Page 113 of Cavern of Silence

"I am. Tinker's blonde wig doesn't change my look as much as I'd like it to. And I've only been to the Bahamas airport a handful of times, and it was a long time ago, so I don't think anyone will know me."

"Then we leave in two days at three a.m."

"I'm going to miss everyone."

"Yeah, me, too. But we've already stayed longer than we should have. It still isn't safe for you to be here."

Being on the farm, remote from everything, has put us in a bubble. But we both understand the bubble can be popped at any time by the wrong person. So the next night, we say a teary goodbye to the family before bed. A fisherman named James and his twenty-four-year-old son, William, pick us up at three on the dot.

After introductions, the ride to the shore is quiet. It's still dark out, and James leads us to a fishing boat with two cabins. "Try to sleep if you can."

"Thanks," Julieta and I both say in unison and go into the cabin.

There is a light mist of rain, so we stay in it for several hours. Julieta sleeps, but my mind races. We're so close to our freedom, and I can't wait to start really living life with Julieta.

When the rain stops, the sun is up, and we're so far in the Gulf of Mexico, you can't see land from the cabin window. The boat slows to almost a stop and bobs in the water.

Julieta stirs and yawns.

I stroke her cheek. "Hey, baby."

Her lids flutter open. "Hi. Where are we?"

"Middle of the Gulf is my guess. Want to go take a look?"

Her eyes brighten. "Yes."

We step outside. As far as the eye can see, multicolored blues sparkle in the water. Gentle waves rock the boat. Both James and William wear white long-sleeve shirts and khaki cargo pants, tan fishing hats, and a blue scarf around their mouths.

"Morning," William says, casts his pole, and tugs his hat lower.

"Morning," we both say.

James nods to a cooler and basket. "Breakfast is in there if you're interested. I brought some sunscreen and extra clothes for you both in the blue bag. This sun gets hot. You're free to fish or sunbathe, but I suggest you put on some lotion and cover yourself up."

"Thank you," Julieta says and picks up the bag.

"I haven't deep-sea fished before," I admit.

"You haven't?" William asks in shock.

I chuckle. "Nope. But it's on my bucket list. If you're willing to show me how, I'd love to try it."

"Sure. How about you, Julieta?"

"I've fished before, but it was a long time ago when I was a child. I'll take a pole if you have one and will take part in your lesson."

"Good woman," James says.

I put my arm around her and give her a peck on the cheek. "Yes, she is."

She beams. "I'll go change. Thanks for bringing these clothes."

"No problem, ma'am," James replies.

"Let me guess, military?" Julieta says.

"Yes, ma'am."