“Ms. Evans!” Gustavo’s booming voice makes me jump. He strides over to me, the door to the bridge thumping closed behind him. His red staff shirt gives his cheeks a rosy glow. “Why are you still on the ship? The last Zodiac for the long hike is leaving now.”

“I’m not going on the long hike.”

“No, you must. I insist. Whatever you are doing now, it can wait.”

“Um…”

“You are healthy, yes? You can survive a three-hour walk?”

“Yes…”

Gustavo places his hand over his heart. “Then you have to go. Please. The beach walk is nice, yes, but Suarez Point is unforgettable. I could not live with myself knowing that you traveled all this way, to my home, and did not experience one of its most magical sites.”

Jesus, Gustavo, guilt much? I force a smile. “Well, when you put it that way…”

“Bueno! You have everything you need, yes? Sunscreen, water, camera?”

“I do.” Heaving a sigh, I save my proposal and shut my laptop.

“Good. I will store this for you in the staff office until you get back.” He picks up my laptop and tucks it under an arm. “Hurry! Go now!”

His words are like spurs and I find myself trotting through the lounge and down the stairs to the disembarkation level. How did I get bamboozled into going on the long hike? Maybe I can multitask… take some notes during breaks…

I’m panting by the time I reach the mudroom and a sheen of sweat coats my forehead. There’s no scaffolding today, as disembarkation is taking place at the back of the ship. A harried crew member waves me through a door that leads to a sea-level outdoor deck where a single Zodiac holding three older guests is waiting. A middle-aged naturalist helps me climb in, and a minute later we’re zooming through sea spray to the green shores of Española Island.

Gripping the rope running along the side of the Zodiac, I squint at the sun blazing low in the sky. At least it’s early in the day—and early in our weeklong cruise. I should have plenty of time to work on my proposal. And if I don’t? I’ll just have to make time. My future depends on it.

10

Henley, you made it!” Xiavera’s warm voice carries across the rocky beach.

Barely. The rest of the hikers have already set off; I’m one of the last few passengers to arrive. I hitch my backpack higher on my shoulder. “I’m here.”

“You will not regret it, I promise. Okay, everyone,” she calls out to all the guests. “Since the last two groups are so small, I am combining you. The ten of you will be hiking with naturalist and bird expert Juan Luis.”

I turn around to take stock of my fellow hikers, and my stomach drops like an anvil.