What did this mean? What was going on? Had Bill gone to her and tried to get off the island? Was this their way of moving him? Did they kill him? David was less sure of who he could trust now than at any time since his kidnapping. He definitely could not trust Lena. Was this Red Cell even legit? Should he try to get off the island or get word out somehow? He had no idea how he could do that.

David finally got up and quickly dusted some of the sand off his clothes. He walked as quietly as he could back to the hotel, looking at the communications building as he went by to make sure Lena didn’t pop out. There were no windows that he could see through, but there were glass slits at the top of the building that were emanating light.

He arrived at the barracks building and opened the door as slow as possible. He did not want to be seen.

He heard the crunch of someone walking on the gravel coming from the path behind him.

David’s heart raced as he slipped inside and closed the door. He didn’t know if he had been spotted, but it sounded like someone was following him. He tiptoed up the stairs onto the second floor. Coverless halogen bulbs lit the hallway. The brightness ruined his night vision and forced him to squint. He fumbled for his room key as he got to his door.

Footsteps echoed from the concrete stairway David had just walked up. He was almost inside.

“Hello David.” Lena said. She walked towards him.

There was nothing he could do about the look on his face. That look of instant shock and fear at seeing the one person he hoped not to. He then gave the best impersonation of nonchalance he could muster.

“Hello. What are you doing up here?” He didn’t know what else to say.

She was all business. “I would ask you the same thing, David. Why are you up so late outside your room? Were you outside?”

“Um, yes. I thought I heard…a helicopter.”

“Did you?”

“Yeah. It woke me up. I just went to the door on the ground floor to see if I could see it.”

“And did you? See it?”

“Nah. It was too dark. Do you know what it was doing here? The helicopter?” His fingers hovered around the metal door handle.

“Did you go outside?”

“No. I just looked from the door. Why? Is that Okay? I don’t want to break any rules.”

She cocked her head and said, “The helicopter was taking Bill back to his family. His wife is sick. He wanted to get home and see her. I helped him to do so. The helicopter was the best way. I can’t say more. Security. You understand.”

“Oh, sure. Sorry. Well that’s great that you were able to help him. I’m feeling pretty tired. I should get to bed. This jet lag is playing havoc with my circadian rhythm. Thanks Lena. See you tomorrow.”