Chapter 13

After they left the hospital, Luke led Nikolas and Gia to the back of the building.

"Now what?" Nikolas asked as he laid Mary on the ground.

"We need to rent a car.  We can't take a cab with her," Luke said pointing at the unconscious woman on the ground.

"I'll go," Nikolas volunteered.

"I think it would be better if Gia got the car.  Helena's men won't be looking for her."

"Sure, I'll do it," Gia said.  "But I thought we were leaving London."

"Not until we get more information.  We can't run all over the world looking for Laura.  We need to have some idea of where we're heading."

"He's right," Nikolas said.  "Helena could have Mom anywhere.

Gia nodded and started to leave.

"Wait," Luke said.  "Do you have your cell phone with you?"

"Yes."

"If you're not back in an hour, I'm going to call you.  If you don't answer, we'll come looking for you," Luke said.  He noticed the worried look on her face.  "I don't want to scare you, but Helena's men could be anywhere.  Be careful."

"I will," she said as she walked away.

Nikolas watched her leave and then turned to Luke.  "Do you think we'll find Mom?" he asked.

Luke took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.  "We have to Nikolas.  We have to."

***

Meanwhile off the coast of Helena's island, the wreckage of the yacht landed in the water around Lucky.  The hull of the boat continued to burn out of control.  Lucky searched frantically for Laura.  They had jumped at the same time, but there was no sign of her.

"Mom!  Mom!" he yelled.

Laura finally surfaced on the other side of the boat's hull.  She heard Lucky calling her.  Her voice was weak, but she called to him as loudly as she could.  "Lucky!  I'm over here!"

Lucky breathed a sigh of relief and swam over to her.  "I thought….  I thought I'd lost you."

"I'm all right," she said with a weak smile.

Lucky noticed the blood on her forehead.  "Are you sure?" he asked.

Laura nodded.  "I'm fine."

"We need to get to shore," Lucky said.

Laura looked at the island they just left.  It seemed so far, but she knew that he was right.  They began the long swim back to shore.