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“I’ll agree to book a flight if you promise to tell me everything.”
He gives her a sideways glance.
“Everything about what happened yesterday at the mines and why it’s so dangerous and about the girl you promised to give up your life for.”
Samuel’s stomach hits the grass beneath his feet. “The mines yesterday,” he begins on the subject that doesn’t rip his soul apart. “Asoo’s friend was shot for talking to us. He’s okay,” he adds when she stiffens beside him. “His blood was on me. We applied pressure on his wound in the boat until we arrived back in his community. The doctor on site treated him. Luckily, it was a surface wound, yet the warning was clear… keep your mouth shut. He’s being blackmailed and has to return to the mines to work. Otherwise, they’ll go after his family.”
She nods. “That’s horrible. Why can’t you call the police?”
“Victor informed us gold is being smuggled out on the planes. We’re in way over our heads to try to stop this, and we don’t know who’s involved, including corrupt police and government officials. If we stop this mine, then another will appear elsewhere along the river system. Everyone wants to make money fast. It’s getting to a point…” he swallows down the lump of truth at the back of his throat, “… the Ularans will have to migrate west, toward Colombia, only it’s where I sent the Watache.”
Eden makes an exasperated sound, and he can see the concern in her eyes.
“They should travel toward northern Brazil until they are closer to the Peruvian jungle.”
“You have given this considerable thought.”
“I have.” Samuel hesitates on disclosing more—especially the part where when the time comes, he feels obligated to accompany the Ularans on a safe voyage since he has maps and a satellite cell.
“They are lucky to have you looking out for them. I know they’re like your family now…” Something stops Eden from continuing.
He lifts her hand to his lips.
“But now you have us.”
“I do. And I’m thankful for it every day.”
“But it’s not enough for you to return to Australia with me yet, is it?”
He takes her face in his hands and kisses her. “That day is close, only it isn’t for Christmas as you hoped.”
She nods slowly as though she understands. “Okay. Book my flight for three and a half weeks so that I’m under the thirty-six-week deadline. And I want you to book a flight as well. A date where you promise to return to me.”
21
EDEN
Last night I slept the best I have in weeks.
Whether it was knowing it was my last night in a comfortable bed for a while or whether Samuel and I came to some agreement about our future, it was the most relaxed I have felt in a long time. All I know is I’m sitting on the curiara heading back to Ulara with Samuel and Asoo, and I’m as excited as if I’m on a luxury cruiser sailing the Mediterranean.
Samuel and Asoo fall into easy conversation. I have no clue what about since they are conversing in Spanish, but the tone is calm.
The forest curtain surrounding me reminds me of green lava pouring out of the tepuis and covering everything it touches. It’s familiar and comforting. I close my eyes and snuggle into the cushions Asoo has provided for me.
The journey must be uneventful as I don’t wake again until we’re gliding into the sandy embankment of Ulara.
Samuel hoists me up from behind, and it’s awkward with a bulging stomach. We wave goodbye to Asoo, and Samuel makes arrangements for his next visit.
“We’ll quarantine in my hut,” he tells me as we stroll toward Ulara. “Or at least try to keep some distance from everyone. I’ll get Kaikare to make you some purifying tea after I speak to the chief and Shaman.”
“Please tell Kaikare I’ll see her soon.”
“Of course, she’ll be looking forward to seeing you.”
We remain quiet as we pass the village, and as soon as we reach his hut, he plops our bags down and grabs our skirts and beads before taking my hand and leading me to the stream.
“You know we haven’t discussed names. Do you have a preference?”
