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Maximiliano gritted his teeth, pushing through the pain of the coral lacerating his feet as he summoned all his strength to conquer the power of the surf. He was on the point of surrendering when the raft suddenly surged forward to bob on calm waves.
“We made it,” Heidi exclaimed as she helped him crawl aboard.
He sat cross-legged and used his dagger to cut loose the makeshift oar he’d fashioned. “I must row,” he panted. “We could still be pulled back.”
“But your feet,” she cried.
He came to his knees, dipped the oar and pulled. “The salt will stop the bleeding.”
He estimated he’d paddled more than a mile when the fire in his biceps forced him to rest.
They looked back at the island—now a blurred line on the near horizon—then at each other. Neither spoke. No words were needed.
Still gulping air, he set his sights on the dark landmass ahead that he hoped was Venezuela. “Are you all right?” he asked. “Not seasick?”
She shook her head, smiling weakly. “Your raft is well made.”
“So far, so good,” he agreed, taking up the oar once more.
* * *
Heidi eased the oar from Maximiliano’s grip when he slumped forward on all fours then collapsed on to the raft, completely exhausted.
He’d been paddling for hours, yet the coastline seemed no closer. If she didn’t take a turn, they would start to drift. They’d brought as much food and water as they could safely load onto the raft, but not enough to last for days on end.
Rising to her knees, she plied the oar for a long while until she feared her back might break. She sat, dismayed her feeble attempts were getting them nowhere. When Maximiliano rolled over and blinked open his eyes, she put down the oar and offered the canteen. He sat up, accepted the canteen and sipped slowly.
“Venezuela doesn’t seem any closer,” she rasped, her throat as dry as dust.
He handed her the canteen. “Drink.”
She shook her head. “I can wait.”
“But the babe can’t,” he insisted, cocking his head. “Listen. Do you hear that?”
She shook her head. “What?”
“Dolphins, talking to each other.”
She frowned, unable to hear anything except the wind. Seconds later, they were surrounded by the sleek sea creatures leaping from the water. “It does sound like they’re communicating,” she agreed with a smile. “I’ve never seen dolphins before.”
He took up the oar. “It’s a good omen.”
The dolphins chattered their encouragement, escorting them for a long while as they resumed their slow progress. Then, just as suddenly as they’d appeared, they were gone, leaving behind an eerie silence.
Awed by the beautiful scene they’d witnessed, she touched her husband’s shoulder. “If we don’t make it to land, I want you to know I’ve been happier in the short time I’ve been with you than ever before in my life.”
He laid his hand atop hers. “Don’t despair,querida, we’ll...”
She gripped the rope when he got to his feet, making the raft lurch alarmingly.
“A ship,” he declared, shading his eyes against the sun. “Coming this way.”
* * *
Maximiliano had no choice. He waved his arms above his head, hoping and praying it was the flag of Gran Colombia flying atop the mast of the approaching vessel. If not, he’d probably be recognized and arrested, but at least Heidi and the babe would be safe.
“Do they see us?” she asked.
