Chapter 21
"Rise and shine sleepyhead." Belle Gardner smiled down at Barbara Johnson then glanced at her wristwatch and thought,
for someone that wanted to get started early; you are still sleeping like a baby.
The woman smiled, stretched and turned onto her left side. A brief smacking of her lips and she was off in dreamland again. Belle raised her left eyebrow and gazed at Barbara Johnson. Finally, she shrugged and left the room. About thirty minutes later, she was back, this time with two cups of hot coffee. Didn't take long to see that the coffee was making itself known as Barbara fell onto her back and began to sniff.
Belle felt a giggle coming, did her best to hold it back as she cleared her throat, and said, "Brought you a cup of coffee. Come on open those beautiful eyes, a new day is upon us."
Rubbing her eyes, she looked up and said, "Go away."
"Come now Barbara, you are the one that was so gung ho to get to the Trenton Place. Sit up, take the coffee and then tell me what has you looking different this morning?"
Scooting up, she leaned back against the pillow and the headboard. Taking the cup of coffee she signed, "Always smells so good first thing in the morning."
Belle pulled up a chair, sat then said, "Nothing better to get one awake, take the edge off."
Sipping the coffee, Barbara looked around the room then gave herself the once-over.
Belle had to ask, "What is wrong?"
Looking as if she was trying to figure something out, the woman closed her eyes then opened them again and replied, "Was I dreaming or did we actually go to this cave and hot springs last night?"
Blowing on the coffee in her cup, Belle replied, "Not a dream, hoped it would rest you and it did, almost too much." She took a drink and smiled, I do make good coffee.
Running a hand through her hair, Barbara gazed at the pajamas she wore and inquired, "Do you recall last night?"
"Sure, You didn't want to go but me stubborn as all get out, insisted. You did finally give in and allow me to lead you to the springs. Once there, you seemed to enjoy the soothing water."
"And you?"
"I am sure you remember we were in separate places. I went to one pool leaving you to have your privacy in the other."
Her brow, furrowed, her jaw set and one muscle began to twitch as Barbara muttered, "I have to say, I don't recall leaving, I don't recall getting back here, I don't recall getting ready for bed. I must have had way too much to drink."
Smiling, Belle replied, "We had our share, but not so much as to cause a person to black out or I should say forget. When I came in here, you looked like you might be having a sweet dream, hated to wake you."
"No sweet dream, just tired, and here I feel safe, peaceful, it is easy for my body to relax. Guess I have been pushing myself too much since all this began."
"And before it began. I know you practically run Global all by yourself. Oh, you have people that assist, but how well it works, all falls on you. Amongst all this, here you are way out here, finding yourself in the middle of turmoil."
"I don't look at it that way. I just want to find Sky get her back to --"
"Civilization?" Belle looked miffed.
Fidgeting with the coffee cup, Barbara took the last sip and set the cup on the nightstand, cleared her throat and said, "I wasn't going to say civilization. I was going to say Global. Hard to keep a business going if the person that does this is nowhere to be found."
"Even if you do find Sky, and don't look at me like that, this does not mean she will be ready to go back to Global."
"What do you mean?"
"Well there is Bobie Parker, still need to find out where she is, at least give her a funeral. Then there is Tara Coltrane, you may not see her the same way that Sky does. But for some reason, Tara is important to her and this is another reason, Sky just may not be ready."
"Got you, have even thought of it, still if she can keep busy, maybe things will get better."
"Come now Barbara, so much has happened, feelings are raw, it will be sometime before Sky gets back to the woman you know. I have seen it; I have even lived it in some ways. I think the best thing we can do is find Sky if possible, help her, listen to her and accept what she says. Course that is just me."
Barbara tossed a pillow at the woman and said, "Must you always be so practical? Tell me Belle Gardner, do you feel any different after the hot springs last night?"
Catching the pillow and tossing it back, Belle replied, "If you mean more rested, yes. If you mean do I think I will break out into some sort of
Jekyll Hyde, no."
"Wasn't exactly what I meant. I still feel weird not to recall leaving or getting back here, or putting on these pajamas. How is it you recall this and I don't?"
"Truth?" Belle sighed, and added, "I don't. I woke up next to you this morning. You were sawing logs and my head felt like it was going to explode. Remind me never to take six packs of beer like that again."
"Wow! Your fable must have some truth to it. That place must have a lot of supernatural mumbo jumbo for real."
"Barbara don't say that, it was a nice outing, we both were able to relax, enjoy the medicinal value of the springs. It was late, we were tired, after the springs, and all the beer, I think we just went on autopilot. We are both fine today, so I say this is a good thing."
"You're right. Anyway I am glad it was you I was with, cannot imagine going into a place like that alone. I'll go take a shower, get dressed and meet you in the kitchen. We can go when you are ready."
Standing, Belle replied, "I fixed bacon and eggs, so don't be too long. And don't go say you never eat breakfast. This is a special day; you and I both need all the strength we can get. Neither of us knows what lies in that tunnel or what we just might face."
Barbara was on her way to the bathroom as she turned gazed toward Bell and said, "We will be fine as long as we have one another's back."
"Then I know we will be fine. Don't take too long, food will get cold."
Did not take Barbara long to shower, then find a nice pair of faded blue jeans, blue Levi shirt with pearl snaps and her faithful black boots. When she appeared in the kitchen, she looked like a different person. Belle glanced up from the sink and said, "Looks like the shower brought color back to your cheeks."
Walking up to the woman, Barbara brushed up against her and said, "My cheeks have color, they always have."
"I know, but you do look more refreshed and awake."
"Thanks. So do you." She reached for the coffee but before she could grasp it, Belle was already pouring her a cup. "You are quick. Smells wonderful in here. Bacon and eggs always fill a room with wonderful aromas."
Pointing to the table, Belle said, "Let's chow down. The way time passes around here, it will be dusk and we will still be sitting here."
Grinning, and then sitting, Barbara said, "Nothing wrong with that. As long as I am with you I know life is never dull and with it comes adventure in wonderful ways."
Belle sit, stared at the woman and mumbled, "Has to be some sort of law that is broken when a person is as happy as you are this morning."
Buttering toast, Barbara grinned and said, "It's just what you do to me Belle Gardner."
Taking a bite of scrambled egg and a bite of toast, Belle shook her head in disbelief at Barbara's words. "You know you keep up that kind of talk and I just might begin to believe it, then what are you going to do when you get ready to leave for the big city?"
Barbara winked. "Who said I was leaving?"
"We could go round and round all day, but we both know you are a city gal and once this is all settled in some way you will be going back to Los Angeles."
"Few ever try to think what I am going to do, and those that do usually find themselves wrong. Give you something to think about Belle, just suppose when this is all through, and we are both alive, what would you think about coming out to Los Angeles with me?"
"You mean work for you?"
"If you wanted to work, that would be up to you. But my friend, never for me, with me. How about visit, let me show you the sights. Find out just how we get along day to day."
"Are you propositioning me Barbara Johnson? If so, I will not be at anyone's beck and call."
Leaning back in her chair, grey blue eyes met crystal blues as she replied, "I would never want anyone to be at my 'beck and call'. You have me wrong. I just want to know you better. We are friends. I know you and Jeanne are a couple. I am the one that has been trying to keep you from going off and doing or saying something you might be sorry for with Jeanne."
"I know. Sorry. I am just not used to anyone wanting to get to know me other than Jeanne and maybe a few others. Sky is a wonderful person and a good friend. A person can never have too many friends, especially true ones I guess."
"Like I have said, I like you, I feel comfortable with you."
"Like an old shoe?"
"No not like an 'old shoe'. Gee did you get any sleep last night because you seem to be looking for some sort of confrontation this morning."
Standing and walking toward the sink, Belle replied, "Got plenty of sleep. I am rested. You just need to know I am not like most people. I have learned to be skeptical and one might say a bit untrusting at times. I do trust you, I think of us as good friends, just hope you will understand my falling down at times in so far as how I feel myself."
Patting her stomach Barbara said, "I am full, it was delicious. I'll do the dishes since you did the cooking."
"Nope. We can just leave them in the sink. Clean them when we get back. Give us a reason to come back."
Standing, Barbara approached Belle; she reached out and gave her a friendly hug. "Always a reason to come back. However, I do understand what you mean. Let's get the packs and be on our way."
The drive to the Trenton place was another long one. Both women were a bundle of nerves, neither wanted to speak about what was ahead but both knew deep down it might be the last day they breathed.
Tara Coltrane lay on her right side; she pulled her knees up grasping them. She had no idea what day it was; she only knew she had been in this place too long. There had been no word of Skylar Richmond or any other outside news. The only person she saw from time to time was Sonja or several of the guards.
From their outfits, she surmised they were militants of some sort. She had heard a few speaking in the outer corridor in several different languages. The few she had seen up close could have been from anywhere. They did not show any type of nationality in so far as speech. One thing she was sure of, she was not in Springfield any longer. Lying onto her back she groaned, everything was a nightmare now. Nights were times to feel the darkness creeping in and covering her like a wet blanket. She was thankful for days because at least she could see what was in front of her or near.
At night, the rats came out to play. In the beginning, she tried to shoo them away, but soon got used to their visits. The vermin were hungry and looking for food, not unlike her. Still she always kept a few pieces of bread if she was lucky enough to get any, for the visitors. Actually, she had named them, Larry, Curly and Moe. Sometimes their antics were almost as adorable as
The Three Stooges.
The three had not found their way into the cell this day and she actually was concerned. Feeling dryness in her throat, she gazed around the room but could see there was no water. They had interrogated her, beat her, tried to humiliate her and now were limiting water as well as food.
She could feel her strength diminishing and knew all this was happening for a reason. It was obvious her captors did not want her to fight them in whatever they were preparing to do. All she really knew for sure was the bad feeling in the pit of her stomach that foreshadowed it all.
The sound of footsteps approaching the door to her cell brought Tara to her feet; she faced the door, her back touching the wall, finding it hard to swallow she waited to see who it was. The creaking of the door was enough to send any vermin that might be in the area scurrying away as Sonja peeked into the room.
"It's you. I wasn't sure who it was going to be."
The woman gazed around the room then walked inside. She held a bottle of water in one hand and a slice of bread in the other. "This is all I could swipe today without someone getting suspicious."
Tara slid to the floor and sit. "Bless you; I am thirsty, feel like I have been walking in the desert for days."
Handing her the bottle of water and the slice of bread, Sonja said, "I can't stay long, but something is happening, not sure what it is, more people are here now, some are also leaving. Just feel the air is different."
Drinking the water faster than she should and finally coming up for air, Tara muttered, "They are trying to break me; it is taking all I have not to give in, but if the worse should happen. Will you promise if you can to get a message to a dear friend for me?"
The woman nodded saying, "I will do what I can. But they watch me like a hawk watches a bird. What is it you want me to send or say if I can?"
"Just tell Skylar Richmond, I was proud to know her and that I do not blame her for what happened."
"This woman is special to you; I can see it in your eyes. I will do what you ask, but you will be able to tell her yourself."
Shaking her head as she took a bite of the hard bread, Tara replied, "Unless you know something I do not and I am getting out of here, then believe me when I say, I doubt I will. Global Industries in Los Angeles California is where Skylar works. If she is not there, leave the message with her assistant, Barbara Johnson. Consider this granting my last wish."
Tears welled up into Sonja's eyes as the woman tried to brush them away saying, "Do not talk like that. I have to leave now. Promise to be back as soon as I can."
Tara watched Sonja leave the room as once again the gnawing jaws of loneliness took over. She finished the bread, saving a square for the mice whenever they appeared.
Sonja had not been gone long it seemed before more footsteps were heard approaching the door. Tara glanced around the room, looking for somewhere to hide the bottle; finally, she stuffed it into the side of the mattress that lay on the floor, then she sit on the mattress.
The door opened only this time it was not the kindly face of Sonja it was two burly guards, each holding rifles and looking like they were serious. The first one that entered the room had a hungry face his cheekbones were strong and the features spare but the lips were large and frequently in motion, twisting, pursed, compressing and being gnawed. "Get up! You are coming with us!"
Tara was jerked to her feet by the two men, neither cared if they hurt the woman or not. As she was being cruelly shackled, she asked, "Where are you taking me?"
"You will find out soon." The other man was smaller in build but not in weight, he had a potbelly and was wearing parts of what looked like a military uniform, he had a forty-five holstered on his guard belt. His arms were tattooed; he had a tan face adorned with a sinister goatee. Both men were soon pushing Tara out the door and down the corridor. She tripped and fell but was jerked back up immediately. They moved so fast making it hard to even see what was going by.
For the first time since she had been in this place, she was taken outside. Quickly glancing around the area and only catching glimpses as she was forced toward a hut that was directly in their path. Before long, they had pushed her into the room, then stepped back allowing her to see the man that sit behind a small desk.
He was a man of mid thirties maybe, perhaps five four, not a tall man for who seemed to be in charge. He had a lean face, pitted and scarred, thick black eyebrows, and carbon black eyes, with deep grainy circles of black under them. A heavy five 0'clock shadow painted his face but the skin under was unhealthy looking. Course she thought,
I probably look worse.
He stood, walked around the desk and in his right hand was a riding crop. "Sorry it has taken so long for us to meet, Miss. Coltrane. Many things keep me busy. I know who you are I know why you are here, so do not begin to say you were framed or it is a mistake. I hear too much of this. I hope our accommodations have been to your liking." After he said those words, he tossed his head back and guffawed. "Of course I am not serious. You are a prisoner; you will get no special treatment. My name is General Kaspah, a name you will learn to know Well."
"May I speak?" Tara asked, her eyes never leaving the man.
He smirked, looked at her hands and said, "I see my men did a good job. You stand before me like you are and dare to ask me to speak?"
She nodded at the same time feeling the sting of the crop across her face. She grimaced at the pain but did not move. He walked around her, stopping allowing the crop to travel her body lightly, slowly methodically before continuing to the front once more. "Your clothes are soiled, torn; I will see you get new ones. He walked back to the desk picked up a parchment and read, "I, Tara Coltrane admit to treason against the United States, and various other countries. This is dated; all you need to do is sign."
"I will not sign that, it is a lie. I have not committed treason."
"You will sign, or your days will get even worse than they have been."
"I demand to know why I am here! I know it has to be near water of some kind, the air is different and the few birds I saw flying overhead were not dry land birds."
He set the parchment on the desk, turned and scowled toward her. "I guess the mark across your face still did not stop your talking. If you will not sign, and it is evident you will not, then I will begin what you may wish will never happen." He motioned to the two guards who immediately stepped close to Tara, reached out and grasped her shoulders forcing her to her knees.
She knew struggling would do no good, and cringed at the thought of what the man was going to do to her. He didn't bring out a machete; instead, he had an electric hair trimmer in his right hand. Walking toward her he said, "You are known for your beauty, the hair on your head being one, but no more."
Tara tried to struggle, the guards fingers almost bore into her skin and she knew struggling was to no avail. "If you think cutting off my hair will make me sign that paper, you are wrong."
He started the trimmer and said, "It is a sign, the sign of a traitor, it is the beginning of the end for you. If you do not sign the paper within three days, you will be beheaded in the court yard."
As Tara felt the trimmer on her head, and saw the locks of dark hair fall to the floor she closed her eyes and did the best she could not to scream. The guard's fingers were digging into her flesh and she had to resign herself to a live of at least three more days.
The tall redhead stood on the doc gazing out at the vastness of the water that lay ahead. Sky had little problem getting hold of Ted Rankin one of Global's substitute pilots. He was a young man of twenty who loved choppers. So, first chance she had, she called Ted. He was certainly up for any covet ops the woman was planning. After getting their signals set on the right course, she made her way to a vacant lot near Willow Lake. One of very few places not covered by trees. True to his word, the Global Chopper appeared as if dropping from the sky near dusk. A rope ladder was put down and soon Sky was climbing up and into the chopper.
Didn't take long to get settled and Sky was very happy they were leaving Springfield behind.
Ted, glanced toward her and said, "You look tired but from all I have heard, lucky to be alive. As to our conversation, I packed a few supplies for you. Are you sure you want to go to Florida?"
Nodding, Sky reached over and patted the man on the back. "Thank you. I will owe you one. And yes, I want to go to Florida. You have the coordinates?"
"Yes, I know where you want to go, and have already found a spot to set down. No thanks needed, always glad to help a beautiful woman in distress. From all the teletypes coming in, seems the Police want you too."
Sighing and setting back, Sky replied, "This kind of want I don't need. It is all a big mistake. You know me; you know I am not a criminal. I just need to find a friend and make sure she is all right."
He fidgeted with a few controls then said, "Tara Coltrane is lucky to have a friend like you."
"Guess my life is no secret, what with the teletypes, TV, police, heaven only knows what is out there. So you knowing it is Tara, does not surprise me."
He fixed his headset then said, "You are a true friend, not a lot of them around anymore. Don't worry; I will not say a word to anyone, not even Barbara."
Sky smiled, she knew that Barbara would do all she could to worm information from the man if she knew he had been in contact with her. "Thanks, Barbra has enough on her plate, sure does not need to know what I am doing on my own time."
They had been flying for a while when Ted cleared his throat and said, "I wanted to let you know how badly I feel about Bobie Parker. Didn't know her very well but she seemed to be a really nice person, like you."
Sky felt a lump in her throat and fought off tears that wanted to make themselves known. "Thank you; I appreciate what you have said. And you are right, Bobie is, was a wonderful person. She had too much to give the world and was too young to die."
When the lights of Miami came into view, Sky pointed down and said, "We should be nearing Everglades City soon. I will make it to the canoe as soon as I change. She looked in the back and said, "Keep your eyes forward and I will change back there."
He grinned and replied, "The clothes are in the duffel bag. Promise I will keep looking straight ahead."
Sky easily made her way to the back and took little time to remove clothes and put on a pair of khaki cargo pants, a khaki tee and then begin searching for the gun she had asked Ted to bring. It was there, the shoulder holster, the two belts of ammunition as well as the C-4, a thermal pair of binoculars and a few other items. "You did well. Seems to be all here."
"Can I look now?"
"All done." She climbed into the front once more and sat. "Thanks."
He glanced toward her and said, "Looks like you are going to take on an army. Sure you do not want any help?"
"Sweet of you to offer but if I get myself killed, it will be my doing, going into this but I would never ask anyone else to join me."
"I will set the chopper down at the private airport we discussed wait for your signal to come pick you up. You have a radio and so do I, but if I do not hear from you in two days I will call the police."
She nodded and said, "I agree. However, if all goes as planned I should be in and out by two days. Course one never knows exactly what they may run into. If something goes wrong, I will let you know if possible. "
Sky left Ted at the airfield, took a jeep and was now nearing the place near the Everglades where the canoe had been left for her. Once she found the off road site, it was not difficult to make her way to the boat landing. Stepping from the jeep, she tossed the duffel bag over one shoulder and began her trek toward the water and the boat.
The canoe supposedly had been obtained from Glades Haven Marina, located at the west gate entrance to the Everglades National park's Visitor Center. A perfect starting point to explore hundreds of creeks and rivers along with one hundred plus miles of Gulf Coast shore line. They had everything one might need. She had contacted a friend in the area who made the arrangements for the canoe.
Nearing the canoe, she stopped and gazed around the area. A beautiful, rugged, subtropical landscape experienced by a relatively few adventurous souls each year. Few truly appreciated the unique qualities of this wilderness but most knew that with beauty also comes deadly. One should never become lax for they might not make it back. Placing the duffel bag in the canoe, she began to push it into the water then stepped inside and sit.
Her compass wristwatch showed it would be nearing late afternoon soon. Reaching into the left side cargo pocket of her pants, she brought out the map. Quickly unfolding it, she gazed at the red marks. Her thoughts went back to the moment she discovered the place she was going to go.
She had been looking at the map trying to figure out the red marks. And had set her sights on one of them when by accident as she held the map to a light another map appeared. Didn't take long to add more light in the back and write down the coordinates.
Now she traced the markings with a finger of her left hand and whispered, "If I am right, you are there Tara and I am coming to get you."
Sky knew the Everglades were not just a huge swamp inhabited only by large snakes and alligators, but it also was a masterpiece of nature's beauty in a mysterious forest containing many forms of wildlife and birds. She recalled a person telling her one time, about panthers and thought how nice it would be to see one, however this day she definitely did not want to come across the cat.
Folding up the map and putting it back into a pocket, she began to paddle soon finding out it was slow going. However, with each stroke, she knew she was going further and further into a land that would as soon eat a person alive as not. She had put plenty of repellent on her skin, also carried a vest in the duffel bag in case she needed something on her arms. Stopping for a few minutes, she took out a headband with an attached light and put it on. If it got to dark, she could turn the light on and still see some. She also had an attachment to snap on the canoe that would provide light when moving in the water after dark if necessary.
The sound of water rushing not far from the canoe gave the woman pause for a few seconds as she gazed around. Not far, lay an alligator as if hidden waiting for its prey. It was easy to spot but for some animal perhaps not until too late. She began to paddle once more and soon found herself approaching the three different waterways. Having purchased a map of the area she knew which one to take to leave the park.
At least the main part and once again began to paddle, each time making sure the water was safe ahead and there was nothing in her path. Floating aquatic plants dominated the waterscape. She had a fondness for the white water lily. The Cyprus trees were amazing but it was the trees that existed in hammocks, which were localized, mature hardwood forests. Unlike the tree islands that are dominated by wetland species, these lived in a drier area; this is where she wanted to go.
She had been paddling for almost two hours, her arms ached and she was feeling the stress of the trip. Once more stopping and letting the canoe drift, she searched for the map again. This time she was looking for a specific, place. There would be a boat dock of some sort, perhaps a few boats, maybe even a few people. Most of all she wanted to set eyes on the private residence. According to the map, it was a private Estate of some sort. Some sort of eco friendly research facility.
Glancing at her wristwatch, she noted the direction and began to paddle once more. Within a twenty-minute span, the boat dock came into view. Slowly Sky paddled for the shoreline. She wanted to get the canoe out of the water to a safe spot, cover it with leaves and brush then begin the trek to the facility. She already had it in sight. There was no one at the dock, but that did not mean there was no one in the shrubbery.
Quickly putting the ammunition belts over each shoulder then across her chest making them look like an x, the way they fit. She also put on the shoulder holster and then placed the gun inside. The belt she wore around her waist carried, several grenades a knife, another smaller pistol and in a cargo pocket C-4. The Thermal binoculars were on a strap around her neck. She was prepared for anything so the snake that slithered across her path did not detour her, only give her pause to look around and up more than she was doing.
Sky also carried a machete in her right hand; she used this to chop through the thick foliage. Some leaves were so big they would have made great protection from the sun as well as the rain. She hoped no one heard her hacking a pathway. Soon the large estate came into view. She stopped, catching her breath and gazed at it.
There was a large brown wooden fence surrounding the area, and a large double gate in front. She held up the thermal binoculars and surveyed the area. It was dark already so it was easy to see where things were and how many were inside. After several checks, she dropped to her knees reached up and turned the light on and brought out a small pad and pencil from one of the cargo pockets. Quickly drawing a diagram on what she saw. At least something to go by once inside.
There were maybe five people moving around in what seemed to be a rectangular house with small paned windows and a steep, lean-to-like roof, extending far down its rear side. She assumed this was the headquarters. There were also four to five huts scattered around the area inside. There was a positive read in two of them. Sitting on the ground, she found her canteen and took a drink of water. It felt good, she only wished she could splash it onto her face but knew better.
Gazing at the time, she felt soon most of the people inside would be asleep. This would make it easier to get in and get out. It was quiet a few sounds here and there but peaceful until she heard a rustle in the undergrowth which brought Sky to full alert. She had turned off the forehead light and set the machete down earlier and now her right hand began to scramble for it. Getting to her knees she began to crawl around the area searching for the machete, it was at this time she found herself staring into eyes that were not human. The soft sounds emitting from its throat then the snarl made her aware it was a panther. Quickly reaching up she turned on the forehead lamp and as it shone in the animals eyes, it backed off and ran away. It was then she spied the machete and picked it up.
She let an hour pass then crawled closer once again looking through the thermal binoculars. There was little movement at that time so she decided it was then or never. Approached the wood fence, she dropped to her knees and began to check the ground around each board. It was wet, and so she began to dig with the machete, slowly, methodically until she was able to grasp several boards and with the machete's assistance, remove them. Once the boards were cast aside, she squeezed through the opening.
Crouching like a cat, she began her way toward the two huts that had movement earlier. Approaching the first one, she tried the doorknob However, it would not budge. "Must be the right one, it is locked." Taking out a small locksmith pick from a pocket, she began to work on the lock. All the time hoping no one would spot the light she was using. Didn't take long to hear the click and to feel the knob give. Putting the pick in one of her pockets, she slowly opened the door.
Her heart was beating so fast she thought it might jump from her chest. Searching the room, she spied a figure leaning against the wall. It was as she came closer her mouth fell open but quickly catching herself she softly cried, "Tara, God I've found you."
Tara stared up at the avenging angel and whimpered, "Go away."
Sky was thrown back by the woman's words but not one to listen to most things like that she walked toward her, dropped to her knees, reached out and drew the woman close. "I have been so worried. I will not go away, but you are coming with me."
Tara pulled from the embrace looked away and said, "I don't want you to see me like this. Go, please go."
Sky reached out, gently touched the woman's chin and turned her face to hers. "Don't talk like that. Just listen to me, there is not much time. We have to leave now."
Tara stood though unsteady and said, "I don't blame you for what happened. You can go with a clear head. Just go."
"What has gotten into you Tara Coltrane, I am not the enemy. This place is the enemy. You either come with me on your own volition or I will carry you out of here."
"I asked you not to look at me. I asked you to leave, go."
Shaking her head, Sky replied, "Give you two minutes to make up your mind, you either walkout of here with me or I carry you out over my shoulder."
"How can you look at me? They have demoralized me. I am not the woman you knew." She began to sob.
Sky felt her heart would break when she saw Tara Coltrane as she was. The woman was dressed in soiled clothes, torn here and there; she had nothing on her feet except sores and dirt. Her beautiful lustrous dark hair was gone, she was bruised and at that moment, Sky wanted to blow up the entire place for what they had done to Tara.
"Tara, listen to me. I have searched for you as soon as I could. You will always be beautiful to me. In fact, bald looks good on you. So get off your pity party and let's get going while we can."
"And Sonja?"
Turning to stare at the woman, Sky asked, "Who is Sonja?"
Tara told her about the woman and she surmised this was the body she had seen in the other hut. "I'll go get her now. Set a few surprises around the area then be back to get you. Stay put."
Tara feigned a smile and said, "No place to go. Just so, you know there are some really mean men here. Don't get caught."
Sky left the room and headed straight for the other hut. Once inside she had to appease the frightened woman but soon had Sonja convinced she was indeed Skylar Richmond. The woman told her what had happened to Tara, and then told her what Tara asked she do when she saw Sky. When Sonja finished Sky said, "Thank you for helping as much as you could. We need to get out of here soon. Will you go back and stay with Tara? I have a few things to do then I will meet you there."
She nodded and watched the woman leave the room soon to be consumed by the darkness.
Tara was glad to see Sonja she knew that Skylar was doing what she said she would. The two women hugged and it was Sonja who said, "Your friend loves you."
"Sure she does, she is my friend."
She gazed up and said, "I know but she is much more than a friend. I see it in her face. How could you not?"
Tara sat, reached up and grasped Sonja's hand and said, "Sit with me, we will see just how far my friend gets before someone lops off her head like they are going to do to me."
A look of fear traveled the woman's face as she muttered, "I heard but I didn't believe. After seeing you now, your beautiful hair gone, I fear it is true. Thank the Gods for Skylar Richmond."
Sky placed C-4 in strategic places. She made sure the larger building had enough placed to keep them busy for a long time if any made it through the explosions. She also knew that they needed to get out of there soon. She was just putting the finishing touches near the back of the building when one of the guards stepped outside for a smoke. Quickly hiding behind an oil barrel, she watched the man. Checking her wristwatch, she knew she could not wait any longer.
She tossed a pebble against the building this immediately caught his attention. He dropped the cigarette and headed for the sound. The man was crouched down, rifle in hand and ready to fire at anything that moved when she tapped him on the shoulder. He turned to see a fist coming at his face as he fell back, dropping the rifle. Still dizzy from the hit, he reached for the knife that hung in a holster by his side.
Sky reached up and rubbed her throat for a second then motioned for the man to approach. He looked a bit confused but did make a sudden dash toward her, knife at ready to pierce her heart. However as he drew near she brought out the machete moving it through the air in gliding, swirling movements. Her right hand controlled the blade with finesse. He stopped so quickly she actually thought she heard rubber peel off his shoes. The man's eyes widened and he dropped the knife. Sky dropped the machete at the same time she somersaulted through the air landing on the man sending him crashing to the ground. He didn't move. She grabbed him by his ankles and began to make her way back to the hut.
Once inside, the two women were surprised to see she had one of the guards. Sonja asked, "What are you going to do with him?"
"Not sure, he came out for a smoke when he shouldn't have."
"Are you two ready, we have to leave now."
They left the man tied up in the cell that Tara had been in then left the way Sky came in. Replacing the boards. And making their way to the canoe. But not before Sky also made her way to the boat dock and left a few surprises there.
Once they were in the canoe, Sky was glad that Sonja was small, for it was only supposed to hold two people. They made it work. All three were happy to be away from the compound. When the explosions took place, they lit up the sky for miles. Sonja looked at Sky and said, "Many will see that, we may get caught again."
Tara was in and out but she mumbled, "May but won't. Sky must have a plan."
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Continued