PREDATOR ISLAND (Sea Lab Book 2)

CHAPTER 41

In his search for Sarah, Jake wandered through the dark recesses of the jungle, swatting leaves and limbs out of his face. Darkness filled the voids in the midst of the tangled vegetation, and the deeper he went, it became more difficult to see his way around. Voices and boots thumped through the undergrowth, none of which seemed to be Sarah. The problem was when the predator feline appeared and startled them, everyone without thinking darted in different directions. He considered using the flashlight in his backpack. He'd almost forgot about it because he didn't need it during the day, and at night they'd been leery about drawing attention to themselves in fear of the big cat and it's insatiable appetite. And rightly so.

He wanted to switch on the flashlight, but he knew better. Even if he found Sarah, the cat might find them and kill them both.

If he couldn't use his eyes to find her, he'd use his ears. He had to use his brain. He had to think and use every resource available to him.

He paused and listened. For some reason he felt the overwhelming urge to lower his profile to blend in with the underbrush. As he crouched down, his senses tingled down the back of his neck and arms, while still, his eyes tried to see what couldn't be seen. It was instinctual, but he had to go against it. He had to fight what came natural.

Squatting—despite trying not to use his vision—he nudged the weeds aside and peered into the darkness, looking back toward the clearing. He couldn't see anything in the entwined grove of trees and ferns. So he forced himself to close his eyes and concentrate, desperate to hear any sound that might lead him to Sarah.

In the distance, the waterfall crashed into the pool. The sound of colliding water rumbled through the rainforest.

Judging by the splashing, he knew he was facing in the right direction.

He squeezed his eyelids tighter and listened more intently.

Twigs cracked under a foot. Or was it a paw? Someone or something crept through the jungle behind him, approaching his location.

Jake froze stiff as a tree, but his body trembled. He turned, dreading to see the yellowish eyes of the black wraith preparing itself to pounce and devour him for its next meal. As he swiveled, squatting on his heels, the creature crashed into him and drove him backwards to the ground. Jake squirmed and struggled to escape but it held him down, and then it shook him vigorously.

But it's teeth never sank into his flesh and its claws didn't rip him to shreds.

"Jake, it's me," Sarah whispered harshly, inches above him. "Snap out of it. And be quiet before you attract that thing to us."

He stopped writhing and stared up to where her face should have been, but all he saw was the dark outline of her chin and jaw. It was then he realized the strong grasp she had on his wrists.

"You can let go of me now," he replied, his heart still hammering in his chest.

"Sorry." She relaxed her hold on his arms. "We got separated and I couldn't find you."

"I'm the one who should be sorry for losing you."

"We have to go," she said into Jake's ear, and for a moment, she hugged him tightly. "I thought I might lose you forever."

"Never." He kissed her on the cheek and then pushed up, easing both of them off the ground. "We do need to go, and find some place to hide and regroup, and figure out what to do next."

"What about behind the waterfall? Remember at daybreak, the cat couldn't see us when we hid in the water?"

"That's because it can't see well in the light. I don't know how much it had to do with the water. But it's a good idea. The water can mask our scent and maybe keep us hidden from sight."

With the decision made, Jake turned toward the thunderous waterfall, sliding Sarah's hands down to his sides as if standing in front of her could protect her from the hungry cat. In response, she tugged on his waist, maintaining their close proximity as he led them toward the clearing. At the edge of the tree line, they lowered to a knee and waited. He knew if the cat caught them in the open there would be nothing he could do to save them.

The waterfall splashed into the pool under the meager light of the crescent moon. All around the rippling water, each bank was clear of anyone or anything. Jake took note that the moon was thinner and dimmer than it was the previous night, which meant Dr. Graham was right when he said it was in its waning phase. He had no desire to be on this island in a pitch black night with no moon at all. They'd never see the cat coming.

"You ready?" he asked Sarah.

"No, but we can't wait forever."

With that reply, Jake grabbed her by the hand—determined not to let go of her this time—and they took off across the high weeds, charging for the right side of the pool, angling for the waterfall. Halfway there, a roar broke through the air, but the sound came from the right, higher up in the mountainous area which led up toward the backside of the falls. The cat had someone in its sights, and hopefully it wasn't one of their friends.

Despite the sound of the waterfall, at the bank Jake and Sarah slowed and eased into the water. It seemed obvious they didn't want to draw attention to themselves. Once they were deep enough, they swam, keeping their arms and legs underwater to be as quiet as possible.

Jake ducked under the rumbling falls, and Sarah emerged beside him. In the pool, with their heads above water, chins touching the surface, they waited in the darkness. Jake turned his neck, eyes probing the bank behind them. Satisfied, he leaned close to Sarah to tell her they were safe, when a shape broke the water beside them. Jake recoiled, but relaxed when he realized it was Tony and Rachel.

From their dark hiding place, Jake wondered how long they could conceal themselves behind the cascading waterfall. When the answer came to him, he grimaced and pulled Sarah close. He knew, in order to survive, they'd need to make it till dawn, and the night had just began.