“When’re you leaving?”

“As soon as possible. Can I use your laptop to book a flight?”

A tear blossomed at the corner of Chrissie’s eye as she waved him toward her computer. Her shoulders slumped.

“Hey, this isn’t goodbye. I’ll come back and see you when this is done.”

“Yeah?” Her chin dimpled momentarily. “Promise?”

“I promise.” Danny again moved that defiant lock of hair. He pulled her close.

7

Cancún International Airport was bustling. Squawking tourists dragged overstuffed cases towards the motor coaches and shuttles ready to spirit them away to one of the countless hotels that dotted the famous beach resort. Clay shifted from foot to foot impatiently, glancing at the arrivals board again—Danny’s flight had already landed.

Clay had arrived two hours earlier, and had used the down time to study maps of Cancún, then the wider Yucatán peninsula, on his smartphone. Thousands of square miles of green with very few interconnecting roads. There was a lot of wild ground to get lost in.

A familiar voice sounded from behind him. “Time was I would never have been able to sneak up on you. You’re losing your edge, big brother.”

Clay shrugged and gave a mock grimace. “I once got bit on my ass by a horse tick. Didn’t see that coming either.”

“Ah, stop bellyachin’. That’s the first time I’ve ever gotten the drop on you.”

“And that’s supposed to make me feel better. What’s next? Should I buy a pipe and slippers?”

Danny thumped the side of his fist into the thickness of Clay’s chest. “Be quiet, ya big dope. Besides, I don’t think they make slippers to fit feet that big.”

The Gunn brothers grinned at each other like kids and shared a hug.

“How was Miami?” asked Clay, as he led Danny towards the nearest exit.

“Miami was great. I caught up with my reading and topped up my tan.”

“Told you you’d enjoy it. I’ll come with you next time. The Cuban sandwiches at Guido’s on South Beach are great.” Clay smacked his lips. “You hungry?”

“I guess I could eat something. The food on the plane amounted to a mini-pack of pretzels and a munchkin-sized orange juice.”

Clay grinned in delight. “There’s a Margaritaville over there. I hear they do a decent plate of nachos.”

As Clay devoured his nacho platter, Danny opted for the grilled vegetable sandwich. Clay eyed his brother’s choice with suspicion. “You still on your health kick?”

“Just trying to keep the cobwebs off.”

“Not my idea of fun but I have to admit it seems to be working for you. You look good, little brother.”

Danny nodded in agreement. “Feeling good.”

Clay scooped up cheese and sour cream with a fan-shaped wedge of nacho chips. “Thanks for coming down at short notice.”

“No problemo.