The Lost Bones (Widow's Island #8)(22)

“I’m not questioning your ability to handle yourself,” he continued.

Cate glanced at him. “It sort of feels like it.”

“What I meant was . . .” He raised his hands. “Okay. I don’t know what I was trying to say. I know it’s unknown territory for you. Even if that pothead Adam claims he knows his way around an island of survivalists, there’s a lot we don’t know.”

“Correct. I’m fully aware I could be walking into a dangerous mess.”

“I’ve had a few survivor island people come here for medical treatment,” said Henry. “One had one of the worst infections I ever saw. A big wood splinter that had broken off deep under the skin. The amount of pus that I squee—”

“Stop.” Cate waved her fork at him. “I’m eating.”

“Oops. Sorry.” Henry dug into his salmon. “Anyway, I’ve been told I should do an occasional clinic on the islands. Assess their needs. See what can help.”

“You don’t have time for that.”

“Not yet. Hiring more help should open up my schedule.” He reached over and took her hand. “That would make a good cover for you tomorrow. Pose as health-care workers.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Why not?” Excitement rose in him. “I’ll go with you. I’ve got excess bulk bandages, acetaminophen, topical antibiotic gel. We can pass it out. That should help break the ice. Maybe loosen some tongues to help find who you’re looking for.”

Cate stared at him for a long moment. “That’s a good plan.”

“If Ashlee is pregnant or already has a little one, she’d probably show up if she heard there was a doctor on the island.”

“Rich wouldn’t let her,” Cate pointed out. “He’d probably keep Ashlee away from anyone bringing medical assistance.”

“True.” Henry thought for a long moment. “But you’d probably hear from other people if there was a pregnant woman on the island. Or a young child.”

“Good point. At least we could get confirmation if she is there . . . and through her, find Rich.”

“What’s the plan if you find him?” Henry asked.

“Return with armed support. The county’s tactical response team has been put on notice.”

“I didn’t know they had one.”

“I don’t think they get a lot of activity, but they train regularly.”

“I’d hate to see Ashlee get caught up in a situation like that,” said Henry. “Rich won’t turn himself over easily.”

“Agreed. If I find her, I’ve got to convince her to leave with me,” Cate said. “I’ve been mentally running through dozens of scenarios to get her off the island. But a lot depends on Rich.”

“Let me come tomorrow. I’ll add credibility to your presence on the island more than Adam would.”

“Done. I agree with you, but what about your clinic tomorrow?”

“Julie can handle the morning. It’ll be strictly walkins.”

“You’ll do as I say on the island,” Cate told him. “I know you used to give orders in that busy LA emergency room and are accustomed to being your own boss. But going to the island is my mission.”

Henry had been along on a few law enforcement outings with Cate that had turned violent.

Tomorrow could become one.

“I’ll absolutely listen to you. I’ve seen you in action. I’m well aware you know what to do.” He squeezed her hand and pulled it closer, moving his face toward hers. “You want to tell me what to do later tonight?”

Cate grinned. “Damn, you’re handsome. I’ve always had a weakness for brown eyes.”

The room was suddenly very warm.

“I love you,” she whispered, setting down her fork.

“As you were meant to.”





10


Cate eyed the two men with rifles slung over their shoulders who stood at the end of the survivor island’s decrepit dock the next morning.

“Not good,” Henry muttered under his breath.

Cate’s outlook was more positive. “That’s a friendly carry. The guns are on their backs, not pointed our way.” But she kept a sharp eye on the men after sending them a casual wave.

Adam Jacobs had piloted her and Henry to the little unnamed island while Tessa and Logan had taken a boat to check on the residents of Elias Island. An unofficial boat and seaplane “taxi driver,” Adam had greeted her and Henry as they had joined him at the plane in Harlot Harbor at the crack of dawn, and Cate was pleased that the young man had been on good behavior and not leered at her once.

Now he helped unload the boxes of surplus medical supplies that she and Henry had scrounged together. Cate had made a trip to the grocery store late last night and bought most of their supply of prenatal vitamins, antacids, and a few other things. If Ashlee was pregnant, Cate hoped that one of the products would draw the woman out.

Cate didn’t see any people other than the two men, but she knew far off to their left and now out of sight was a “marina.”

She had seen the marina in a small protected cove as they had flown over the island and didn’t know what else to call the three little rickety boats tied to a slightly more stable-looking dock. She’d also seen two bleached and battered rowboats pulled high up the rocky beach. Cate had wondered how seaworthy any of them were. She and Adam had agreed to tie up at their current dock instead. It was easier for him to approach and felt more open to Cate.