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“What makes you say that?” I hear Quinn reply from in front of us.
Standing, he leans on the back of his seat, awaiting Hadley’s explanation.
“This isn’t our first retrieval mission from Antonio’s compound,” she explains. “A few years ago, Hawke and I teamed up to rescue another girl. Peyton was the closest thing I had to a best friend when we were children, and she’s the girlfriend of one of Sean’s best friends.”
Expanding on her story Hadley further explains that she provoked Andres’ brother into killing himself in the process but now wishes she’d taken care of both.
“You’d be one scary woman to be on the wrong side of,” Liam proclaims from beside Quinn.
“That she is,” Sean laughs from behind us.
This is your captain speaking, we are beginning our final descent, so could all passengers please return to your original seats?
“So, are you telling me Luke isn’t your friend?” I tease once the others are gone.
“Of course, he is,” she laughs as she whispers. “But if I’m being honest, that boy isn’t as hot as he believes.”
“I’ll be sure to tell him that next time I see him,” I promise with a smile.
“Ah, you don’t need to bother because I tell him often enough.” She laughs once more. “I just love to watch his head explode.”
I swear there is never a dull moment when Hadley is around, and even though you’d never have imagined it, she is Sean’s perfect match.
“Let’s do this,” she bellows as the plane lands.
Loud chants of oorah echo through the cabin in support, delighting Hadley.
* * *
“Hola,Mr. Hawke, so good to see you,” Samuel, our driver, greets us as we depart the plane.
“It’s been too long, Samuel,” I greet in return, shaking his hand.
“Yes, yes.” He agrees.
“Can you please take us to Mariana?”
“Of course, please follow me.” He gestures. “As you requested, we have two cabs to escort you all.”
In all the years I’ve been coming down here, Samuel has always been my guide, and I’m pleased Jackson was able to secure his services. His loyalty has always been unwavering, and I trust no other. To show my gratefulness, I’ve always looked after him and his family in return.
Leading the way, I guide the team toward Samuel’s and another driver’s vehicles.
“How are the wife and little ones, Samuel?” I ask as we go to Emily’s mom and sister.
Breaking out in a smile, Samuel talks about how big his sons have grown since my last visit. He informs me of their relocation to Loma de Bojayá, another village further down the Atrato River so that his sons could attend school. He continues to drive his cab while his wife works in the corn fields.
When I ask of Mariana and Camila, he confides that Mariana has been feeling poorly of late. Before I get the opportunity to inquire further, he says she didn’t want her daughter or myself to know. Mariana is a stubborn woman, and she knows it too. There has been many times during my visits when we’ve debated various modern world technologies.
“How sick is she, Samuel?” I implore.
The look he gives me says it all.
“Does she have long?”
“Not long, Mr. Hawke,” he finally confirms.
We need to rescue Em; she needs to be with her mother before she passes.
