The Answer

Chapter 14

"This is insane." David said softly, "This is a B minus plan at best and we are NOT children. We have children!"

"Don't you think I know that?" Travis hissed, "We all have something to lose if we don't do something about it."

Gerard placed a hand on both their shoulders, sighing softly "Guys, the stakes are high and we don't have a lot of time. Less think and more do, yeah?"

They looked at him silently, nodding in agreement. With that, they crept towards the cave, Travis leading way to a thick of trees. He rummaged a little and pulled out a six pack of Four Peaks craft beer. He tucked it under his arm, a gestured to Gerard and David to stay hidden.

"This Guy is from Phoenix? No wonder Travis thinks he's gullible; they do always see the best in people." Gerard mused.

David nodded in agreement, watching intently as Travis approached the man. He may have been from a charming town like Phoenix, but he was jacked to the bone and at first glance it appeared he'd take you out if you looked at him for too long. He looked more like Rambo and less like a person who could be named Paul.

As Travis got closer, he called out to Paul who turned and did something completely unexpected- he beamed, dropping his gun and running toward Travis with open arms. The two of them watched in horror and disbelief as Paul picked up Travis mid bear hug.

The two of them watched as Travis guided Paul away from the entrance of the cave, laughing and clinking beer bottles. It took a moment for them to catch their jaws hanging out, snap out of their astonished daze and get right to work. Gerard nimbly made his way to the lighted entrance of the cave, followed by David.

Once they reached the entrance, the realised the cave was much deeper than they imagined; illegal goods were piled high to the ceiling of the cave, neatly stored in labelled wooden boxes. Essentially, it was a maze and they didn't have a lot of time to make their way through it.

David darted through the narrow pathway between aforementioned stacks, leaving Gerard to struggle to catch up the him which cursing under his breath. Though they were confident they were alone, both David and Gerard worked as quietly as possible to locate an acceptable form of transportation.

Finally Gerard managed to catch up to David, who was standing in front of a clearing where everything from rubber inflatable boats to motorised speed boats were awkwardly parked in the damp sand. It became clear to them that they couldn't possibly exit the way they had entered with what they came here for.

David took a lap around the clearing and located a small opening from where the boats had probably been brought it. Meanwhile Gerard found some rope and looped it around an inflatable boat, wiping the sweat off his brow. David stood behind him, shaking his head disapprovingly. Gerard turned around and glared at him.

"Don't judge me, come here and help!" Gerard hissed.

David shrugged, positioning himself behind the boat and began pushing. Gerard turned around and channelled his frustrations at attempting to pull the boat out of the damp cave. It was a pathetically slow process, consider neither of them were military fit and often slipped on the sand slowing down their progress and falling over ridiculously. Perhaps there would be a day they'd look back at this moment and laugh, but today things were serious despite the comical moment taking place.

Gerard's face was pink from the pulling, huffing as softly as possible for fear someone would enter the cave while they were still in it. It took forever, but they were merely inches from the way out. Sweat soaked both David and Gerard and the sounds of their soft struggling bounced off the walls. They tried to power through the imminent pain, but this time both of them toppled.

David stood up, brushing the sand off of himself for the umpteenth time, "Why is it so heavy? Isn't it just a giant floaty?" He whispered.

Gerard was on his feet, looking around the boat for the source of the dead weight they'd been battling this whole time. It was a short inspection; Gerard found a varied number of items under a tarp inside the boat. He shook his head in frustration, tossed the items as quietly as possible and proceeded to try and move the boat one again and sure enough, it was exponentially easier this time around.

Once outside the cave, they hauled the boat quite a distance from it for obvious reasons. It was only when they had stopped did they appreciate what a chilly night it was. It was definitely unusual to hear absolutely nothing but the waves lapping on the shore and the wind wizzing past them. Travis nowhere to be seen so it looked like they'd have to wait.

David and Gerard found themselves looking out at the bay, a long silent hung low with the clouds. Eventually, Gerard resigned to sitting and watching the view. David followed suit, studying him. Gerard's expression was placid; it had been a long time since his face didn't display an emotion. David noticed his eyes were glassy, he couldn't be sure if it was because of the salty air blowing violently around them or if it was because of how miserable he was.

"Go home." Gerard said calmly.

"What?" David was taken aback.

"You have a lot to lose by being here, go home David."

"But- "

Gerard looked at David, "This is mine and Travis' mess, I can't let you risk ruining your life by putting your family in danger. Go home."

"The two of you will die if you can't keep your shit together." David said bluntly.

"We'll manage." Gerard replied. "He was like a brother to me until I lost him and by the looks of it, time hasn't changed that bit."

David nodded and sat in silence. Gerard felt a great weight off his chest, he felt like he could trust again. David stood, placed a hand on Gerard's shoulder and said, "Travis is here, good luck."

Gerard nodded and smiled, "Thanks."

With that, David left. He shot Travis a smile, his job here was done. Travis nodded knowingly, he sighed in relief for two reasons- they didn't have to implicate David and it looked like his relationship with Gerard was finally on the mend.

He smiled at Gerard, "Thanks for talking him out of it. How did you do it?"

"I told him I trusted you." Gerard replied.