Page 47 of Hearts on the Line (The Maverick Key #1)

Scott

As I climb up the ladder to Wes’s boat, every muscle in my body screams from the strain of the dive. My movements are mechanical, like a wooden marionette who wants his legs back. Where’s Maddie?

I see her sitting on the deck, wrapped in a thermal blanket. Her damp hair is plastered against her pale face. Her chest rises and falls in slow, even breaths, the rhythm comforting and maddening. I say a prayer of gratitude as I gaze at her tiny frame. She made it.

I take off my rebreather and set my gear on the bench. Years of training make the motions instinctive, but my hands shake. I walk over to her, kneel, and take her hand, kissing the back as I use my other hand to pull her close. I put my forehead against hers.

“Mark?” she asks. I shake my head. Sadness and guilt wash across her face. I don’t need to know the details of what happened in the cave. Maddie did what she had to do to save her own life, making her a hero in my book. Her eyes widen.

“What is it, sweetheart? Calm down, it’s going to be okay.”

“Denver, is he—”

“Denver was alive when I left him, thanks to you. Hannah got him help. He’s strong. He’ll pull through.”

“As soon as Mark threatened me.”

I clench my fists.

“Denver attacked and tried to save me.”

“Everything is going to be all right now. You’re safe, and we’re going home.”

“Thank you for finding me Scott… I love you.” Her eyes close.

“I’m here. Get some rest.” I hug her tighter and then rub her back until she falls asleep. I hold her like that for a while, grateful to have her in my arms, alive and safe. When I spot Wes standing near the stern, I lie her down and cover her with a few blankets, kissing her on the cheek.

Wes’s gaze is locked on the water. His hands fidget with the strap of his gear bag, tightening and loosening it in a loop. I walk over and stand next to him. We stand in silence for a while.

“We made it.”

Ahead, the faint glow of the island grows brighter, its familiar silhouette taking shape in the night. We’re almost home.

“I’m glad she’s going to be okay, and she has you to watch over her.” I say nothing. “She was so brave. That cave was a fucking nightmare. She never panicked. She pushed through it like a pro. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.” He looks to the horizon. “You’re a lucky man.”

He looks lost, like he’s searching for something.

“They’ll be coming for me soon. This is it for me.

” He turns to face me. His words hang in the air, heavy.

He knows Garrett will make good on his threat.

There’s a good chance he’s already released the video.

Not only will it destroy Wes’s reputation, but it may put him in jail.

Wes says it’s bogus, but perception is reality.

He knows that better than anyone. Whatever lies ahead in Wes Harrington’s life, it’s going to be different.

After a long moment, I exhale through my nose and glance over my shoulder.

“They won’t know you’re here.”

Wes meets my eyes, his expression unreadable. “How’s that?”

“The authorities will find out you didn’t make it out of the cave… It’s a tragedy.”

Wes nods, his mouth twitching into a faint smile. “You finally got your chance to kill me.” His face is solemn. “I appreciate it.”

“Me too.” I pat him on the back.

Wes motions toward the dinghy, his bag slung over his shoulder. He looks at Maddie for a long moment, something unreadable moving across his face before turning to me.

“This is where I disappear.”

I extend my hand, and he takes it without hesitation. His grip is firm. Our goodbye is filled with unspoken words neither of us will say out loud.

“Stay out of trouble, Harrington.”

“Trouble finds me, Rickter. You know that. Tell Maddie I said goodbye.”

He gets into the dinghy and steers it away into the night. I’m glad the asshole made it and will live another day. I glance at Maddie, who’s just waking. I owe him my life.

The boat glides into the dock, and we work to tie up Wes’s boat. The tension in my shoulders ease. Maddie steps down with Margaret’s help.

The sky lightens, and the first streaks of dawn chase the night away. I slip an arm around her shoulders and we walk home.