Brent nodded helpfully. Youll be fine.
Like a trooper, she put the camera back up to her face and resumed filming. Her movements were stiff, even robotic, but she was working through the fear, maintaining her composure and refusing to let the past overwhelm her.
He hazarded a glance at Jason, who merely shrugged and maneuvered the whaler into position. Sean should have felt grateful that someone had been coolheaded enough to help Daniela. Instead, he was sick with envy.
And Brent knew it. Sean could tell by the way he averted his eyes, turning his attention back to the surface of the water.
Unlike Jason, Sean didnt have an easy way with words. He wasnt suave, expressive or articulate. His inability to communicate his feelings to Daniela had played a major role in their breakup. And just now, his thoughtless comment had caused her panicked reaction.
By trying to keep her safe, hed only put her in more danger.
A muscle in Seans jaw ticked as he located the tagging equipment, clicking the various components into place with swift, angry motions. This was what he knew. Scientific gadgets and cold-blooded animals.
Here, no words were necessary.
Chapter 3
Coming here had been a mistake.
Sean was right. Daniela knew that now.
Why had she thought she was strong enough to keep her cool on a tiny aluminum boat in turbulent, shark-filled waters? She wasnt. Anyone who found this type of situation exciting, or even remotely safe, was certifiable.
The whaler they were sitting in was a joke. What would prevent one of those ferocious beasts from bumping it? One nudge, and theyd all be overboard, swimming for their lives in noxious, red-tinged water.
She almost gagged. The air smelled like a rendering plant.
What would stop Shirley from biting into the boat? A great white had some of the most powerful jaws in the animal kingdom. Those teeth could cut through the hull like it was a soda can.
Shirley had devoured a 500-pound sea lion in less than a dozen bites.
Jason and Sean had watched her chow down with identical expressions of pride on their handsome faces, grinning like the maniacs they were. Brents demeanor was more circumspect, but no less pleased. He was getting great footage.
As they moved in closer, Danielas unease grew. The shark was not only longer than the boat, she was wider. Her mouth gaped open, larger than the circle of Danielas arms, ringed by rows of serrated white daggers.
This shark could swallow her whole. And that toothy grin was less than two feet from the side of the boat.
It was all she could do to keep filming while Sean stood and leaned out, tagging the sharks slippery back as easily as if hed been giving a fellow surfer a high five.
Daniela had been fighting a breakdown for most of the day. The sight of him taking such a shocking risk, and doing it with ineffable nonchalance, almost sent her careening over the edge. Somehow, she continued to point the camera at the thing in the water, a now unrecognizable mass of shiny black flesh and red-soaked teeth. Birds swooped down around them from every direction, literally plucking strings of meat from the mouth of the monster.
Time seemed to slow down and speed up after that. One moment, they were out on the water, watching the brutality of nature, survival of the fittest in action, a violent blur of sound and motion and color. The next, they were sailing through the air, disappearing into a blanket of late-afternoon fog.
Too numb to speak, she held herself as stiff as a board while the crane lifted the whaler up to the landing.
The day was almost over, she realized with bleak surprise. In this bizarre, uncivilized place, what would nightfall bring?
All three men were staring at her, so she took the camera away from her face, finally, and felt the world crash into sharp focus. The landscape was too foreign, too harsh for tender eyes. The sea was too dark, too blue, too vast.
Here, she mumbled, turning off the camera and handing it to Jason.
Sean helped her out of the boat. The instant her feet hit ground, her knees buckled. Easy, he said, steadying her. His arms felt even stronger than Jasons, and twice as disturbing. She righted herself, her face growing hot.
When did you eat last?
This morning, she said, embarrassed by her shakiness, and annoyed with him for calling her on it. Worse, her body tingled from his touch. Even through layers of clothing, his hands left an imprint on her skin.
She backed up a step, bumping into Jason.
Youre in for a treat, then, he said, putting his arm around her shoulders. Its my turn to cook. Have you ever had lumpia?
She nodded. I like it.
Jason walked forward, leading her toward the footpath. I knew you would. The rest of the week, we have to suffer through bland, ordinary fare. On my night, we dine in style.
Her lips curved into a wobbly smile.
Please tell me youre planning to make something spicy and Mexican and extra-delicious when its your turn to cook.
She glanced back at Sean and Brent, who were trailing behind them. Sean seemed displeased, perhaps because Jason was acting as though he wanted her to stay. Im not a big fan of super-spicy food, actually. The part of Mexico Im from isnt known for that. But if you have the right ingredients, I can make tamales.
Jason made a murmur of interest and inquired about the recipe, keeping his hand at her waist as they continued down the hillside. If Sean had touched her this way, shed have bristled, but with Jason, she didnt care. In a far corner of her mind, she knew he was humoring her, trying to get her to focus on mundane pleasantries rather than the nerve-jolting bloodbath theyd just witnessed.
As they reached the end of the path, the sun dipped low on the horizon, leaving the island cloaked in shadows and damp with mist. The temperature had dropped considerably, and there was a chill in the air that seemed to invade her very bones.
The inside of the house was warmer, but the creaky old Victorian had been built to withstand pounding rain and gale force winds, not for enjoying cozy nights by the fire. There was no lighted hearth, no golden glow and no central heating.
The place lacked ambiance, with its sturdy furniture and bare walls, but it had a certain dorm-room, flophouse charm. Adding to the collegiate atmosphere, Taryn was sitting at a worktable, scribbling in a notebook under the light of an antique lamp.
The sight of her sunny, California-girl beauty made Danielas stomach twist.
Elizabeth headed upstairs, escaping any possible future drama. I think Ill go freshen up before dinner.
No need for formal wear, Jason said. Were dining en famille.
Rolling her eyes at his lame joke, she left the room. No one in their right mind would bring anything but work clothes to Southeast Farallon.
Brent sat down on the couch by the window and began checking his camera equipment. It registered with Daniela that he had strong, elegant hands. Sculptors hands. He was also handsome in an understated way, with short brown hair and fine blue eyes.
In the chaos of the attack, shed hardly noticed.
Daniela snuck another glance at Sean, feeling raw, emotional and distinctly out of place. He stared back at her, saying nothing. It was obvious that he didnt want her to stay, but she couldnt go anywhere tonight.
Jason cleared his throat. I already put your bag in your room, Daniela. Taryn will show you the way.
Jason cleared his throat. I already put your bag in your room, Daniela. Taryn will show you the way.
The girls chair scraped against the scarred hardwood flooring. Id be happy to, she said, standing.
I think I can find it.
Taryn waved her off. Dont be silly. Ill give you a tour.
Before Taryn and Daniela went upstairs, Sean and Jason beat a silent retreat, disappearing through the door and into the twilight. It didnt take a genius to know they were going outside to discuss her. And decide her fate.
Come on, Taryn said, smiling as if there was nothing amiss.
Brent looked out the window, craning his neck for a glimpse of the other men and making no attempt to curb his curiosity.
With a sigh, Daniela followed Taryn, forced to stare at the girls perky little bottom as she ascended the stairs. Taryn was tall and coltish, model-slim in her formfitting leggings and oversized sweatshirt. The same outfit would have made Daniela look like a tree stump.
Do they always do that? she asked.
Do what?
She nodded toward the front door, where Sean and Jason had just exited. Give each other dark, brooding looks and talk outside?
No, Taryn admitted. They acted like best pals until
You came. Daniela knew what shed been about to say.
Terrific. One afternoon on the island, and she was like a disease.
This is the bathroom, Taryn said brightly, opening a door on the right side. It was small and dreary, with old-fashioned fixtures and a plain white sink. The downstairs toilet flushes better, but this one works if you have to pee in the middle of the night. And here is the ever-popular shower. She slid open the frosted glass door, inclining her slender arm with the panache of a television model.
Daniela peered into the putty-colored stall. It wasnt fancy, but it was clean. Jason said theres no hot water?
It comes and goes. Tricky pipes. We take turns and hope for the best. Sometimes I have to heat a pot of water on the stove to wash with. Of course, the boys dont seem to mind being grungy. She wrinkled her adorable, sun-kissed nose. Soon, well have more rainwater. We cache it in the cistern and use it for the rest of the year.
Daniela nodded. Working in the field meant dealing with whatever conditions were available. Running water, at any temperature, was a luxury.
Taryn continued the tour, opening the first door on the left. This is us. Brents room is the next one down. Jason and Sean are there, on the opposite side. And Elizabeth is the last door on the right.
The room was sparsely furnished, boasting a set of bunk beds, a small desk and one ladder-backed chair. She frowned, confused by the sight of her duffel bag on the lower bunk. This isour room?
Yes. I hope you dont mind. Elizabeth likes to keep to herself, but I prefer having a roommate. She lowered her voice to a whisper. Just between you and me, it gets kind of spooky around here at night.
Daniela fell silent, wondering if Sean was Taryns preferred roommate. Maybe he wasnt sleeping with her. At least, not here. Daniela should have been too tired to speculate. All she wanted to do was lie down and close her eyes for a few minutes.
Taryn paused at the doorway, nibbling at her lower lip. I thought I should let you know that you dont have to pretend like nothing happened. It must be exhausting, putting on a polite smile for strangers.
Daniela gave her a blank stare.
Sean told me about the baby, she explained.
The blood drained from her face. He did?
Well, yeah. Weve discussed it several times, actually. And I was here the night he got the phone call about the accident. So I knew already.
You were here, she repeated, her mind going numb. With him.
Yes. It was pretty awful, watching him go through that. The Coast Guard wouldnt make a special trip, so he had to wait until the next morning to go back to the mainland. He wanted to take the whaleralone, with no lights or navigation system, when it was pitch black out. She shook her head, disturbed by the memory. It was too dangerous, of course, so we couldnt let him. He stayed up all night, pacing the living room, practically going crazy.
Daniela felt her throat tighten. She couldnt imagine Sean acting that way. He was always strong, sensible and calm.
She was the one who panicked, paced rooms and went crazy.
Taryn gave Daniela a closer inspection, frowning at her bewildered expression. You didnt know?
I knew he was here.
Thankfully, Taryn didnt press for more details. Anyway, I just wanted to say that Im sorry for your loss. I know Seans all torn up about it, too.
He told you that?
She blinked her wide blue eyes. Well, sure. Who wouldnt be?
Daniela remained silent, unable to answer. Sean hadnt discussed any of his feelings with her. Hed never let her know what hed gone through that night, never told her how he was dealing with the death of their child. And shed never asked.
Shed been too busy falling apart.
Daniela wasnt able to comfort Sean in his time of need, or even accept his comfort. After shed come home from the hospital, shed been an emotional wreck. Every time hed tried to reach out to her, she shrank away.
So instead of confiding in her, hed turned to Taryn. Beautiful, fun-loving, easy-going Taryn.
What man wouldnt be tempted by a knockout blonde?
Taryn glanced around the room. If you dont need anything else
I just want to be left alone, Daniela said coldly.
Taryns brow furrowed. She was pretty, but far from dumb. Behind her perfect features and pleasant smile, a not-so-sweet personality lurked. Daniela saw a hard-edged intelligence and a hint of dislike.
Of course, she said, nodding. Her mouth twisted, making her look even less like a bubbleheaded college student and more like a woman who knew her own mind. Turning, she left the room without another word.
Daniela fell back on the bed the instant she closed the door. Snubbing Taryn hadnt made her feel any better. She wasnt a vindictive person, and she didnt enjoy hearing about Sean in pain. But she was shocked by the news that hed opened up to Taryn, after being unable to share his feelings with her.
She hadnt felt this bitter since hed filed for divorce.
Damn you, she whispered, punching the pillow beside her. She wasnt sure whom she was angrier with, Sean or herself. She was the one whod had the emotional breakdown. She was the one whod driven him away.
She squeezed her eyes shut, bombarded by images of the past and flashes from today. Grinding metal and gnashing teeth.
No one understood, but the least of her worries was personal injury. After spending those agonizing moments trapped in a crushed vehicle, eight months pregnant and literally bleeding to death, she was afraid of confinement and pain.
But her greatest fear, by far, was loss.
Losing their daughter, never experiencing the miracle of her birth, being robbed of her first smiles and first steps and first words
It was a thousand times more traumatic than any amount of physical distress.
Feeling the agony wash over her, again and again, Daniela curled up in a little ball on the lower bunk, and, pressing her hands to her now-flat stomach, began to cry.