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“We don’t,” they blurted at the same time.
Stan huffed a laugh and gave it to them, anyway. “I think you two are made for each other. It’s clear as day. Anybody can see it. Glad to see you quit fighting it and gave in.” He aimed his fork at them. “You two make sense. That’s all I’m saying.”
“Thanks, brother.”
Stan grunted and continued eating.
Dusty reached over and threaded his fingers through Asia’s, giving her hand a squeeze. He winked, and she gave him a radiant smile, a woman’s smile.
He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed the back of it. “Stan’s been divorced three times; he’s a real expert at love. So, it must be true.”
They all burst out laughing, even Stan.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
The weather radio Stan had found crackled with the latest report after they’d cleaned up breakfast dishes.
Tropical storm warnings are still in effect across much of the region, and a hurricane warning remains in effect along the southern coast due to the strong tropical storm, which is close to minimal hurricane strength at this time. Life-threatening surf and rip current conditions continue throughout the Caribbean Sea.
“What’s the forecast?” Dusty asked, walking into the room. He and Asia join Stan at the windows in the living room.
“The reports say we’re still feeling the effects of the backend of the storm. It’s still windy as hell,” he replied, eyeing the sky. “The rain’s slacked off for the most part, but I heard the island got almost ten inches in the last twenty-four hours. The generator came on in the middle of the night, so the power’s out up in this area.”
“Great. We should check the house for damage. Walk the perimeter.”
“Good idea,” Stan replied.
“You heard from Chris yet?” Dusty asked.
“Yeah. Ain’t nobody flying in this and getting out in a boat right now isn’t safe. He thinks we’re safer laying low here as long as we can. The feds are trying to make a move on Amorosi.”
“Is he still on the island?” Dusty straightened.
“They think he went back to the Bahamas before the storm hit. He left most of his men here, though.”
Dusty folded his arms. “What do you think that means?”
“I think it means they’re tasked with finding us. There’s diplomacy involved in getting Amorosi out of a foreign country. The feds getting their hands on him may take some time. But they caught a break. One of the girls was taken to Japan. She escaped and made it to the embassy. That’s something even Amorosi isn’t aware of yet, according to what Mark told Chris. They’ve been able to keep it under wraps. Mark thinks between what Asia knows and what this girl knows, they’ll be able to put Amorosi away for good.”
Dusty arched a brow. “If they can get their hands on him.”
“And if he doesn’t get his hands on Asia or the girl who escaped. Hopefully, he doesn’t have anyone is the Japanese government taking payoffs,” Stan added.
“Let’s hope.”
“I’m glad she got out,” Asia whispered, and they turned, almost as if they’d forgotten she was in the room.
“Shit. Darlin’, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything in front of you,” Stan apologized, running a hand down the back of his neck and looking sheepish.
“No, I’m glad you did. It makes it more real. So, we’re staying here then?” She looked at Dusty.
He took her upper arms in his hands. “For the time being. We’re safe here. They’ll never look for us here.”
“What happens if the generator runs out of fuel?”
“Then we’ll figure it out,” he insisted.
They found some rain ponchos in the closet and headed out the door.
