Timbuktu-Book 4 of the Summer Sister Series

By CJ Day

KINSEY JACKSON had finally agreed to go home after a long sabbatical in paradise. She thought she had lost her mind. In her heart, she felt unclean...damaged...from the nightmare that Adam and Derek Myers had put her through. The Summers clan (her maiden name) were survivors and although she was still frightened of crowds and most men terrified her, she had to try to go home and get back to her life. She had survived ... Her baby survived. Now, it looked like her marriage would survive, too.

They thought the nightmare ended when the cartel that worked with the Myers had been killed or put in jail but the corruption went so much deeper. Sabotage...had not been on their minds when Chief Marco brought his private jet to escort them home. They were going to surprise their families by showing up early unannounced. Through a treacherous storm and high winds they discovered that someone had messed with the gauges and the fuel tank. Their jet shut down and became a glider. Kinsey encouraged Marco to aim for the island ahead...it was the only thing solid for miles. The plane made a rough landing, injuring Marco and Caleb, Kinsey’s husband.

It is nearly impossible to try to care for two large muscle bound men, a scared two year old daughter and an infant while the back of the jet was still in the water. KINSEY’S health was border line but she doggedly worked to get everyone ashore and treated. She set up camp in a large cavern just in time to hide from pirates that were trying to take the jet.

The struggle for survival took its toll on KINSEY. Her family meant everything to her and she fought like a mama lion against pirates and more of the cartel. KINSEY claimed that she was a trouble magnet...a pervert magnet...and she was afraid for her family and friends to be around her because it wasn’t safe.
One of the charter owners held KINSEY at knife point as her sister’s FBI unit ran to their rescue. His plan was the slit her throat as soon as the others got close enough. KINS knew this so she waited until he relaxed and let herself go limp. She took him out with a kick to the side of the head but she misjudged the knife and it almost killed her.

This story is nonstop suspense, adventure, love and heartbreak. It portrays a close family, a beautiful old Hawaiian shaman and KINSEY’S will that wavered but didn’t break. KINSEY JACKSON is a character that we all would like to be at times; courageous, outrageous, tough, sensitive, loyal...and so full of love for her family and friends that she would do anything for them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CJ Day
• Release date: Jul 22, 2013
• ISBN: 9781604147124

Book preview

TIMBUKTU

BOOK FOUR OF THE SUMMERS SISTERS SERIES

CJ Day

Smashwords ebook published by Fideli Publishing Inc.

Copyright 2013, CJ Day

No part of this eBook may be reproduced or shared by any electronic or mechanical means, including but not limited to printing, file sharing, and email, without prior written permission from Fideli Publishing.

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ISBN: 978-1-60414-712-4

PROLOGUE:

How to begin….No one’s life is truly perfect but I honestly thought mine was getting there. My name is Kinsey Summers Jackson. I am eighteen. I’m married and I have two beautiful children. Scary, isn’t it? Actually, Julie is adopted and CJ…Caleb Jr. is just an infant. So much has happened in my life that I don’t know where to begin.

I had a great childhood. I grew up in Miami and had a fantastic father who was the best FBI agent in the world and a beautiful mother who was an amazing artist and pianist. They were great parents. My sister, Kelsey, is six years older than me and she is as beautiful as our Mama. She’s married to my godfather…yeah…long story…but we have known Sam forever. Unlike a lot of sisters, we are as close as twins…maybe closer. Kelsey is a great person. She has ten month old twin girls and a four year old son.

We have friends as close as family. Liza has been Kelsey’s best friend since first grade. They are both special agents now. Liza is married and has a one and a half year old little boy and a husband that is also a special agent. Cassie is my best friend and also my husband’s twin, which is pretty convenient. She has a beautiful two year old, Annie, who is our Julie’s best friend.

Kelsey and I lost our parents when I was fifteen to a car accident. Kelsey has been pretty much everything to me since. We both still miss our parents something fierce. They still visit us in times of trial…it is complicated…sometimes…downright strange.

I have been through a lot. The last trauma was almost too much. I about lost everything…our baby, my sanity…and my life. Family and friends have managed to get me back to some kind of stability and we were headed home after spending months in Hawaii, hiding out on top of an inactive volcano that had been transformed into a paradise. It was time to get back to our lives. We were seniors at U&M. Caleb is the star quarterback. I was their star swimmer. Now, I don’t know what I am…but I am ready to find out. What I do know is that I love Caleb and my family more than ever.

I finally thought I could face the world and Chief Marco used his private jet to come and get my little family and our guardian dog, Madison. We were going to surprise our families by coming home early. It was time to get back to normal and we were ready. I think. I hope I don’t freak out in crowds and I hope I don’t forget clothes when I go to the pool. There is one thing very different about paradise… clothes aren’t a necessity. Civilization is a little different. It is going to be a tough adjustment.

Things were going good until we ran into a storm when I fell asleep in the back of the jet with the children. By the time I woke up, it was already too late. There was ocean everywhere and we were going down. This was not what I had in mind…

CHAPTER ONE

Kinsey had asked Cassie to use her Mini Cooper when she got home so Charlie finally pulled it out of the garage and had the dealership service it. Kinsey had loved her first Mini convertible so much that she had bought a new model before the rescue to find Kelsey and Sam last spring. The car only had two hundred miles on it. Caleb had also convinced the guys to drive his big truck a little more often. His truck was in brand new condition and he loved the thing so Charlie took it out a couple times a week and had it washed after driving to and from the college.

They had enjoyed the beach house but it felt strange using the main part of the house. You felt Kinsey and Caleb everywhere. Right now, they had most of the paintings that Nona had sent from Hawaii situated around the front room and Kinsey’s studio. The gallery in downtown Miami was anxious for a showing but Kinsey was still planning on sending several more before she came home. Her talent had matured and improved. Cassie spent hours in front of them, feeling that she was back in Hawaii. The colors and the beauty were breathtaking. After this showing, Kinsey would be well known in the art circle. Her first showing at seventeen got rave reviews…this one…would take their breath away. If Kinsey would just come home…

While Charlie was at football practice and Annie was at the mansion playing with Carson, Tyler and the twins, Cassie fixed dinner and lovingly cleaned the beach house that had become their home. Cass had tried to call Kinsey for weeks and couldn’t seem to get in touch with her. She wasn’t answering her emails either. Nona and Emma had been vague. Maybe Kinsey had decided to come on home. Cassie prayed that was what was happening. She missed her.

The phone rang and Cassie ran to get it. Hello.

Hi Cassie, I was hoping that I would catch you at home. How are you? It was Amy. The NICU nurse in Hawaii had become a really good friend over the whole trauma of Kelsey’s twins born so early and in respiratory distress. Sunni struggled at first because she weighed two pounds and her lungs were more underdeveloped than her sister’s. Sami was also twice her size.

Hi Amy…I was just looking at all of Kinsey’s paintings and missing y’all. You must have been on the same wave length. What’s happening? Cass sat down at the snack bar and sighed. She missed Hawaii. This semester at school had been a nightmare without Kinsey.

Well, I just wanted to see how Kinsey was holding up and if she had went to the pool in the buff…wait…Cass, is Kinsey home? Amy stuttered.

No… Amy, when did Kinsey start home? Cass demanded.

Well, now that you mention it…well…crap. Amy blew out a big breath and sat down. Kinsey hasn’t come home yet, has she?

No. I was just thinking about her and hoping she would. Amy, I haven’t been able to get in touch with her for weeks now. When was she supposed to be leaving? Cass was worried. The uneasy feeling that had been haunting her hit her hard now…taking her breath away…she knew it! Kinsey was in trouble.

Well, CJ and Julie had a complete checkup three weeks ago….um…on a Monday. This is Wednesday. I know that she was going to leave the last of the paintings for Gabby to get out after they were packaged. Jeez, I don’t know Cass; I thought she would be home. Amy was getting worried.

How was the children’s checkup? Cassie asked as she tried to think.

Well, Kinsey was supposed to take them in to the hospital to see Janice as soon as she got home so…well…now…I don’t know. Listen, Julie is fine but CJ is a lot like his Mama. He is underweight but he seems really healthy. He isn’t totally weaned to the bottle yet but that’s okay because Kinsey is still giving him three of the high calorie bottles a day… Cass could hear the worry.

What did he weigh? She demanded.

Cassie, he is only twenty inches tall, so he is kind of short but his weight is still right at eight pounds and the little guy is twelve weeks old…well…actually…he would be fifteen weeks old now. He is in perfect proportion and in perfect health as far as the labs go but we were concerned that he wasn’t growing. I’m afraid that he is going to be a lot like Kinsey. Amy sighed. She may as well tell her the rest of it. Cass, Kinsey is still underweight and she hasn’t bounced back all the way. She needs a whole lot of calm and no trauma. Her poor body can’t take much more.

Where is she, Amy? Cassie cried.

I don’t know, honey, but we need to find them. She was warned to take everything very slow and very easy. She can’t handle another round of injuries. She just can’t. Amy was quiet for a few seconds. Look, I will be off work in about an hour. I’m going to drive up to Nona’s and see what is going on. I’ll call you.

Thanks Amy, I won’t say anything to the families yet but I am really getting worried. Cassie sighed.

So am I, friend, so am I. I’ll talk to you later. With that, Amy hung up leaving Cassie even more uptight than she had been.

Oh Kinsey, what are you up to this time? Cassie cried and laid her face down on her crossed arms on the table. Trouble seemed to follow her best friend and Cassie was tired of it. If anyone deserved a break, it was Kinsey Jackson. There are times that Cassie just wanted to hide her out on top of that volcano and just go visit her. It seemed to be the only place her best friend could stay relatively safe.

Finally Cassie stood up and hurried to get dinner ready. She would have to keep pushing until they had some kind of word about what was going on. She walked back into the studio and saw the painting that she loved the most. The couple under the falls was no doubt her brother and sister in law. Adam and Eve could only dream of looking that good. The silhouette was suggestive but not revealing. It was beautiful.

The one of little Caleb was amazing. He was sitting naked on a moss carpet. A bright tropical peach lily was in his hand and he was reaching out with it…as though he were giving it to his mother. His curly blonde hair made you smile because it looked just like Kinsey’s. The deep blue Summers’ eyes were surrounded by long dark eyelashes. His cheek bones were high, his dimples deep and his little turned up nose was so cute…his lips were smiling and his little squared chin was graced by a big dimple. His little body was bronzed and he radiated beauty and love. He was the prettiest baby that Cassie had ever seen. Both of their girls had been beautiful but little Caleb…was almost angelic.

The painting of Julie showed a slender two year old with raven black hair down to her waist. A flower pulled her hair back over her ear and she wore a lei and a pair of yellow bathing suit bottoms. She held a bouquet of beautiful flowers. The smile on that cute face was so charming and her big chocolate brown eyes twinkled. Julie was darkly tanned and very beautiful…she looked more native to the state of Hawaii than her Cuban ancestry.

Caleb’s photo… Lord, her brother was handsome. His auburn wavy hair had grown out and looked good on him. His brilliant green eyes sparkled at his wife and his muscles were so well defined that they looked sculpted and over exaggerated but Cassie knew better…he really did look like that. He had the darkest tan that Cassie had ever seen on him and he wore solid white trunks that made him appear even darker. Kinsey had done several paintings of each of her family and one thing that came through on all of them was just how happy they were. All of them looked healthy and content.

Cassie prayed that nothing messed with that. Surely God wouldn’t let anything bad happen now. They had been through so much and survived….the thought of anything changing that made Cass nauseated and terrified. She was making things up. Something had to have just held them up. They were headed home. They were fine….

* * *

Cassidy woke in tears from a nightmare that brought all of her fears to the surface. Kinsey was in trouble. She found herself pounding Charlie’s chest as he tried to hold her still and make her wake up the rest of the way. When she realized what she was doing she stopped and stared at him. I am so sorry. She leaned against him for a second and just cried. Oh Kinsey…

Cass, what was that all about? Charlie pushed her auburn curls away from her face. She looked so scared and pale. Are you okay? Today, they were going to chill out and relax. It was their first free Saturday that they had in ages.

No. Charlie, something has happened. I have to talk to Sam. She stood up on shaky legs. Kinsey and Caleb were coming home. No one has heard from them and something really bad has happened…

Charlie looked at his petite wife with all the fiery auburn curls down her back and big green eyes in a pool of tears and realized that she was serious. Cass, run through a shower and try to calm down. I’ll start the coffee and call Sam. Maybe he knows something, okay? Just try to calm down and we’ll see where they are. He watched as Cassie processed what he was trying to tell her. She turned abruptly and headed into the bathroom. Okay…this was different.

Charlie ran downstairs, started the coffee and called Sam. He was aware that Cass had been quiet the past couple of days but he figured she was missing Kinsey. Shoot, he was missing their friends…their family as well. Even with Annie running and playing the house seemed empty without Kinsey and Caleb around. Normally, they were too busy to notice the difference but now, it seemed like the place echoed from emptiness.

Hello? Sam yawned into the phone and Charlie glanced at the phone and grinned. For once, he managed to catch Sam asleep.

Hey Sam, I didn’t mean to wake you man. Charlie sighed.

That’s okay. I was up pretty late, Charlie. What’s up? Sam eased out of the room to leave Kelsey sleeping.

Cassie had a nightmare and she’s worried about Kinsey and Caleb. Have you heard from them? Evidently, Cassie has tried all week and hasn’t been able to get in touch with them and then she talked with Amy… He heard Sam groan. What’s happened, Sam?

Bubba, come over for breakfast. I have to talk to Kelsey so we may as well have everyone here. I think they are missing, Charlie. Let me make a few more calls and I’ll see you guys in an hour or so. He hung up abruptly. He knew that it would come to a head this weekend. He knew enough now to determine that Marco, Kinsey, Caleb and the children were flying home and disappeared over the Pacific…somewhere…during a storm. Now it was time to face the family and whatever came next.

* * *

Sam walked back into the bedroom and saw his wife coming out of the master bath wrapped in a towel. I thought you were asleep. He mumbled and then grinned at her. "Why are you up so soon anyway? Come back to bed, Kelsey.

No. Kelsey laughed at him and threw the towel. I have to get moving because I promised that I would help Jana prepare breakfast this morning, you nut. He watched as she dressed but he didn’t protest. It’s a little difficult telling someone bad news when they looked like that and your mind kept traveling inappropriately to a different matter altogether. He walked out onto their balcony and stared out at the ocean. He loved this place. In spite of all of the bad memories and the losses that they had endured, he still loved this stretch of beach and the life that they had made together.

What’s wrong, Sam? Kelsey had ‘stalked’ up behind him. That’s what Kinsey always called it. She swore that her sister could sneak up on anyone and right now she caught him so off guard that he just turned and stared at her. Sam, what is it?

Kelsey…come here baby... He pulled her close. I never believed that you were that good at stealth. Kinsey swore she couldn’t get by with anything growing up and now I think I believe the little imp.

Sam, what’s happened to my sister? Just like that…she knew. He kept his arms wrapped around her as he felt her begin to shake.

Kelsey, I really don’t know. We are looking for her now. He said softly.

What do you mean, you are looking for her? She’s not in Hawaii? Sam…what are you saying? Kelsey backed up and stared at him like a lost kitten. He knew this was going to be a rough one.

Kelsey, come and sit down. We have to talk. Sam said softly and held out his hand but Kelsey just stood there shaking his head. Okay…okay…honey, Marco went to bring Kinsey and Caleb home and no one has heard from them.

For how long, Sam, how long has my sister been missing? Kelsey was shaking so bad that all he wanted to do was hold her but she held out her hand to stop him. Her eyes were wild with fear and he knew that there was no way to soften the blow.

Marco’s wife came in after you left yesterday. The Chief left over three weeks ago to pick them up. We thought he was going to that conference out in San Diego but in reality, he canceled his schedule and flew on to Hawaii. Anna hasn’t heard from him since he left. I called the agents in California and they are looking for them, Kels. There are tropical storms all over the coast of Baja and they haven’t been able to get in the air for weeks. Ayden has been checking from Hawaii. He says that their plane has vanished.

* * *

Cassie knew there was a problem when they walked into the mansion. The whole gang was at the huge kitchen table drinking coffee and studying maps. Cassie noticed immediately that Kelsey’s eyes were red and swollen, so was Liza’s and her Mama’s. Cassie hurried to Corrine’s side. Mama, what has happened?

They’re missing, honey, they’re plane went down and the storms have been so vicious that no one has been able to get up in the air and search for them. Sam, Jim and you father are getting ready to help in the search.

Went down where…what do you know? Cassie cried.

Sam stood up and rubbed a hand over his face. Guys, we think there are more people messing with planes. Ayden has been all over it and he has brought Billy in twice for questioning and he denies being in with the cartel but Ayden is positive he was the mole and did their dirty work at Gala Tours. Ayden is convinced that he used the dead air space in the fuel tanks just like he did with our tour plane. The Chief got a hundred gallons less than he should have needed and we tried to go with that format and figured that if this is what happened, they had to have fallen short of Baja, Mexico by anywhere from a hundred miles max to as little as ten miles. The islands are sparse out there. He sat down quietly and put his face in his hands. Nonny said that Kinsey was doing amazing. She asked for us to go ahead and look at the paintings that Kinsey had sent ahead. He had tears in his eyes. Nonny broke down and cried, it about killed me. She insisted on us finding her Kinsey and bringing her back home to her…so she would be safe and hidden from this cruel world that seemed bent on destroying her.

Kelsey looked at her husband and shook her head sadly. Nona Anna loves Kinsey a lot. We all know exactly how she feels, Sam. We’ve all wanted to hide Kins from danger. She said it herself…she’s a danger magnet.

Liza popped up and paced. That might be true but she keeps her head. If there was an island close, you can bet that she found a way to get her family and the Chief there. She and Caleb both have good instincts, they’re still alive! Don’t give up on them. Liza glared at Sam.

I’m not giving up. It’s a big ocean… The phone rang and Sam answered. Cain residence... He listened for a few minutes. Put it together and send it to my laptop. Yes, we’ll wait.

Kelsey popped up and ran to get Sam’s laptop and brought it up online. They watched as the message was sent to the email address. I’ve got it Max. Thanks. What? Yeah, let me call you back on that. I’m not sure about how many are going yet.

"Okay, this has been compiled over the last three weeks…nineteen days actually…which would make sense if it took them a while to get set up. This is Morris code on what we think is the location beacon…that sounds like something Kinsey would rig up. They listened while Liza wrote on the dry erase board.

NOVEMBER 1ST FED ZERO COBRA ONE ONE THREE S.O.S.

NOVEMBER 2ND FED ZERO COBRA ONE ONE THREE S.O.S.

NOVEMBER 3RD FED ZERO COBRA ONE ONE THREE S.O.S.

NOVEMBER 4TH FED ZERO COBRA ONE ONE THREE S.O.S.

NOVEMBER 5TH FED ZERO COBRA ONE ONE THREE S.O.S.

Okay, it just continues like that. That is the numbers on the jet that Marco always uses. That is his private jet and he keeps it stocked really well. Yeah, I know if it crashed there is very little that they probably saved. Best scenario, he managed to put down on an island and removed the supplies. He ran a hand through his hair. If she set it up on a cycle… yes, that is probably what she did. This only means that she was okay when she set this up. It was just set like a cycle to repeat every day, until the battery ran out I imagine. That was smart though. I wouldn’t have thought of it. He smiled at the thought.

Sam, there’s another message. Kelsey said quickly.

Max’s voice was on the beginning. Okay, Sam, this is as good as the filters could do it. We haven’t been able to trace the location but I think it might be Kinsey. This sounds like our girl to me and she is trying. Remember, she has to be moving up and down the channels trying so we are probably not getting the whole message. Check it out:

THIS IS FED ZERO COBRA ONE ONE THREE. WE HAVE GONE DOWN ON AN ISLAND….I HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAR FROM LAND. MY NAME IS KINSEY JACKSON. MY HUSBAND, CALEB, AND CHIEF MARCO ARE INJURED. THEY ARE STABLE. CHILDREN ARE OKAY. STORMS BEGINNING. WEATHER ROUGH. WE ARE SAFE FOR THE MOMENT.

THIS IS FED ZERO COBRA ONE ONE THREE. PLANE DOWN. INJURIES NOT SEVERE. MONSTROUS STORMS. BANDITS CHECKING OUT PLANE, WE’RE HIDING IN CAVERN.

FED ZERO COBRA ONE ONE THREE. PLANE DOWN. STORM WORSENS. FOOD SUPPLIES DIMINISHING. STORM WON’T LET UP. FIND US…PLEASE… SOMEONE ANSWER THIS STUPID THING!

FED ZERO COBRA ONE ONE THREE. PLANE DOWN. NEED RESCUE. BAD GUYS BOAT BLEW ON ROCKS. SITUATION…NOT GOOD.

When was that last message? Cassie asked quietly. She was so pale that Charlie was worried. He knew that she was sick with fear.

Sam picked up the phone and called. Max, the last radio message, can you place a date on that? He listened and paled. Thanks man, I will call you back as soon as we are organized. Keep us informed. He hung up and looked at Cassie.

Last week, honey. It was made on Friday evening. Sam sat down abruptly. They say the storm is still raging and too dangerous to take a boat.

We can rent one out of Baja, California as soon as the storms let up. See if we can get a long rang helicopter or float plane to rent as well. Jim spoke up. Let’s go people.

Kelsey numbly ran upstairs and started packing their ready bags while Sam packed the weapons bag. Everyone else dispersed and moved quickly. Kelsey was quiet as she ran through a shower and then ran into the nursery where the children were with Jana and Aunt Vera. She sat down and held her twin girls in her arms and stared at her Aunt. Did you hear?

Yes honey, we will take care of the children while you go bring them home. Vera smiled sadly at her niece. She could tell that Kelsey was at her wit’s end right now. Have faith, Kelsey, you all will find her and you will bring her home. If Kinsey was already heading home, she’s in really good shape mentally. That means that her mind is made up and one way or the other, she’s coming home. Honey, you know her better than anyone. If anyone can live through this, it is your sister. I know you’ll miss the children. If it takes too long, we will fly them to you. For now, just go and do what you can to bring our Kinsey home.

Kelsey kissed Sami and Sunni and laid them down and then she picked up her son. I am going to get your aunt and I am personally going to drag Julie back here so my grumpy son can have his best friend back. Okay buddy?

Yes Mama, I’m sorry I’ve been grumpy. I just want things the way they were and I…I haven’t even met my nephew yet. That’s not fair. He stuck his bottom lip out.

I’m sure that it isn’t and I think Kins thought so as well. Honey, she’s been trying to get home for three weeks. She’s trying baby. She hugged him gently.

Well, tell her to hurry up Mama. I miss my Kinsey too…I didn’t use to have to share her so much. He had tears in his eyes and Kelsey melted.

I understand honey. I am not use to having to share her so much either. I have to go. Take care of the girls and Tyler for us. Kelsey smiled at her handsome little boy.

I will Mama; you just bring back my family. He said crossly. Her heart went out to him. Carson had gone through so much in his short life. Kinsey had always been there. When she was finishing school, Kinsey was there like a surrogate mother. When she went through the academy, Kinsey was there-even injured-to take care of the little guy and let him know how much he was loved. The two of them had a special bond and Carson was missing that closeness. Cassie tried…Liza tried…but they couldn’t replace his Kinsey.

* * *

They all met up at the private airport and loaded the backup jet. Sam and Jim hurried to the front while Charlie and Chet got comfortable with the ladies. It was two o’clock in the afternoon and once again they were off on a recovery mission. Kelsey’s nerves were shot so she leaned back and pretended to sleep. She saw that Cassie had done the same thing. No one had anything to say. They were all pretty much stressed out.

Sam came over the radio. Guys, we have a new message from Kinsey.

"THIS IS FED ZERO COBRA ONE ONE THREE. KINSEY JACKSON REQUESTING RESCUE FROM SOMEWHERE NEAR BAJA, MEXICO... AS FAR AS I CAN CALCULATE WE ARE APPROXIMATELY THREE HOURS RIDE BY HELICOPTER TO THE NEAREST FUELING FACILITY. I AM HOPING THAT IS CORRECT. WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SWIM AND FISH BETWEEN STORMS…KILL SNAKES AND ONE HUGE BOAR. SUPPLY OF FOOD…IS OKAY. CHILDREN ARE FINE FOR NOW. CALEB JACKSON WOUNDED BY GUNFIRE. CHIEF MARCO ALSO WOUNDED. NO BANDITS LEFT THAT I KNOW OF. I SURE COULD USE SOME HELP HERE FOLKS. I WILL TRY AGAIN TOMORROW. I HOPE THIS GETS OUT.

Kinsey Jackson, do you copy? Over... Max hurried and radioed.

Yes, go ahead. Over... Kinsey answered. You answered!

The team is headed for Baja and they are listening in. What can you tell them? Over… Max prompted.

Sorry guys, we just wanted to get Julie home and in a routine. We missed home and wanted to surprise you…surprise! Billy messed with our fuel supply. Jet is intact. I have it winched to a tree. Pirates attempted to take it after fueling but the beach is too short. Um... Their boat exploded in the storm and we had a scuffle here. Chief and Caleb are injured but stable for now. We miss you. We love you. Hurry up will you…stranded on an island is not fun…they lied. I love you, Sister. Over... Kinsey sobbed the last part.

Tell her we love her too and that we are coming. Keep to her radio schedule and we will find her. Sam said in a hoarse voice.

Max relayed the information and received no answer. I’ve lost her, Sam. The storm has worsened and killed her communication.

That’s okay, buddy. We’ll be in Baja in about three hours. Sam sighed.

I will keep you informed. Max left the radio and Jim and Sam stared at one another. Kinsey didn’t relay the extent of the injuries and carefully avoided saying anything about herself. That usually meant that she was injured. They had talked to Gabby and she told them about the doctors and Nona Anna’s fears. Kinsey hadn’t weaned Caleb Jr. completely to a bottle but in this instance, that was a good thing. How much formula had she carried for the baby? She was going to take CJ to their doctor as soon as she returned home so that he would be watched closely. Plus, Nona warned that injury or stress could blow Kinsey’s progress. There were no leukemia cells at the moment but she wasn’t a hundred per cent yet either. The child was hard to get weight on and she lost it too easily. Nona was furious that this could be happening. The sweet little Hawaiian lady had recently turned a hundred and one years old and she loved Kinsey as though she were her own child. Gabby said that Nona wanted to go looking for her baby and they had to convince her that they would find Kinsey and get her to safety.

They fought with those guys. Sam stated. Well, evidently they won but I can’t help but wonder to what extent they were injured. Cover me, Jim. I have to go see how Kelsey’s doing. Sam got up and headed back and Kelsey met him in the aisle way. We’ll find her honey, they are alive. He held her close.

She’s hurt, Sam. Kelsey sobbed. Kinsey always dodges the issue like that!

I know that, Kelsey. We can’t borrow trouble. Let’s just deal with the facts and go from there. She admitted that Caleb and Marco were hurt in the crash but she had them stable. We know that they were both injured again and although she says they are stable, that’s two injuries within three weeks. Is Kinsey hurt? Honey, I just don’t know. I do know that she has to be totally exhausted and needed us there a week ago. She’s tough, Kels.

She is just a child, Sam, how is she supposed to be able to do everything? She’s a new mother and has two babies to care for and two injured. She’s hurt, Sam! Kelsey weakly pound the sides of her fists against Sam’s chest.

Maybe, but she is alert and oriented and still trying to care for everyone and keep the radio going. She’s going to be a hell of an agent. He grinned at Liza who smiled back.

She’s going to be a doctor. Kelsey retorted with a laugh.

Well then, a doctor who can kick ass and repair the damage then. I’m proud of her, Kelsey. He looked at Corrine. She didn’t elaborate on the injuries but I think if Caleb were hurt badly, she would have told us. Corrine nodded. Chet was sitting beside her and quietly holding her hand.

Well then, Chet find us accommodations in Baja and see if you can line up a boat and a float plane. You guys rest all you can because I want to be ready to move as soon as we land. We will find them. He looked at Cassie and smiled.

Cassie finally smiled. I believe that now. I should have known that Kinsey would find a way…

CHAPTER TWO

The flight to the states was a long one. Especially when you consider we had to fly across the width of the US just to get home to Miami. We made games available for Julie; Caleb had his little travel bed plus his car seat. He is still too small. At almost four months old, our son is only eight pounds. A lot of babies are born this size…some even bigger. He is up on his hands and knees now and starting to attempt the crawling thing. He can army crawl anywhere but the knees seem to not be working the way he wants. He sits up nicely and rolls over. He jabbers and giggles. He says; ‘J’ for Julie, ‘Mama’, ‘Da’, Yes, No…and something that sounds like ‘Wuv oo’…I think he means ‘I love you.’ He’s an infant…I think we have someone here that is going to be very brilliant. For now, whenever he gets mad at Julie, he has the raspberry thing down pat.

Julie has games and her I pod full of music and several movies to watch. She has her famous little bear that Caleb bought her while she was in the hospital and we were fighting for custody. She calls the little guy; Bubba. Julie is built small like her parents were. Her hair hangs down her back down in soft waves. She is our beautiful little girl.

And of course Madison sat in the aisle up against Julie’s seat, ever diligent and watching both CJ and his sister. My family... We are going home. The kids and Caleb have given me the courage to do this. With them, I think I can face just about anything.

We all went through checking supplies and making sure that everything was in good shape. Chief Marco even had bomb dogs sweep the plane. This was a tactical jet so it had a little bit of everything in it. We had an arsenal, MRE’s, seeds for Marco’s wife for a lot of the exotic vegetables and fruits and flowers. He had purchased a wind power pack and a solar pack. Man, I bet that set him back some. The water supply was huge. We had a blow up raft with a small motor and an extra battery, life vests, flares, major advanced first aide with surgical supplies, drugs…everything that would be needed to set up a small mobile ICU and OR if necessary. Back in the nets were itemized heavy duty shelters. There were tools…even a small chain saw.

Chief, I have to ask…were you planning on the world ending and this is your idea of a new start? I asked as I strapped, snapped and tied things down.

You never know, Kinsey. He laughed. Actually, the power packs I got for a steal. Nona sent all of the seeds; we always carry a small arsenal and enough supplies to care for wounded en route to hospitals. I keep it stocked heavy for a reason. If we get into trouble and we can sit this thing down in one piece, survival would be taken care of with all of this stuff. It will give the survivors time to regroup, care for their wounded, bury the dead and set up a rescue beacon. All of this can be set up in a couple of days by two people… easy. This man amazes me. Remember Kinsey, if anything like that ever happens, triage and pace yourself. Carry a knife, pistol and rifle and be prepared. Always be ready for the unexpected.

I think that goes anywhere, Chief, but I don’t think I can carry weapons everywhere. People might object. I was grinning. What was the weather report?

Caleb had hurried back. The weather should be fairly good over the Pacific. A couple storms were reported but I think they’re low enough that we can fly over them. He started back to the front. Kinsey, strap in and get the kids strapped in. I’ll stay with the Chief and assist first and then we will switch out.

I thought refueling would take longer… Chief muttered. Strap in, Sugar, let’s head home. He hurried up front while I secured the kids and got Maddie into a seat and put her own harness on.

Down Maddie, it is time to relax sweetie. I said and hugged her. I checked Caleb in his car seat and sat down and strapped in just as the guys began to taxi down the runway.

* * *

I must have fallen asleep. Julie had gone to sleep first. Caleb and Madison had settled in and fell asleep so I finally shut my eyes. I have no idea how long I was out but there was a storm outside when I woke up and I couldn‘t tell whether it was day or night by looking at the sky. The clouds looked threatening.

Kinsey, secure the children. Marco barked over the speaker.

They are secured, sir. I said and looked at our sleeping babies.

Kins, come up front. Caleb said curtly.

I hurried to the cabin and looked at the storm head on and it looked vicious. Can we get above it? I asked quickly.

No, we can try to go around but there are larger planes above us, Kinsey. We are kind of stuck here. Caleb huffed as he was going through the boards. Kins, we have problems. I saw the fear on his face. The gauges are reading wrong. We should be close to Baja and we should be low on fuel. We aren’t.

I looked at the fuel gauge and then back at Chief Marco. He was sweating bullets, fighting for control. The other gauges looked okay. Everything seemed to be running fine, levels were accurate…the fuel gauge was stating that we had barely used any fuel and…oh crap…it was lying. I felt the engine sputter. They messed with the fuel tank again. I said with my voice full of dread. Chief, we have to find somewhere to sit down…anywhere that isn’t in the middle of an ocean. I hurried and checked the charts. Crap…crap….crap…Okay, wait. We need a visual, Chief, go lower.

Marco brought the plane down out of the clouds but the rain looked like a blinding curtain. I can’t see. Chief complained as he tried his radio. May day, this is Chief Edmund Marco, FBI, Miami Division. Flight number 86 niner, niner…do you copy?

Ssssssssssssss….repeat….please repeat your transmission Chief Marco…what is your location? Someone came back.

If I knew that, I would be okay damn it…this is Fed, zebra, Alfa, cobra 3348. We are in route from Hawaii to the mainland. We should be close to Baja…no land is in sight… He sat down the radio. This is hopeless. He was frustrated.

Fed, zebra Alfa, cobra 3348, we are standing by sir. Any landmark you can find could help…. A bolt of lightning struck the front of the plane and it bucked.

There goes our electrical system…we are going down folks…Kinsey, pad the children, Caleb go to the back… He couldn’t hold it.

Chief, use this sucker as a glider, take your time…we will make it. Look! Look over there! I pointed. There was a mountainous island about a mile or two ahead of us. To be honest, it was probably more like five miles or even greater…it is hard to judge distance out here… Aim for that…get as close as you can, Chief!

I ran to the back and grabbed life vests, ran back to the front and slipped the vests over their heads. I hurried and put one on Julie and around Madison. I have known fear before…tasted it…but this is our children…dear God don’t take them away!

I managed to attach a life vest to CJ’s car seat and all the necessary bags he would need. I padded the window with pillows and mats and I strapped in next to the window after putting Julie in my aisle seat. Around my wrist was the rope to the bag that held the life boat. Oh man, this cannot be happening.

Mama, I’m scared! Julie cried.

So am I, sweetie. They will yell and I want you to put your head down on this pillow and just breathe. I’m right here, Julie. We are in the best part of the plane and Marco is gliding now…the engines are off. He’s trying to get to the beach. Listen baby, we may be in the water, but it won’t last, I will get us out. He and Daddy are doing the best that they can. I said gently.

DADDY…! Julie screamed in fear as we slammed into the water.

Get her down! Kinsey! Keep them down! He yelled back. I had already placed Julie down and covered both her and Caleb the best that I could.

Madison was rolled onto the floor and I quickly popped her harness. Check the guys, Maddie, check up front!

Little Caleb was crying hard now. I unfastened Julie and threw pillows away and we both stared at each other. Julie, are you okay? Did you hurt anything? I demanded.

No Mama, I’m okay. Where are we? She cried.

I have no idea but we are halfway in the water, baby, we have to move fast here. Can you give your brother a bottle? I asked softly.

Yes, Mama... Go check on my Daddy. I kissed her forehead, she is my brave little girl and I am so proud of her. I handed her a bottle out of CJ’s diaper bag.

After grabbing the first responder kit, I climbed up front. The tail of the plane was in the water, the front was up in the air. Caleb, Marco, are you guys okay? I yelled as I tried to pry open the door to the cockpit.

It took me five minutes to get the door open…another five to pull all of the debris away. I could hear Julie’s shaky voice singing lullabies to CJ and trying to calm him down. Caleb, Marco, can you hear me? Finally I pulled the last of the mess away and climbed up to where the guys were. Both men were unconscious. Both had a pulse and shallow but stable breathing. It looked like they were thrown sideways and slammed their heads against the windows. Marco had cuts on the left side of his face…the bruising and swelling started above the temple and down the ear and cheekbone and then the jaw line. His shoulder was dislocated. He had a serious cut on his cheek, another one on his arm. I worked as fast as I could to stop the bleeding and apply ice packs…I did the same with Caleb since his injuries matched Marco’s…only all of his damage was on the right side.

Guys, while you are out, we are going to get the unpleasant part done. I said and I talked the whole time. I have to give you credit, Chief. You did your best to get us here…we are almost on the shoreline. I climbed around and judged my space. Problem is…I think we are at low tide. So…I have to get you two big men that are ten times stronger than me…somehow pack you outta this plane to a high and dry spot and get the kids and the supplies out before high tide. I quickly snapped his shoulder back in place and got a moan. I eased his arm across the front of him in a sling and then wrapped it snuggly to his body. I checked the wounds again and the bandages had held. As fast as I could, I put the small oxygen tank on him and a mask and checked his vital signs again. Then I moved to Caleb.

Oh baby, I hate to see you like this. I cried as I quickly cleaned his wounds. As quick as I get you into a shelter, I’ll get these cuts sutured and get y’all comfortable. The children are fine, Caleb, it’s going to be okay. I had climbed into position again. You can ask the Chief…this hurts like a son of a gun…but let’s get it done while we can. It took two tries and broke my heart. Caleb is solid muscle with almost no percentage of body fat. Where Chief Marco had a little give with his age and a softer tone, Caleb had no give and it took all of my strength to get his shoulder to pop back in place. When he cried out, I lost it. I’m sorry…oh baby, I am so sorry that I hurt you. I bawled like a stupid baby while I slung his arm and strapped it against his chest. I leaned over and kissed his cheek and he turned his head and kissed me. Hey you…

Hey… He moaned. It is okay, Kins, you did what you had to do. Tell me our situation. Are the kids okay?

They are fine. Yell out and let Julie know you are okay. I encouraged him.

Hey Jewels! His voice croaked.

Daddy…? Her little voice answered.

Don’t come up here baby, it is a mess up here. We’re going to be okay honey. Listen to Mama and help all you can, okay? Caleb’s voice was hoarse and he knew he was hurt pretty badly but he had to know his family was okay.

You’re hurt, Daddy! Julie cried.

Yes, honey, Marco and I are a little banged up. That’s why Mama needs you to be so strong. Can you do that for me? He asked…his voice was losing strength.

I will, Daddy, just rest. She sighed and turned to explain to her brother what was happening. Caleb Jr. was still fussing.

It’s going to be hard to get us out of here. Caleb said quietly.

I know. Don’t worry about it for now. I hurried to put the other small tank of oxygen on and put a mask over his face. Just lean back and rest as much as you can. I have to get the kids to shore and I think I will take the cables and winch out to try to secure the plane…if it moves with the tide; I’ll crank it in further. Right now the goal is to get y’all on the shore and get you comfortable.

Kins… He looked at me and he had tears in his eyes. I eased over and kissed him gently.

We are alive. I can deal with anything as long as you stay with me and the kids…that’s what I want you to work on. I need you well, handsome, so rest. I placed my hand on the side of his face for a second and shook my head. I better move it or I’m gonna be kissing your face off again. I grinned and eased out.

I hurried back to Julie. Okay, they are hurt but they are stable, okay? Let me change CJ and then I want you to listen to me. I hurried to pick up our son and burp him. He was still trying to get into my shirt. Whenever he is upset, he wants to nurse. Right now, that’s not a bad idea because I have no idea how stranded we are. Later buddy, let’s get you changed. I kissed the little cutie and quickly changed him. Okay, Julie, I have to secure the plane first. I’m going to open the emergency slide. Then I have to go out and secure the plane somehow, okay?

Okay, Mama, can you wear a radio? That was our two year old talking… amazing.

I gave Julie the military version of the tiny Bluetooth and I wore one also. Then I crawled up and put one on Caleb. Testing, do you guys hear me? I asked.

I hear you, Mama. Julie said.

Gotcha Mama, I’m listening, go do your thing. Caleb moaned.

Okay, I’ll hurry. I said and opened the emergency hatch and then flipped the lever for the slide to deploy. This was not a commercial size jet but it did have an emergency chute and some pretty cool modifications. I quickly grabbed my knife, gun and rifle and looped a rope over the tool belt and another one over the cables and the winch that I found.

Quickly sliding down to the water, I realized that this shallow depth was not going to last. I hurried and got to the shoreline and found a huge mangrove tree. I quickly attached the winch to it fairly high up on the tree. The first limb was about seven foot high…that should help support the heavy winch and not pull the plane’s nose into the sand but, hopefully, up and over it. I loosened the cable and hurried to the plane. The front was actually about twelve feet out in the water but the sandy bottom went far and stayed fairly shallow. I have to find a tow hook…I waded out and talked to Caleb on the radio. Hey, I found a good tree and I’m out front. Where is a good place to hook to on this thing, Caleb? I asked as I studied it.

Are the wheels down or up? He asked.

Down and locked…wait a minute…how about the hook right in front of the wheel compartment, will that hold it? I asked.

They use that all the time with the tractor in the hangar. Caleb answered. Can you get to it?

Yes. Hang on. I hurried under the plane and secured the line. Then I waded back out to the tree and got up to where I could tighten the line. I hit the recoil on the thing and it was amazing. The plane actually eased forward a little. I stopped it there, climbed down and ran quickly to find a place to put the wounded and children safely while I unloaded supplies. I found a clearing about ten foot behind the line of palm and coconut trees. Another hundred yards or so…a path seemed to head toward the mountain and that thing looked really tall. Caleb, can you guys hear me?

Go ahead. He answered.

I can set up one of the tents and drag another one ashore….Um…There’s a decent size clearing about ten foot or so behind the tree line. It would be close to the plane and we could keep an eye on it and we could get all of our supplies out as well after we get y’all settled. What do you think? I huffed as I headed back.

Kins, I think I can walk but we will have to litter Marco, he’s still out. Can you put the tents up by yourself? He asked in a worried voice.

Sure…no sweat…I’m headed up. I grabbed the rope and climbed it to get into the emergency door. Leaving was easier…coming back…not so easy. Hey baby! I grinned as I cleared the door. I hurried and checked Julie and Caleb and then our pilots. Gotta move, honey... I said and kissed Caleb quickly. I grabbed the life boat and pulled the ring as I let it down the slide. Then I eased down the tents and portable cots, sleeping bags and kitchen. I’ll be back! I could hear Julie giggle as I jumped on the slide and flew down to load the life boat. Getting it to shore was easy. Unloading and running supplies back to the clearing…not so easy. An hour later, drenched in sweat, rifle stashed under a rock and the pistol in the waterproof bag at my waist, I was stripped down the sports bra, shorts and tennis shoes. I swam back to the plane. It took forever to climb back up the rope and I lay on the floor for a few minutes while Julie shook me.

Mama, are you okay? Julie cried.

I’m back... I pulled the ear piece out of the bag and put it on. Caleb, how are you doing?

"I’m tired of sitting, what do