and pressed her hand over her heart and breathed hard, hoping he would understand.
He spoke again, and although she couldn’t understand a word, he appeared to be urging her forward, indicating she should follow him.
“I’m doing the best I can,” she said, and would have added more if she could catch her breath.
He paused, and then after a few moments he pointed straight ahead as if to indicate they were close to where she would meet up with the others. Only she couldn’t see anything that resembled a village. That was odd. If they were close, wouldn’t she hear voices?
Everly hesitated. She was beginning to have suspicions that this fellow wasn’t who she thought he was. Holding up her index finger, she narrowed her gaze on him and said, “Exactly where are you taking me?”
Stepping forward, he chatted away as if she understood every word he said. He sounded perfectly reasonable, and it seemed like he wanted to help.
“I wish I understood what you’re trying so hard to tell me.”
Once more he pointed ahead and started walking, assuming she would follow him, and so she did.
Within a matter of minutes, they stepped into a clearing. Several other warriors milled about, all men and all with weapons. When the one who’d found her came into view a cheer rose from the other men.
This wasn’t any village. This looked more like a hunting party.
“Daisy.”
Hearing her name, she whirled around to find Jimmy tied to a tree.
“Jimmy?” She rushed forward, intending to untie him, and was stopped by one of the other warriors, who adamantly shook his head as if warning her.
The young man’s shoulders sagged in defeat. “So sorry, Miss.”
“What’s happening? Why are you tied up?”
“I wish I knew. I was behind you and saw that you’d taken the wrong turn. I tried to call out and tell you that you were going the wrong way, but you couldn’t hear me with the rain pounding down.”
Everly felt dreadful. “Oh no, this is all my fault. Let me explain to them that you are a friend.”
Turning to the group of warriors, she motioned toward Jimmy. “Friend,” she said and smiled, hoping that would convey the message.
The men looked at one another and seemed uncertain. They huddled together and seemed to be making a decision of some sort. She hoped they would come to the conclusion to free Jimmy.
“This is my fault,” Jimmy said. “When I couldn’t see you after the fork and realized you’d taken the wrong path, I started jogging after you. Then this little fellow stepped out of the jungle, aimed his spear, and stopped me. I tried to explain, but he didn’t understand. The next thing I knew I was tied to this tree.”
“Do you think we’re in any danger?” she asked, noting all the men were armed and now that they’d come out of their huddle were closely watching their exchange.
Jimmy snorted. “I don’t know, but I have to tell you, it doesn’t look good from my perspective.”
Jimmy had a point.
She turned to the group of men and smiled. They all stared back at her blankly. “Would you kindly release my friend?”
They continued to stare at her as if she hadn’t spoken.
“I don’t think they understand English,” Jimmy offered.
“Do you know any Portuguese?”
“None. What about you?” he asked hopefully.
“Oh dear,” she whispered, wondering what she should try next, if anything. Why did everything have to happen to her?
A commotion arose among the men; there seemed to be a loud disagreement.
Jimmy met her gaze. “Miss, I don’t think these men are from the same tribe we were planning to meet.”
Everly was beginning to have the same feeling. “What do you suggest we do?”
“At this point, I don’t think we have much of a choice. Remain calm and wait to be rescued.”
She swallowed against the tightness in her throat. “Will Asher find us?”
Jimmy nodded, his eyes connecting with hers, offering reassurance. “He won’t rest until he does.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
It took longer than it should have for Asher to realize Daisy wasn’t with the others. Just to be on the safe side, he counted heads a second time.
“Ms. Brown,” he said calmly, despite the dread pounding in his heart, “have you seen Daisy?”
The older woman had a stricken look. “Not in a while.” Suddenly aware that Daisy was missing, she glanced around their assembled group and cast him a worried frown.
“When was the last time you remember seeing her?” he asked, unable to hide his concern. Having so recently recovered