“I’d be very appreciative if you took care of those drunk soldiers,” Siegfried said in a controlled fashion, while pointing toward the post. “There’s another group where Officer O’Leary can take you. And tell one of these jeeps full of soldiers to follow us. We may need their firepower.”

Kevin motioned for Jack to slow down. Jack cut back on the throttle and the heavy pirogue quickly lost momentum. They had entered the narrow channel between Isla Francesca and the mainland. It was significantly darker than out in the open water because the trees on either side formed a canopy.

Kevin was worried about the rope for the feeding float and he’d positioned himself in the bow. He’d explained it to Jack so Jack was prepared.

“It’s eerie in here,” Laurie said.

“Listen to how loud the animals are,” Natalie said.

“What you are hearing are mostly frogs,” Melanie said. “Romantically inclined frogs.”

“It’s coming up just ahead,” Kevin said.

Jack cut the engine then stood in order to tip the outboard out of the water.

There was a soft thud and a scraping noise as the boat passed over the rope.

“Let’s paddle,” Kevin said. “It’s only a little way farther, and I wouldn’t want to hit a log in the dark.”

The dense jungle on the right fell away as they reached the staging area clearing. Once again they were in moonlight.

“Oh, no!” Kevin cried from the bow. “The bridge is not deployed. Damn!”

“That shouldn’t be a problem,” Melanie said. “I still have the key.” She held it up, and it glinted in the low light. “I had a feeling it would come in handy someday.”

“Oh, Melanie!” Kevin gushed. “You’re wonderful. For a moment there, I thought all was lost.”

“A deployable bridge that needs a key?” Jack questioned. “That’s mighty sophisticated for out here in the jungle.”

“There’s a dock coming up on our right,” Kevin said. “That’s where we’ll tie the boat up.”

Jack was in the stern. He used his oar to back paddle so the bow turned toward the island. A few minutes later, they quietly bumped against wood planking.

“Okay, everybody,” Kevin said. He took a breath. He was nervous. He knew he was out of character since he was about to to do something he’d never done before: be a hero of sorts. “Here’s what I suggest. You all stay in the boat. At least for now. I really don’t know how these animals are going to react to me. They’re unbelievably strong, so there is a risk. I’m willing to take it for the reasons I’ve already talked about, but I don’t want to put any of you in jeopardy. Is that reasonable?”

“It’s reasonable, but I don’t know if I agree,” Jack said. “Seems to me you are going to need some help.”

“Besides, with this AK-47 it’s not as if we can’t defend ourselves,” Warren said.

“No shooting!” Kevin said. “Please. Particularly not for my benefit. That’s why I want you all to stay here. If things go badly, just leave.”