Chapter 14
"So," Doug said the next morning, sitting at the kitchen table across from Tony. "Do ya know how ya wanna do this?"
"Yes," Tony answered "I think it's best if we leave tonight, under the cover of darkness. We're less likely to be seen and perhaps by that time, the men will have given up their search of the island."
"In any case, it'll be easier to get out to the cove and over to Manuel's boat."
"Manuel has generously agreed to take us all on as passengers on this trip, he's making to Mexico." Cori chimed in, setting a cup of tea down in front of Tony and seating herself to his right.
"Yes." Tony said "He's taking a big risk. I don't know how I'll ever be able to repay him."
"Ahh well." Sheila said sitting beside her own husband. "For sure you've done your fair share to help the people of this island, especially Manuel. It's all of us who should be thanking you lad!"
Tony smiled at her and reached over covering her hand with his own and giving it a gentle squeeze.
"She's right." Doug said "Back when ya first landed here all those years ago, this island and its folks was in real trouble financially. But you lent out the money to build the new mill and gave a lot of folks around here work. Not to mention all the personal loans you made to folk like Manuel, who didn't have two nickels to rub together to feed their own families."
"Aye boyo, what with all that and especially the added burden of taking on this lass here," he nodded towards Cori, causing her to chuckle. "Well I'd say we'll all be in yer debt for a long, long time!"
The group broke out into laughter.
"Well you have to admit honey, I have been a challenge." Cori said cheerfully.
"An exciting challenge, that has kept me blissfully happy my love." Tony said putting his arm around her and leaning over to kiss her.
"Ahem." Doug coughed when the kiss went on a little longer than was seemly.
The couple broke apart and blushed.
"Right!" Tony said "Where were we?" And they continued to discuss the plan of action they'd take to get safely to the cove and off the island.
Meanwhile on the other side of the island, another group was making plans as well.
"He'll most likely try and make a break for it once it's dark. But we've got men up at the house, keeping an eye on the place to make sure nobody slips past!" Agent Kramer of the ISA told John and Roman.
"Well, what if he's already left?" Marlena asked, causing the men to stare up at her.
"He hasn't Doc." John said. "Agents that are up there have confirmed that they spotted him this morning and nobody's left the house all day."
"Oh Roman." Kate said "Do you really think they'll get him this time?"
"We'll get him Kate! He's got nowhere to hide this time! By this time tomorrow, Tony Dimera will be behind bars where he belongs!"