Gabriel Hawk's Lady by Beverly Barton

Author:Beverly Barton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2011-06-09T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Murdock double-checked the supplies in the back of the jeep, then pulled the tarpaulin over the provisions and secured the strap.

“You’ve got a full tank of gas and about twenty extra gallons in the back with the other supplies. That should be enough.” Murdock glanced around, checking to see if someone might be listening to their conversation. “If anything goes wrong, you know the villages where I have contacts.”

“When you see Lazaro, thank him again for everything he’s done to help us.” Hawk patted his shirt pocket. “Especially the pass giving us freedom to travel throughout San Miguel.”

“Yeah, I’ll be sure to thank him,” Murdock said. “I don’t expect to see Mateo before noon. He didn’t leave the banquet hall until after two this morning. And Dulcina has a way of tiring a man out.”

Murdock laughed, but Hawk had to force a smile. He was worn-out this morning, but not from a night of passion. With Rorie lying so close, and yet so far out of reach, he hadn’t been able to go to sleep until nearly dawn.

Hawk glanced at Rorie, who sat in the jeep, eager to begin their journey. She looked away, avoiding eye contact with him.

Murdock pulled out a thick, folded paper from his jacket pocket and handed it to Hawk. “Here’s a map that might come in handy. I’m sure y’all are going to head straight to Culebra, since it’s the closest town to La Vega.”

“Isn’t Culebra up the seacoast?” Rorie asked. “Why would we—”

“Y’all have enough rations to last a couple of weeks,” Murdock interrupted Rorie mid-sentence. “If you haven’t found the kid by then, get in touch with me.”

Rorie didn’t complain about Murdock’s rudeness or make any comments about why her question had gone unanswered. Hawk exchanged glances with her. They spoke without words—she silently saying that she understood someone might be listening to their conversation; and he replying, Good girl, you’re learning.

“We’ll be seeing you.” Hawk stepped up into the jeep, then halted and turned back toward Murdock. “Say goodbye to Consuela for me.”

Clasping Hawk’s shoulder, Murdock grinned. “Don’t worry about the major. I’ll take good care of her.” He glance meaningfully at Rorie, then lowered his head and whispered, “You’ve got your hands full, taking care of that one.”

Murdock slapped Hawk on the back. Hawk got in the jeep, started the engine and let it idle for a couple of minutes. He looked over at Rorie.

“Better put on your hat and sunglasses,” he told her. “They’ll give that lily-white skin of yours some protection, as well as disguise your blond hair and blue eyes.”

Rorie did as he requested. “Anything else?” she asked.

“I’ll let you know.” Hawk shifted gears and headed the jeep toward the palace gates.

Rorie sat back in the seat, folded her hands in her lap and looked straight ahead. Hawk waved and spoke to the guards as he drove through the open gates.

For the most part, the streets were deserted, except for soldiers posted at intervals throughout the city.

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