Page 72 of Wild Idol

We held up at the edge of the retreat, crouching low in the underbrush. Tiki torches illuminated pathways and structures, the soft amber glow destroying the moonlight. From our vantage point, we had a view of Solomon‘s cabana. It was set apart from the rest and had a nice view of another small pond. A large deck at the rear had patio furniture and thatched umbrellas for shade. Candle lights flickered inside.

“There’s a boat at the dock,” Jack whispered. “I say we get down there, hot wire the boat, and get the hell out of here.”

“I second that notion.”

“What do you want to do about the idol?”

“Our mission priorities have changed from rescue and recover to escape and survive.”

“I’m aware of that, but I would like to extract a little revenge. I think taking that idol would piss Solomon off. And right now, I’m all about anything that pisses Solomon off.”

Solomon‘s voice crackled over the walkie-talkie. “Big Bad Wolf, do you copy?“

JD and I shared a glance.

“I think we need to get while the getting is good,” I whispered.

Solomon attempted to make contact with Red Bandanna a few more times, then he radioed for his other security squad. It wasn’t long before more goons met him at his cabana. Solomon rallied the troops, and they set out to find the others, armed to the gills.

JD and I hid in the underbrush, ready for anything.

Solomon and his men hustled down the trail, heading toward the mountain. We watched them disappear into the night.

“Now’s our chance,” Jack said.

He climbed out from the underbrush and crept toward the cabana.

I followed. There was no talking him out of it.

The crickets chirped, and the thick air hung still. With our heads on swivels, we climbed the steps and hovered by the front door. I peered through a window—Star sat on the edge of the bed, her head in her hands, sobbing.

I exchanged another look with Jack before opening the door and storming in.

Star looked up at us with wide eyes, shocked. In a mix of confusion and relief, she asked, “What are you doing here?”

“Getting the hell of this island after your boyfriend tried to kill us.”

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Tell that to him.”

Jack moved across the room and took the idol from the pedestal.

“Is that what this is all about? Is that the only reason you came back?”

“I distinctly recall you standing by, doing nothing while your boyfriend ordered us to be killed.”

“I tried to stop him. He wouldn’t listen. What was I supposed to do?”

“Now is your last chance to get off this island,” I said. “Are you coming with us?”

Star hesitated for a moment. “I’m not going back to my father.”

“You don’t have to go back to your father. But if you want my advice, I’d leave this place and never look back. You’ve seen what kind of man Solomon is. You’ve seen what he’ll do to anyone who defies him. It’s only a matter of time before somebody else crosses him. Somebody you really care about. Besides, it won’t be long before he gets sideways with the cartel. A guy like Solomon is bound to piss them off at some point.”

Jack moved to the door and stood watch. “We need to go!” he hissed.

“Suit yourself,” I said to Star.