Page 9 of Isla by Any Other Name

“Wow, what a difference,” said Dirk. “Not that you weren’t gorgeous before…but wow!”

Colt chuckled, “I think I’m rethinking my love for blondes.”

Isla waved the compliments away with her hand. “Thanks, guys. It was all Lara’s doing. I don’t think anybody would know who I was. My parents would walk right past me.”

Mitch walked in. “Where’s the party and who’s the beautiful brunette sitting at the table?”

Chapter five

Isla’s next day in captivity started with a steady din of rain and wind hitting the windows in her room. She groaned and turned over, pulling the pillow over her head. She had no idea what the day would bring. Fear threatened to bring her down into a dark hole. But she’d promised to cook—everyone else had a job to do. She was the only one that had no place to go and nothing to do. If anything, cooking would pull her mind from the darkness. She threw the covers aside and stepped out of bed.

The clock on the nightstand said it was seven. Those who weren’t on the job last night would already be downstairs meeting with Mitch and Max. Looking in the bathroom mirror, Isla found a stranger looking back. This was really happening. Her mind buzzed with all the unknowns that lay ahead.

After brushing her teeth, Isla put on a little lip gloss, opened her contact case and put them in, brushed on some mascara, and brushed her hair into some kind of order. Then she went down to cook breakfast.

“Morning, everyone. How does bacon and eggs sound?”

Lara lifted her head from the papers she was reading and smiled. “Molly, you don’t need to cook for us, really!”

“Please, I want to. Let me contribute in some way. I need to keep myself busy or I’ll go insane.”

“Well then, bacon and eggs sound wonderful.”

She pulled out two skillets and two cookie sheets and got to work. Before long, breakfast was done and the papers were off the table. Dirk pulled out dishes and silverware, placing them on the island as she placed the filled platters down. Coffee refill in hand, Isla leaned against the counter as she watched everyone dig in.

“Oh my God, Molly, these eggs are the best!” said Dirk. “What’s in them?”

Isla shrugged. “A little of this and a little of that.”

“You sure can cook! I’m in love.”

Isla grinned. “I worked for a caterer for years. I learned a few tricks of the trade. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

Isla tipped her head and directed the next question to Mitch. “So is there anything I should know? Have you heard how my parents are doing? I can’t help but worry.”

Mitch wiped his lips with a napkin and said, “I talked to the agent working their case this morning. They’re fine. As a matter of fact, your mother’s spoiling everyone with her culinary skills as well. And your Dad is whipping their asses playing cards. They’re complaining they’re broke and that your father’s a card shark!”

Isla felt her heart warm. “That’s my dad—you better warn them not to play chess with him. He wins every time! So they’re okay?”

“I’ll inform them of his skills,” Mitch chuckled. “As a matter of fact, your folks sent their love and wanted you to know not to worry about them, that they’re fine and actually enjoying themselves. They’re treating their stay with us like it’s a vacation.”

“The next time you talk to your people,” Isla said, “can you tell them to let my parents know I love them?”

Mitch nodded solemnly. “Not a problem, Molly. I’ll pass your message along. Now, I’m off to get in a few hours of sleep. Dirk, give me a call at noon, I have things I need to do today. You’re in charge of keeping an eye on the monitors. Lara, you’re up tonight so plan on getting some rest this afternoon. Max, you’re taking over surveillance from Dirk. Colt, you’ve got the night shift with Lara. Keep your eyes open and wake me if you need to. Stay aware—things are heating up and I don’t want to be taken by surprise. Hernandez’s henchmen are asking questions. They’re on the move.”

The rain continued to fall. Darkness loomed behind the windows. Fog swirled above the trees. An eeriness enveloped the house. Isla pulled out her paints and worked on the painting she’d finished drawing yesterday. She wanted to give it to Mitch as soon as possible. Who knew when or if the agents here now would be changed out? She couldn’t imagine them staying with her 24/7 without time off. Everyone here she’d just started to feel comfortable with could be replaced at any time. She wanted Mitch to have this.

The thought of having to get to know a new batch of agents scared Isla. She trusted the people here with her now, maybe because they’d been with her from the beginning. Mitch had warned that you never knew if someone were on the take; it was unlikely but possible. Good people could be swayed for many different reasons. Nothing was one hundred percent foolproof. She knew that, and that really scared her. She realized that the only time she wasn’t terrified was when Mitch was with her. Isla’s eyes grew hot, and it was all she could do to keep from crying. This was all too much.

“Hey, you okay?” Mitch’s voice made Isla jump. He leaned against the door jamb.

Isla wiped at her eyes in case a tear had fallen. “Just feeling sorry for myself,” she shrugged. “I’ll be fine. I thought you were headed upstairs to get some rest?”

Mitch walked into the room. “I’m on the way now. I wanted to check on you before I did. I shouldn’t have informed my team about current events in your presence. I’m sorry if I frightened you.”

“No, I’m glad you did. I want to be involved. This is my life and I have a right to know what’s going on. So please, if it’s possible, I’d like you to keep me in the loop.”

Mitch nodded. “I’ll let you know what I can. You have my word.”