Chapter 25

In a semi-stupor and with the rain drenching them, Madeleine watched while Shannon dug two wide graves: one for Larreau's enforcers, the other for Annette and Launcelot, the animal having died from loss of blood. For a long while they had simply sat beside Annette's lifeless body, Madeleine weeping and praying, Shannon silent... knowing now, too late, that she had not betrayed them, but instead, had gambled her life to save theirs. Finally, realizing he could not leave their bodies there to be discovered, he'd carried them one by one to a remote thicket on the island and Madeleine had held the lantern for him.

After, they'd returned to the house, undressed and toweled dry before climbing into bed to warm each other with their individual body-heat... and then to find consolation only in the violence of their lovemaking... until they fell into an exhausted sleep.

Much later, Shannon awakened her with a kiss. "It's time we got out of here," he said.

"Oh... I was fast asleep. Has the rain stopped?"

"Yes. Come on, let's get off this godamned island."

"Oui... I'm ready, Cheri."

He reached for her, bringing her to him. "You love me, Baby?"

"Oh, oui, mon cher. You know I do."

"Yeah... I know," he said, kissing her once more. "I just wanted to hear you say it."

Shannon approached the counter with Madeleine beside him, Igat asleep in her arms. They had originally intended to take a daylight flight because Madeleine had never flown before and she wanted to be able to see everything, but Shannon hadn't wanted to wait another day, and he'd called the airport making arrangements to leave that night.

A boy with a two-wheeled cart brought up their bags, with the exception of the large one that Shannon carried. He'd keep that one close to him all of the way. He stepped in line, exchanging smiles with her and glanced at the little round face of the sleeping child she held.

"She won't wake up until morning," Madeleine said tenderly.

Shannon made a nervous little nod, his own smile tense. He'd feel better when they were in the air and away from Montreal. Not that there was anything to worry about now, he assured himself for the thousandth time. It'd been three days since they'd left the island and there'd been no repercussions of any nature. There were no loose ends, and he was confident that the police weren't even aware that a crime had been committed. Still, he couldn't help it; he'd feel a hell of a lot safer once they were in Boston.

The line moved and he stepped forward. One more ahead of him. A feminine voice came over the PA system announcing in both French and English the arrival of Flight 28 from Vancouver at Gate 7 and people began scurrying about.

Madeleine smiled over at him. He sensed her elation and that gave him a warm feeling. Damn, he'd grown to love her all right. It was going to be a full, exciting life they'd all have together, just as she'd always wanted. The first thing that morning, he'd sent her over to arrange for Igat, and when she'd brought her back to the apartment she was crying with joy. It was the most wonderful day in her life, she'd told him. That's when he'd decided not to wait and press their luck, but to take the night flight.