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"I'm not even going to ask what just happened out there. We don't have time to get into it right now, but we will definitely talk about it later."
"How did you find us?" I asked.
"We tracked Wainwright's phone," Chris said. "It's been stationary at a location not far from here. It took a while to work out the details to send us into a foreign country." He walked up to Jared. I assume you're Mr. Dickenson, Cassie's husband." The two men shook hands. He moved on to stand in front of Gracie Layne. "And you are?"
"This is my sister, Gracie Layne Mason."
He held out his hand, and Gracie Layne grasped it like a lifeline. "Thank God you're here." With that, she collapsed into his arms in a dead faint.
"I'm sorry," I said, moving in to take hold of Gracie Layne. "She's had a tough time the past few days."
"Are you here to rescue us or take out Dr. Braun and the people at the lodge?"
"Rescue you," Chris said. "We don't know anything about a Dr. Braun or a lodge."
"You've got us, so what's the plan?" Jared asked.
"We've got a boat waiting at the river," Chris said. "Let's pair up. One of you with one of my team."
We all fell into line beside one of his men. "Do you have any extra weapons?" Cassie asked.
He handed Cassie a handgun. "Mind if I take the rifle?" she asked.
"I've read your file," he said, "by all means."
She handed the handgun we'd taken from Katrin to Jared. Once we were all armed, Chris said, "OK, we're going to cut through the jungle to the boat. We go fast and quiet. If we encounter any hostiles, we subdue them as quietly as possible. Limit collateral damage. Remember, we're not on US soil."
He held the door and let us out two at time. "You sure you're OK?" he asked as we waited.
"I'm OK. I'm glad you came for us. I'm worried about Gracie Layne."
"I'll swap with Traynor. I'll make sure she gets to the plane. We can deal with everything else once we're back on US soil." Once we were in the jungle he moved up and took over helping Gracie Layne sending one of his team, Traynor, I guess, back with me. I know it was strange, but I felt more at ease, once we were back in the jungle. The strategy seemed to be not to let us all get bunched up together. It made sense. I stayed with Traynor, and he made sure we didn't get too close to the others. A couple of times, I had the feeling someone was watching us. I never saw anyone, but I had a feeling that our bigfoot buddies were still keeping an eye on us.
Once we were on the boat, everyone relaxed a little. Chris walked over to where I was sitting on a bench next to Chance. He was holding Gracie Layne's hand. "The boat crew is local, so stay quiet. We'll be able to talk once we get on the plane and are in the air."
I just nodded. I wrapped my arms around Chance's bicep, leaned my head on his shoulder and thanked God that we'd made it out of another ridiculously dangerous situation. I was happy to finally be able to enjoy having Chance back and in good health. He seemed fine. Once we were back home, we'd make sure there were no lasting effects of the treatment he received from Dr. Wainwright or Dr. Braun.
I noticed that Chris didn't let Gracie Layne out of his sight. She'd had a really tough time. I hope we'll be able to get her back to normal. It was a long trip down the Parana River to Resistencia. The boat was old, and the cabin was just a big open room with benches along the outside walls. Jared and Cassie made themselves comfortable in one of the corners. Some of the DHS agents stretched out on the benches or the floor. I fell asleep with my head on Chance's shoulder.
I didn't wake up until Chris touched my arm. "Everly, we'll be docking soon. Someone from the embassy will meet us."
"I don't have my passport. I didn't even think of that."
"That's why we’re taking a private government jet. No worries. It's all been arranged. It should be smooth sailing from here on, but I'd still suggest you stay quiet and follow our lead," he said. "Give me your weapon."
I handed over my gun, and Chance did the same. "It's the price of entry," he said, stuffing the weapons in a black duffel bag. I watched as he continued around the cabin collecting weapons. Gracie Layne was sleeping on the floor between two of the agents.
When we docked, my nerves kicked in. Realistically, I doubted anyone here knew who we were or that we'd been held in their country. I knew that, but I still couldn't stop myself from looking nervously at everyone we encountered.
We were loaded into a black van and driven into the airport. We didn't stop at the terminal. The van drove out onto the tarmac and pulled up beside a small plane with no distinctive markings. We were hustled up the stairs with the agents.
I dropped into the first seat I came to and pulled Chance down beside me. "Do you think we're safe now?"
"I hope so, but I'll feel better once we're in the air."