Navy Seal Survival

Chapter Two

Duff should have stayed at the pool with the kids. Now he was in over his head in the ocean, with a dangerous riptide and a panicked woman climbing all over him.

So much for relaxing.

When he’d had his fill of water up the nose, he dived down. The woman who’d clung to him despite all his reassurances that she’d be all right, let go and fought her way to the surface.

Duff stayed down long enough to circle the woman and come up beneath her. She slapped at the water, her strength waning.

Grabbing the woman by the ankles, Duff yanked her down, climbed up her back and secured an arm over her shoulder and diagonally down to her waist. Then he surfaced, leaning her back so that she faced the sky, her arms and legs batting at the water like a puppy learning to swim.

“Damn it, woman. Stop struggling,” Duff bellowed.

“Way to make a frightened victim less scared,” a female voice said from behind him.

He glanced over his shoulder into the blue eyes of the woman in the black swimsuit he and Sawyer had been talking to before they’d gone for a swim. “What are you doing out here?” Duff demanded. “Didn’t you see the red flag?”

“I did. But I thought you might need something more than your muscles to get the woman to shore. The current is too strong to get her back on your own.”

Duff treaded water with his one arm, his other clamped tightly around the woman, holding her head above water.

“What’s your name?” the woman on the surfboard asked the one in the water.

“Lisa,” she responded weakly.

“I’ll bet you’re tired.”

The woman in Duff’s arms nodded.

“My name is Natalia,” the blonde said. “And this is...?” She raised her brows, giving Duff a pointed look.

“Duff,” he said.

“And the lifeguard is here, as well,” Natalia said.

Duff glanced behind Natalia at a young man barely out of his teens paddling toward them on a surfboard.

“Lisa, do you want to go back with me, or the lifeguard?”

Lisa gulped and answered, “You.”

Natalia nodded. “Good. I think Duff can help you climb up on this board. Would you like that?”

Lisa nodded though her hands tightened on Duff’s arm.

Natalia held out a hand and smiled encouragingly. “Take my hand, Lisa. The man behind you will help you onto the board and stay right beside you all the way back to shore. Won’t you?” Natalia prompted Duff.

“I will.” Between them, they hoisted the woman onto the board.

Duff took a moment to breathe normally before starting back to shore.

Natalia had Lisa lie on her stomach and then she did the same, lying over the woman’s back. She started paddling. “Paddle, Lisa. The more you paddle, the faster we get to shore.”

Lisa paddled, weakly flailing her arms, her face turned toward the shore.

Duff circled behind them and pushed the surfboard. With all three of them working it and cutting at an angle, they eventually made it to the beach, the lifeguard following. A group of young women met them, helped Lisa out of the water and enveloped her in a half dozen hugs.

Duff stood beside Natalia, propping the surfboard in the sand. “Thanks.”

She responded in her pretty English accent without looking up. “You’re quite welcome.”

Duff held out a hand. “Name’s Duff.”

Natalia glanced at his hand and hesitated. Finally she shook it. “I’m Natalia. Lisa was lucky you were on the beach today.”

He shrugged. “I’m glad I could help. Look, we didn’t get much of a start back there. Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?”

She didn’t even bat an eyelash before responding. “No, thank you.”

“Duff!” Sawyer approached, his arm around a woman wrapped in a beach towel. “Glad you made it back to shore. Wouldn’t be the same diving without you tomorrow.”

Duff snorted. “Nice to know you missed me.”

Lisa broke free of her group of friends and wrapped her arms around Duff’s neck. “Thank you so much for saving my life. I hate to think what would have happened if you hadn’t gotten to me when you did.”

“I’m sure someone else would have helped.”

Lisa turned to Natalia and hugged her, too. “You two are my heroes. After the horrible past two days, I needed you.”

Natalia hugged the woman. “Horrible? Did you get caught in the current yesterday?”

Lisa shook her head, her eyes tearing. “No, I lost one of my sisters.” The rest of the young women gathered around her, all hugging each other.

“What do you mean?” Natalia asked.

Lisa sniffed. “We were on a diving excursion. She was my dive buddy. I turned away for a moment to see a moray eel in the coral. When I turned back, she was gone.”

Natalia’s face paled.

“Are you telling me she wasn’t found?” Duff asked.

Lisa and her friends all shook their heads as one.

Natalia reached for Lisa’s hands, her own shaking slightly. “What a horrible experience.”

“If we could have a do-over, we never would have gone diving.” Lisa dashed away a tear. “Melody was one of the nicest people I know.”

“Didn’t the dive master look for her?” Natalia asked.

A brunette in a pale pink bikini nodded. “He spent the next two hours searching.”

A sandy-blonde added, “They radioed to shore and the shore patrol came out and helped in the search.”

“Nothing.” Lisa sniffed again. “I don’t know why we came out to the beach today. I don’t think I’ll ever go in the water again.”

The young lady wrapped in the towel, standing in the circle of Sawyer’s arm, stepped away from him and slipped an arm around Lisa. “We can’t leave Cancun until our scheduled flights. Lisa and I thought we’d look around in the water, even though Melody disappeared a long way from here. We kind of hoped the current would have carried her back this way. That’s why we were out so far.”

“It was stupid,” Lisa said.

“At least you two are okay,” Duff said.

Natalia nodded. “You should go back to your rooms and rest.”

Lisa and her friends thanked them again and left the beach to return to the resort hotel.

“Wow, what rotten luck,” Sawyer said. “To lose your friend and almost lose your life all in the space of two days. Not my idea of a great vacation.”

“If you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go lie down, as well,” Natalia said.

“If you won’t have dinner with me,” Duff persisted, “will you let me buy you a drink later?”

She gave him a half smile. “We’ll see.”

He watched as the gorgeous blonde left, walking up the beach in her sexy black swimsuit, her long hair drying in soft curls around her shoulders. Beautiful and strong. What other woman would have jumped in to help in such a dangerous situation?

Sawyer made a diving motion with his hand followed by the sound of an explosion. “Turned you down, did she?”

Duff nodded, his gaze on the sway of Natalia’s hips. “The battle’s not over.”

His friend clapped his hand onto Duff’s shoulder. “That’s my man. We’re on vacation here. What’s a vacation without a beautiful woman to keep you company?”

Indeed. And Natalia had captured his interest in more ways than one.

He headed back to the hotel, Sawyer walking alongside him. “Didn’t you say Quentin and Montana were looking into a diving excursion?”

Sawyer nodded. “I hope it wasn’t with the crew who lost the girl yesterday.”

Duff almost hoped they went with the same crew and to the same spot where the girl disappeared. Something wasn’t right about losing a diver and not finding anything to indicate what had happened.

* * *

NATALIE HURRIED BACK to the hotel, grateful she and the two muscular men had been there to help save Lisa and her friend from the strong current. Not only was she glad the girls were still alive, she was also happy it had served as an introduction to hang out with them without arousing suspicion. She’d make it a point to find them at dinner or at the bar that evening. Perhaps someone had seen something they didn’t realize might be a clue to what had happened to Melody.

Deep inside, Natalie believed her sister was alive. Finding her would be the challenge.

She stopped at the excursion planner’s desk and asked about dive trips for the next day. She let the planner, Maria Sanchez, go through the different options and dive companies. When Maria didn’t mention Scuba Cancun, Natalie made it a point to ask.

“Friends of mine came last month and went on a dive with Scuba Cancun. They said if I came to Cancun, I had to book with them. Do you book trips with them?” Natalie blinked her eyes, trying for young, sweet and innocent, when all she wanted to do was to jerk the binder out of the lovely Maria’s hands and make her own arrangements.

“Yes, we do book Scuba Cancun, but the last time I looked, they were full for tomorrow. Let me check and see if they’ve had any cancellations.” She clicked her keyboard and stared at the screen, her brows puckered. Then they smoothed and she smiled up at Natalie. “You’re in luck. They have one space available for tomorrow morning. Would you like me to book it?”

Natalie let go of the breath she’d been holding and nodded. “Yes, please.”

If she thought it would do any good, she’d run around asking questions and demanding answers. But if there was a chance Melody had been kidnapped in some elaborate scheme to smuggle women into the sex trade, the people she wanted answers from would be highly unlikely to talk about anything to do with the missing college coed.

No, she’d have to keep her connection with Melody under wraps. Perhaps her blond hair and English accent would help set her up as the next target. The quickest way to find the kidnap victims might be to become one herself.

On her way through the lobby to the elevator, she made it a point to say hello to the front desk clerk, the bellboys and the concierge. If any one of them was involved in whatever might be going on, she wanted them to consider her as their next target.

On the way up to her room she noted the camera in the top corner of the elevator car. As she stepped out of the elevator onto her floor, she spotted one of the girls from the beach sliding her card into the door lock and hurried toward her. “I’m so very glad I caught you. I’m Natalia, from the beach.” She held out her hand.

“Oh, yes. Thank you for saving my friends.” She took Natalie’s hand. “I’m Kylie.”

“Are Lisa and her friend doing all right?” Natalie asked.

The pretty blonde smiled and nodded. “Lisa and Jodie are sleeping. Their parents were able to book them on a flight back to the States tomorrow morning. I wish the rest of us could have gotten on board, but the flight was full.”

“I hope they have a safe flight back. Are you all going to dinner later? My roommate was supposed to come with me on this holiday, but her aunt died and she had to cancel at the last minute. I would love to have someone to eat with.”

Kylie’s brows rose. “You mean you’re not with the hunky guys?”

Natalie smiled. “I only wish. They are kind of dreamy, don’t you think?”

“Oh, yeah.” The younger woman sighed. “They’re just what I imagined finding here. If only things had worked out differently. Since Melody disappeared, none of us can think of anything else. The vacation is ruined and we’re all ready to be home with our families.”

“I can imagine. Nothing’s worse than losing someone you’re that close to.” Natalie bit down on her tongue to keep from adding “Especially when she’s your only living relative whom you love dearly.”

“As for dinner...we will probably go down around eight. Since it’s Lisa and Jodie’s last night here, we’ll end up at the bar for one last round before the group disperses. You’re welcome to join us. I’m sure the others will agree.”

“Thank you. I’m glad I won’t have to sit awkwardly by myself.” Natalie waved her hand. “See you around eight, then.” She turned and walked toward the door next to Kylie’s and let herself into her room.

First thing, she checked the disposable cell phone she’d purchased at the airport for any messages from Lance. She’d texted him as soon as she’d pulled it from the plastic packaging so he’d have her number.

Since her eventful walk on the beach, he’d had time to arrive and text her with his bungalow number.

With a couple hours to spare, Natalie figured she might as well check in with the agent.

Slipping a long, flowing skirt over her swimsuit, she plunked a floppy hat onto her head and left her room. Rather than take the elevator, she opted for the stairs, checking the locations of all the security cameras. She wondered if Lance could get into the security system and review footage from the night before last to see if it showed them potential suspects that could have been stalking the young women.

Lance had rented a bungalow on the resort property, giving him a little more privacy than a hotel room. He could set up his equipment and not worry too much about being bothered.

Natalie took a roundabout route, looking for security cameras strategically placed. Outside the hotel, the cameras were directed toward common areas and the hotel itself. The bungalows seemed to be more private.

Strolling along a pebbled concrete path as if she hadn’t a care in the world, Natalie eventually arrived at the correct bungalow with its Do Not Disturb sign hanging on the door handle. A quick glance around assured her she was alone. She knocked softly.

A moment later Lance opened the door. “I was wondering when you’d stop by. I see you’ve already been in the water based on where the tracker located you.” He jerked his head and stepped to the side. “Come in.”

Natalie slipped inside. “Have you hacked into the police data files?”

“I’d love to say yes but, one, I just set up my system. And two, the local authorities’ system isn’t that sophisticated. I’m not even certain they keep data on computers.”

“What about the hotel security system?” Natalie asked.

Lance crossed to the small desk located against one wall. “Working on that now.” He sat in the chair and opened his laptop. On the screen was a map of Cancun, the resort pinpointed by a bold green dot.

“I see you’re keeping up with me.” Natalie was at once reassured and disturbed by being followed so closely. If it weren’t for the nature of the case, she would never have let anyone inject a tracking device beneath her skin. Though she had confidence in her ability to defend herself, she knew her limits. Being drugged or outnumbered could reduce her abilities to nil. In that case, she’d be happy to have Lance track her and provide backup if or when she went missing.

“When you get into the hotel security camera files, check the bar, lobby and restaurants where Melody was to see if there are any suspicious characters paying a little too much attention to her. Royce gave you the picture of Melody, didn’t he?”

“Got it. I’ll let you know if I find anything.”

“I’ll be in the restaurant and bar tonight if you can get into the security system by then.”

“I should be able to pull up the online system. I can keep an eye on you, if you’d like.”

“Whatever.” Natalie shrugged, staring at the green dot on the screen. “You already have me on the tracking system.”

“True.”

“Do one more favor for me, will you?” Natalie asked.

“Shoot.”

“I met a couple of guys on the beach today. Both had tattoos and were well built. Check them out. I’d almost bet they’re military, based on their bearing. They said they only got in today, but that could have been a line. Both hit on me.”

Lance grinned. “If the rest of that swimsuit is as revealing as the top, I don’t blame them.”

Natalie frowned. “Find out who they are and when they arrived. They were certainly big enough to carry off a female with one hand tied behind their backs.”

“Will do.”

“Thanks. I’d better get back so I can be ready in time for dinner. If you find anything, I want to know ASAP.”

Lance saluted. “Yes, ma’am.”

With an hour to get ready, Natalie hurried back to her hotel room and hit the shower. Something didn’t feel right about getting dressed up for dinner when her sister could be in some kind of hell, praying for someone to rescue her.

Rinsed and scrubbed free of the sticky salt water, Natalie toweled dry and then ran a blow dryer over hair, pulling the curl out. Applying the flat iron, she erased all the curl and left her hair hanging long down to her waist, the way college girls wore it. Normally, Natalie would have worn her hair pulled back in a ponytail. Her hair was long, but only because she was too lazy to go to the hairdresser on a regular basis.

Once she finished her hair, she applied makeup, another ritual she’d avoided over the past two years. With the intention of being the next blonde to be nabbed, she gave herself smoky eyes with a combination of blue and charcoal eye shadow topped with a thin stroke of black eyeliner and mascara.

Satisfied with the result, Natalie dressed in a short, soft blue dress with narrow spaghetti straps. The dress was another one of Melody’s choices. Natalie hadn’t worn it out of sheer modesty. The hem barely covered her bottom, revealing every inch of her long legs. The thin straps and form-fit of the garment meant thong panties and no bra.

Feeling as close to naked as one could be in a dress, Natalie slipped her feet into strappy silver stilettoes. Grabbing the matching silver clutch, she slipped money, her passport and one of the knives inside. At the last minute she flipped the switch on the earbud and stuck it in her left ear.

“Hey, Lance.”

“I’m here, sweetheart.”

“Don’t call me sweetheart.”

“You got it, babe.”

Not in the mood to argue, she let his teasing slide. “Anything?”

“Your guys are two of the four who arrived today. I traced them all the way back to the plane they flew in on. Dutton Calloway, Sawyer Houston, Benjamin Raines and Quentin Lovett. Their plane originated from New Orleans. Probably legit.”

“Thanks.”

“Do you want me to dig deeper?”

“Yeah, just in case they’re buyers for the kidnapped women.”

“Got it.

“And...Lance?”

“Yes, babe?”

“Remind me to punch you later.”

A chuckle sounded in her ear.

“Will do.”

“In the meantime don’t talk to me unless I talk to you first or you find something major. I can barely think in my own head without a man in it, too.”

She stepped into the corridor at the same time as Melody’s friends.

“Oh, good.” Lisa met her at the elevator. “We were just about to knock on your door.”

“Thank you for letting me tag along.” Natalie entered the elevator, followed by Melody’s friends.

Natalie wasn’t worried she might look too much like Melody that the girls would recognize her. The only picture her sister always carried with her was one of the two of them with their parents six years ago. Natalie had sported a short bob back then, her hair several shades lighter than now. And she was six inches taller than her younger sister’s five feet, two inches.

“Have you heard anything from the police about your friend?” Natalie asked.

“No, but the Cancun police stopped by again to ask more questions.” Lisa shook her head. “It’s not like I had anything new to say. Melody was there. Then she wasn’t.”

Natalie’s heart contracted and her eyes stung. The only way she could keep tears from falling was to remind herself that Melody was alive, waiting for her big sister to find her.

Dinner was a somber affair. Melody’s friends spoke to one another in subdued tones, each quietly introspective after the past two days’ trauma.

“Are you ready to go back to our rooms?” Lisa asked.

“No. We can’t leave without drinking a toast to Melody,” Kylie said. “Come on. One last drink before Lisa and Jodie take off in the morning. It’ll be the last legal drink for them until next year when they turn twenty-one.”

“Y’all go on without me. I don’t feel much like partying,” Jodie said.

“You have to come. We’re going to drink to Melody. It wouldn’t be the same without you.” Lisa and Kylie each grabbed one of the girl’s arms and marched her out to the cabana where reggae music was in full swing and a few couples moved to the beat on the dance floor.

Natalie followed the girls to the bar beneath a thatched-roofed cabana strung with twinkle lights.

They all ordered strawberry margaritas and stood around a table, no one making a move to take a seat.

“Melody’s favorite,” Lisa said, her voice cracking as she lifted her glass rimmed with sugar. “To Melody. I hope she’s found safe and returned home.”

Kylie’s eyes filled with tears as she lifted her glass with the others.

Fighting her own tears, Natalie raised her glass. “To Melody,” she whispered. I will find you and bring you home.

Chapter Three

Duff spotted her as soon as she stepped out of the hotel into the cabana bar.

She tagged along behind the group of young women they’d met on the beach following the rescue. They ordered sugar-laced strawberry margaritas, each with a colorful umbrella perched on the rims of their glasses. As one, they lifted their drinks in a toast.

Natalia sipped the sugary concoction and winced.

Duff almost laughed. A gut feeling told him she wasn’t into fruity mixed drinks.

She set the drink on the table and glanced around the outdoor bar as though looking for something or someone. Maybe a rescue from the drink.

Duff strode to the bar and ordered two long-neck beers. Once served, he slipped up behind Natalia. “Looking for someone?”

She turned, the corners of her lips rising. “Not really.”

Duff nodded in greeting to the other women at the table before turning his attention to Natalia.

She stared down at his hands, her brows cocked. “Are you a two-fisted drinker?”