Page 34 of Risk It All
“Not sure. I can turn around, but that will look suspicious.”
“You don't suppose it's the men from last night, do you?” Max asks.
“Maybe. I don't know.” I look around the back area of the van. It's used mostly to transport medical supplies and equipment, but there's a stretcher and some blankets. “We should play dead.”
One dark brow rises on Max.
“Lay down and cover up with this blanket.” I toss it to him.
“I hope this works.”
“Do you have a better idea?”
He responds by pulling the blanket over his head. I lay back, covering my body with a blanket. The van slows until it finally rolls to a stop. I try to hide my breathing, which gets more difficult as the air under the blanket grows stale. I wish I understood what the men were asking and Henri's reply. The only words I can pick out are “Americans.”
It seems like forever, and I worry I might suffocate or have to give myself away by moving my blanket enough to get fresh air, but then the van starts to move.
I continue to lay still, holding what little breath I have left.
“We're clear,” Henri says.
I yank the blanket down and gulp in air. Max sits up, doing the same.
“What did they want?” I ask.
“They were the men that came to the hospital looking for you. I told them you were dead and that I was transporting your bodies back to Abuja.”
“What did we die of?” Max asks.
“There are many deadly creatures in the jungle,” Henri says. “I told him Dr. Knowles thought it was snake bites.”
I shiver, remembering the darkness of the jungle the night before and how it magnified every sound, every sensation. “There was a moment last night when I thought there was a snake on me.”
“It was probably me.” Max shoots me a grin.
I give him a chastising glare, or I try, because the inuendo sends a shiver through my body.
“I mentioned that we didn't want the American government investigating missing citizens, especially ones related to a politician. So, Dr. Knowles wanted me to get the bodies out of the area.”
“Good thinking,” I say.
Max sits on the floor, leaning against the side of the van. He stretches his long legs in front of him and takes another drink of water before handing the bottle back to me. I move to sit next to him.
“You know, Madeleine, as much as I have enjoyed traveling with you, maybe next time you can let me pick the destination. How about Paris?”
I feign a wounded expression. “Don't you like adventure, Max?”
“I like some forms of adventure.” He rests his hand on my thigh.
I raise a brow at him. “That type of adventure can get you into trouble too.”
He gives me a sexy smile. “Yeah, but I'm willing to risk it.”
I think I am too.
Hours later,Henri drops us off at the airport. We study the departure board to find the plane that would leave the soonest while giving us enough time to purchase tickets, get through security, and eat a meal, as we're both famished.
“London looks like our best bet,” Max says.
