| |
Regan Harris
G and G Brewery and Hostel
Honduras
Ben and I strolled along the trail. I wanted to run but Ben held my hand, preventing me. To any observers, we were just a couple on a walk around the hostel grounds. Gracie, Liam and Jax were waiting back in our cabin. Five people traipsing around would be cause for more notice than two. Nobody had been happy with the decision, least of all Gracie, but it was the right one.
We were lucky, one dorm-style cabin was available that slept eight. Four sets of bunk beds lined the walls. Normally, the empty beds would still be available to other travelers, but Ben rented each of them. The hostel staff didn’t care. They were getting their money either way.
“There.” I casually waved my hand in the direction of the smaller of two buildings. “Staff share the larger one. The smaller one tucked behind it is Garcia’s. Well, Guy’s.”
“I hope he left a window unlocked.” Our arms swung casually between us, interlocked at the hands.
“Why?” I asked.
“Because I don’t have anything to pick the lock with. I don’t want to leave evidence we were there.”
Ben pulled on my hand, stopping me. He pulled me to him, embracing me with his arms. My body tensed. Ben ignored it and continued to hug me. He stroked my hair with his hand.
“It’s clear. We can move now.”
“Was that necessary?”
Ben grinned at me. “Absolutely.”
I grunted my disapproval and stalked off toward the cabin. “What’s our plan?”
“To knock, first. He doesn’t know me.” Ben knocked on the door while I pressed myself against the wall. I stood against the building feeling like an idiot. I wanted to go in guns blazing or with my hands on my hips like Wonder Woman. Stealth wasn’t my strength.
Ben twisted the door handle, finding it locked. I went around to the left in search of a window. All the windows were open but covered in screens. We would have the pick of the litter getting in. And, as long as no one noticed the screen sitting next to the house while we were inside, we would be safe. Ben looked into every window before making his choice.
“It looks like a small two-bedroom cabin. The smaller bedroom in the back looks like our best bet.” Ben led me around to the chosen window. “The room looks like it’s used for storage and rarely entered.”
“Sounds good, then,” I said.
Ben used a pocket knife to pop the screen off and then laid it flat on the ground. If anyone walked by, it would look like it had just fallen off. He pulled himself up and slid into the room easily before reaching back out to help me in.
I grabbed his hands and he pulled me through the window. The window sill scratched along my stomach and legs. Ben jerked me up and wrapped his hands around my waist to steady me while I got my feet under me. I quickly shook him off.
“What should we look for?” I asked. My voice shook. It wasn’t that long ago that Gray and I had been in a similar situation searching Ben’s apartment in Chicago.
“I was hoping we’d find Gray here. Look for a basement,” Ben said. “Maybe he’s tied up and hidden away.”
I looked around the room. Boxes were stacked and lined up against the walls. Dust covered most of the surfaces.
“We won’t find a basement here. It’s not common. A closet maybe?” I suggested although the cabin had the feel of emptiness. We would check but my gut told me we were the only two with heartbeats in the place.
I gasped at the thought. What if we found Gray’s body? I couldn’t fathom the thought. He had to be alive. I knew it was silly, but I would know if he were dead. I would feel the loss in my heart. Gray was still alive. He just had to be.
“Let’s be quick.” Ben opened the door. The hinges squeaked in protest. He checked the hall before waving me forward.
I entered the other bedroom and glanced around. A double bed, nightstand and dresser filled the small space. All surfaces were clear. Nothing left out. I quickly checked the closet. Other than a few clothes hanging on the bar, it was empty. My heart raced as I looked around the room. My nerves were on edge being here.
I moved quietly to the hallway and met Ben in the front room. The space was open and took up half of the cabin. One wall housed a small refrigerator and oven. A propane tank sat on the counter, a connection line snaking down from the top and to the back of the stove. The kitchen counters were clear. Guy lived a neat and tidy life. No photos or mementos were hung on the walls or knick-knacks on the tables.
The living area had a small couch and one chair. The place looked abandoned and not lived in. Sad, almost. Solitary. Ben stood by the front door, the coat closet door open. The knob still in his hand, the bifold door jutted out.
“He’s not here,” Ben said.
“Obviously.” The snark in my voice was clear.
“Knock it off. I’m here to help.”
I sighed. “I know. Sorry. What do we do now?”
“Let’s get the others and head to the restaurant. You met Guy the last time you were here, right?” I nodded. “We’ll strike up a conversation with the staff. Maybe someone will remember you and you can ask about Guy/Garcia. His whereabouts, when he is returning.”
“I guess that’s our only option. I feel at a loss. We were moving so quickly before. I feel like we’ve hit a dead end.”
Ben let go of the closet door and moved toward me. He took me in his arms. This time I didn’t tense up. I needed the comfort. I needed the support. I leaned my head against his chest.
“Regan, you need to prepare yourself that we may not find him. We’ve been lucky this far. He could be anywhere. He could be—”
“Don’t you say it!”
“You just need to think about all the possible outcomes. I know it hurts.” Ben’s hands rubbed my back as he spoke. Tears filled my eyes. I wouldn’t think about that possibility. It wasn’t an option in my mind.
Ben lightly pinched my chin between his thumb and forefinger. He tilted my head up to look at him. His thumb stroked my chin. I once thought of him as beautiful. His blonde hair and blue eyes were the picture of perfection. Now he seemed plain to me after Gray and his dark coloring and light eyes. Gray’s face was striking. Strong. Ben’s seemed weak. Soft. Pampered.
I didn’t realize Ben’s intention until his lips touched mine. I inhaled sharply at the touch. He mistook the sound for pleasure. He deepened the kiss. I planted my hands on his chest and pushed him away. I wiped the kiss from my mouth with the back of my hand.
“What are you doing? I’m married.” My words came out in a hoarse whisper.
“Don’t act indignant. You wanted that kiss as much as I did.” Ben’s arrogance floored me. What was I thinking by calling him?
I was thinking I was desperate and that Ben would actually help me. I should’ve known better, that Ben only looked out for Ben and his wants. He didn’t even seem surprised or bothered that I was married now. I reared my hand back for a slap. Ben caught my wrist before I could connect the blow. We stared at one another, locked together.
Voices outside broke us apart. I looked around in panic. Ben reacted more coolly. He pulled me by my wrist into the front closet with him. He slid the door closed as the front door opened next to us. I held my breath as I peeked through the slats of the door.