared up at the doctor and shrugged. "I should have known better. I packed it and brought it with us on our trip. He didn't see me eating it."

  "And you probably had it for too long before you ate it. Right?" The doctor shook his head. "But you were also in a very weakened state. It seems many things have been happening to you in a very short time."

  "Yes, they have," she agreed, as the memory of moments shared with Todd flashed through her mind. "You said my friend has gone. Did he say where?"

  "Mr. Marshal was summoned away?" A tall, immaculately dressed man, with nearly jet black hair said as he entered the room. "He asked me to tell you."

  "Summoned?" She was puzzled now, wondering who could have known they were here.

  "A young Mestizo boy brought him a message," the man responded, then he smiled warmly down at her. "Now, allow me to introduce myself. I am Daniel Valenquez, your host." He held out a hand to her.

  She lifted her small hand, feeling at a disadvantage laying in the bed. "I want to thank you for allowing me . . ."

  "None of that." He shook his ebony head as he interrupted her. "I am only too happy to have a guest here on my ranch. And such a lovely one, too."

  She blushed, unsure what she should say.

  "We will talk later," the man said with an authoritative tone, giving the impression of a man who was used to giving orders. "Right now you must get the rest you need for a full recovery."

  "Yes." She took a deep breath and released it slowly. "I am quite tired."

  Too tired to begin planning what she was going to do now. But not too tired to worry what was happening to Todd Marshal.

  I

  When she awoke again it was dark outside and the house was quiet. Liane slowly propped herself up and reached for the light on the stand next to the bed. She wanted to get on her feet, if only for a few moments. She hated the helpless feeling of just laying there.

  Walking to the balcony, she pulled open the doors to step outside. She was met by the warm fragrant night air. She saw a full moon in the sky above
and thought about how such a moon was often associated with a romantic evening.

  A vision of Todd in his flight jacket, his dark brown eyes, and the sardonic smile he wore on his bearded face, passed through her mind.

  She wondered where he was now. And if he had given up on her. Or the search for her brother.

  The sound of voices reached her, bringing her out of her reverie. There was a faint light coming from the room below. Looking down, she could see a lone figure walk out onto a patio. He turned, looking up at her as he did.

  "Ah, so you are awake," Daniel Valenquez said. "I just asked Martina to come upstairs and check on you."

  "I couldn't bare another idle moment, with nothing to do except think."

  "I understand, but you should not be up so soon after being ill. If you would like company I can come upstairs and join you. But you must promise to follow the doctor's orders and stay in bed."

  "I promise." She watched as the man below disappeared back into the house.

  Turning and going back into the room, she saw her reflection in the mirror. She was shocked to see she was wearing a long silk nightgown. She had similar ones in her apartment in New York, but nothing like this with her on her trip as Mary Catherine. She wondered if it could belong to her host's wife.

  Hearing the faint knock she quickly got beneath the covers. "Come in."

  A young, dark-skinned girl came into the room. "Senor Valenquez has asked me to check how you are feeling, Miss."

  "I'm fine now." She smiled to the girl. "I just spoke to him from the balcony and he's on his way upstairs now, to keep me company for awhile."

  "That is nice, Miss." The girl smiled. "Mr. Valenquez is a kind man." The girl started to leave the room.

  "One moment, Martina. Isn't that what Mr. Valenquez said your name is?"

  "Yes, Miss. Can I get you something?"

  "No, I was just wondering if Mr. Valenquez's wife might be joining him. I didn't see her on the patio."

  "Wife?" The girl looked puzzled. "He is not married."