Page 51 of Wild Temple (Tyson Wild Thriller #84)

" H e didn't shoot you, did he?" Isabella said in a casual voice.

I gave her a flat look.

"I knew you two would handle it. You always do," she said with a wink.

I helped her to her feet. "Let's get out of here."

"Amen to that.”

"How's your head? Are you all there?"

She gave me a look like it was a silly question. “Are you all there? ”

“No, I went crazy a long time ago.”

“Well, somebody’s gotta be the crazy one in this relationship.”

I chuckled. "Next time, stay off the mopeds."

She frowned at me. "It wasn't my fault. This guy just came out of the blue.”

We escorted Isabella into the hallway and stepped around the bodies. The beams of our tactical flashlights attached to the assault rifles we’d taken from the goons led the way. We made our way back through the base to the submarine tunnel.

"It's a short swim from here," I said. “Are you up to it?"

"I'm not staying here,” she said in a dry tone.

It was still pitch black outside.

We slipped into the water, retrieved the dive gear, and swam into the bay. We made it to the shoreline and waded through the surf. The three of us walked along the beach until we returned to the boat, still anchored in the shallows.

I helped Isabella aboard, then climbed over the gunwale. Jack took the helm and fired up the engines while I weighed anchor. Within an hour, we were back in Jatala.

The morning sun crested the horizon. JD and I returned the boat and the dive gear, then caught a cab back to the hotel with Isabella.

It was time for a much-needed break.

“Is it too early for a cocktail?” JD asked.

I introduced Isabella to Hannah and Brooke. The girls were excited to meet her, and we traded stories about our experiences. Isabella seemed to have regained her wits about her and was not about to go back to the hospital for any reason whatsoever. I didn't blame her .

I called Talia and told her the good news, then let her talk to Isabella.

We spent another night in Jatala, but were more than ready to leave when the morning arrived. Talia had arranged for a private charter to fly us back to the States. Brooke and Hannah flew with us. The crew would take them on to their final destination.

We made the long journey, relaxing in the leather seats, feasting like kings, and drinking top-shelf liquor. We all deserved a little break.

It was almost a day later when we touched down in Coconut Key, after a layover. It was time to say our goodbyes. Brooke and I promised to keep in touch.

"I’m praying for your mother,” I said. “I hope everything works out for her.”

Brooke smiled. "Thank you. It will," she said with confidence.

She gave me a hug and a kiss goodbye.

Isabella was next in line for a hug. "You saved my life. I won't forget that.”

"It's what we do for each other," I replied with a smile.

JD and I disembarked and descended the steps down to the tarmac. The Florida air filled my nostrils.

I no sooner hit the ground when Sheriff Daniels buzzed my phone. "Where the hell are you two nitwits?”

"In Coconut Key. Where else would we be? "

He scoffed. "Good. I need your asses to get down here. We’ve got another problem."