Page 44 of Depths of Destruction

"What did they say?"

"They're Santiago's men and are trying to find him."

Santiago is missing after several days?

He's still running around in Belize?

I need to get Naomi out of this country.

"Let's go."

Straight or follow the river?

Straight south will probably be more direct to the border.

I lead us away from the river. The foliage isn't too thick at first, but the farther we travel, the denser it becomes. No matter what direction we turn, it's a blanket of trees. Several scrapes form on Naomi's skin from the brush. I've got camouflage cargo pants on, but she's only in shorts and a T-shirt. I don't have anything to give her for better protection and try to shield her as best as I can, but it's nearly impossible. I worry I made the wrong decision. We finally get to a small trail.

I stop and crouch down to look at her legs, which are covered in scratches. Blood drips from several of them. "Crap. I'm sorry, Naomi."

"It's not your fault."

The first aid kit I brought has some antiseptic and disinfectant cloths. I tend to her cuts and spray the medication so she doesn't get an infection. "This one is pretty deep."

"I'll be fine."

"There's a lot of dirt in it, too." I try to clean it out as best as I can without hurting her, and guilt shoots through me.

I should have kept following the river so she didn't get hurt. She's not dressed for deep foliage.

She winces but never complains.

When I am almost finished, she puts her arms around my shoulders. I glance up, and she slides her fingers along the back of my head. "Thanks."

"You're a good sport. But I'm sorry I chose this route."

"I'm okay. You're doing the best you can to get me out of here."

"It's not good enough if you get hurt in the process."

"Scrapes will heal. Stop worrying."

I drag my finger next to the wound I'm worried about. "This could get infected."

She brings her lips to mine and sweetly kisses me. "It's not your fault. Should we keep moving?"

"Yeah." I rise, and we begin our journey down the small trail.

After several hours of walking, it begins to rain. The water is initially warm then changes to a cooler temperature as time passes.

Goose bumps break out on Naomi's skin and she hugs her arms to her chest.

I pick her up to carry her.

She wraps her arms around my shoulders. "What are you doing?"

"You're cold. I'm trying to warm you up."

"I can walk."