Read Online And Then You Die by Iris Johansen - Free Book Online Page B

morgue who will give autopsy reports to the effect that it was cholera that killed Tenajo.”
    “All this trouble . . . It must have been in the planning stage for a long time.”
    “Two years that I know about.”
    “If you work with Esteban, why did you help me?”
    “I don't work with Esteban.” He added dryly, “Can't you tell? I'm one of the good guys.”
    “No, I can't tell. I watched you kill a man.”
    “Then don't trust me. Don't trust anyone. But let me help you. I
can
help you, Bess.”
    “How? Are you some sort of government agent?”
    “Some sort.”
    “Be specific, dammit.”
    “I've been with the CIA for a number of years.”
    She felt a rush of relief. “You could have told me.”
    “I wouldn't have told you now if I could have found a way around it. Besides, would you have believed me?”
    Did she believe him now? He could be lying.
    But to what end? He had gotten her out of San Andreas and there was no reason for him to show up here without Esteban's soldiers if he meant to turn her over to them. “You should have told me.”
    “You know now.” He held her gaze. “Listen to me, Bess. I'll take care of you. I intend to get you out of here and safely to the U.S. There's nothing I won't do to make sure of that. I
will
do it. If you don't believe anything else, believe that.”
    She did believe it. No one could doubt his sincerity.
    He reached for the baby. “Now, let me finish feeding her while you eat something yourself.”
    Her arms tightened around the baby. “I can eat later.”
    “Actually, you can't. I had to leave the jeep in the lower foothills. We have a long trek out of these hills. I want to get started right away.” He took Josie and the food from her. “Dig another can out of my pack and eat.”
    She hesitated and then did as he told her. She needed strength to get through this. She wrinkled her nose at the first bite. No wonder Josie had been tentative.
    But the baby was now contentedly devouring the rations Kaldak was feeding her with surprising gentleness and skill. “She seems to have stood the trip well,” he said. “She looks healthy.”
    “She's a survivor. Most babies are if you give them a chance.”
    He smiled down at the baby and wiped her mouth. “I like survivors.” He looked up at Bess. “You don't look so bad yourself. I expected to have to lug you over the hills in a sling after four days on the run.”
    “You still might. Or I might be the one dragging you.” She put the spoon back into the pack and tossed the empty ration can aside. “Let's go.” She picked up Josie's blanket. “Give her to me. I'll carry her on my back.”
    He wrinkled his nose. “That's very unpleasant-smelling. Urine?”
    “What do you expect? I had a chance to wash the blanket only once. If it bothers you, stay away from us.”
    “It bothers me. I have a very delicate nose. But I can get used to anything.” He picked up the backpack. “I think I can manage to stand you for a day or two.”
    “Is that how long it will take? What about the helicopter?”
    “You made good time, but Esteban is too close. We'll have to backtrack and go around to the north. The hills are too rough here to land a helicopter.” He placed Josie in the sling and helped Bess put it on. “So I've arranged a set-down about thirty miles from here. As soon as we get clear of these hills, I'll call for a pickup.”
    He seemed so sure, almost casual. For the first time, hope surged through her. She had never given up, but now she could see a light at the end of the tunnel.
    And she wasn't alone any longer.
    “Then what are we waiting for?” She strode past him and out of the cave.
    Kaldak raised a brow as he followed her. “Me, evidently.”

Six
    The rats.
    Esteban jerked upright on his cot.
“No.”
    No rats. Only a nightmare. He was sweating, shuddering. The odor of garbage and decay filled his nostrils.
    Why wouldn't the rats go away?
    He stood up and moved naked to the washstand and splashed