The Island Between Us by Wendy Hudson

Author:Wendy Hudson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ylva Publishing
Published: 2021-06-17T19:11:50+00:00

Chapter 25

Day 5: 3.02 p.m.

Their return to camp was met with euphoria from Sylvia, who wrapped Theo up in her arms and squeezed the breath from him. For once he didn’t try to shrug her off and was the model patient when she reverted to doctor mode and started tending to his various injuries.

Noah, on the other hand, although vaguely pleased to see Theo, retreated to a lone log, his fear and disappointment that Isaac wasn’t with them easily visible on his face.

A fierce fire burned, and Clara handed out cups of strong tea. Georgia noted the pride with which Clara had undertaken her tasks and wondered if she’d perhaps misjudged the seemingly superficial woman.

Once everyone had caught their breath, Georgia gathered them around the fire. Mugs steamed in chilled hands as they exchanged similar worried looks.

“Right, folks, here’s what we know for certain and our plan for the next couple of days. I need you all on board, so now is your chance to ask questions, make suggestions, or get anything else off your chest that’s bothering you. Okay?”

Havana shifted in her seat and looked at the ground but when no one said anything, Georgia continued.

“About a mile from here we found a life jacket and pieces of the boat.”

“What!” Noah was on his feet. “Was it definitely yours? What about Isaac?”

“There was no sign of him.” Georgia tried to keep her sombreness from her voice. “That doesn’t mean we should think the worst though.”

“What the hell else am I meant to think?” Noah paced. “Oh, Christ what if he’s… Georgia what if he’s…” Noah crumpled to the ground as a heaving sob broke from him.

Austin moved to try and calm him. “You said Isaac’s a good swimmer, right? If he was wearing a life jacket or made it into the raft, there’s a chance he made it to shore.”

Noah shook his head in disbelief. “He can’t be gone. This can’t be happening.”

“Noah, we have to believe he did exactly as Austin said.” Georgia softened her tone. “We’re not giving up on him and you can’t either.”

Noah scrubbed at the rough stubble covering his chin and looked around the group. “I know you all hate him for what he did to Havana and now wrecking the boat, but please, he’s my little brother.”

“You’re right,” Havana spoke up. “Right now, I do hate him.”

“Havana…” Sylvia started.

“No, let me finish. Georgia said we should get things off our chest, and if we’re going to trust each other and get through this then we all need to know where we stand.”

Georgia nodded. “Go ahead.”

“He poisoned me, he threatened Theo with a knife, and now he’s not only put his own life at risk but all of ours as well. It still doesn’t mean he deserves to die.” She stood and looked around at each of them. “Imagine you’re Isaac. Out there on your own, maybe injured, cold, frightened, and hungry. We shouldn’t stop looking for him.”

“Thank you.” Noah wiped his nose on his sleeve, the tears subsiding a little at Havana’s honesty and encouragement.

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