Adrift with an Assassin -5-

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Ryan’s wristwatch went off at 10 pm causing his eyes to snap open immediately. Quickly turning off the alarm he pushed himself up from the sand and folded his half of the blanket over Jocelyn. Ryan left the warmth of the makeshift shelter and resettled in the sand where he could keep an eye on the open beach and the shelters. The rain had stopped leaving a light fog in its wake. A slight breeze blew carrying a couple of palm fronds from the shelters down the beach. 2

Ryan attempted to stay alert but his focus wavered to thoughts of his future and the feelings for Jocelyn that he was trying to forget. Ryan had never had time for women; of course he had had girlfriends and was even engaged for a time. However, he realized that once a relationship reached a certain level women demanded more of him than he could give. They wanted him to open up more with his feelings and thoughts or his past. The worst was when they insisted on knowing where he was at all times or pried into his career. It wasn’t that he lived a secret double-oh-seven lifestyle, at least on the outside he didn’t, but Ryan still preferred to keep his loved ones out of his dealings. Attempting to validate his secrecy and independence he insisted that everyone has their secrets and things that they prefer to do alone. If a woman who showed interest in him could not tolerate his small eccentricities, even if it was for her own good, then things never seemed to work out. 3

Luckily for him Jocelyn was in a happy relationship, from what he could tell, leading to zero attachment problems for him. Considering their situation, and that he had decided to take it upon himself to be her protector, there would be some attachment but not much. If issues arose, all desires and thoughts would be forgotten as soon as she was in the loving arms of her millionaire boyfriend. Then he would be able to move on, disappear from her life, and keep everyone safe. Being tied down was a blessing and a curse, it gave some a sense of purpose and others a sense of imprisonment. 4

Shaking his head Ryan turned to the real problem at hand, which was Dick selling out his boss and everyone else on the yacht. That was the whole reason for Ryan to be in attendance at the meeting, to protect everyone, and he had failed. For over a year he had been with Richard’s firm learning the ins and outs. All of his preparation waiting for something to happen seemed wasted. Now, here he was, sitting on the beach of a deserted island with four others who had no idea what they were up against. Not realizing how big of a target they really were in the scheme of things. Nor realizing the lengths men like Dick would go to in making sure they were all dealt with. 5

“Did you hear that?” Jocelyn asked grasping Ryan’s leg. He hadn’t even noticed her coming down from the shelter or settling at his side. He had definitely been slacking. Ryan looked over at her shivering slightly and wrapping the blanket tighter around her shoulders. 6

“Hear what, love?” he asked arching an eyebrow at her.7

“I heard something coming from the other end of the beach,” Jocelyn replied pointing behind them. 8

“It could just have been the tide shifting the rocks and seashells,” Ryan attempted to assure her as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Why aren’t you back in the shelter where its warm?” he asked rubbing his hand up and down her shoulder. 9

“I woke up and you were gone so I figured I would keep you company,” she replied pulling a hand out of her confines to wipe hair off of her face. “Besides its almost my turn to keep watch anyways,” she finished with an air of authority. 10

“No ma’am, it is not your time to keep watch,” Ryan replied his temper rising slightly. “I believe we all agreed it would be Richard’s turn next.” What would she say if he told her that someone wanted her killed? 11

“I am just as capable, in fact more so, than Richard,” Jocelyn protested shrugging away from Ryan’s arm. “Who died and made you boss?” she demanded realizing too late what she had just said. 12

“That’s what I thought,” Ryan murmured as Jocelyn instantly became interested in the sand at her feet. He couldn’t blame her for wanting to help and he knew what she said was true. Jocelyn was more capable than Richard, but he needed rest and did not want her out of his sight. She was so frail and innocent of the whole thing. Ryan had failed at his main object but would not fail Jocelyn. 13

Jocelyn and Ryan sat in silence together staring out into the ocean, seeing nothing but interested in it just the same. The minutes passed as Jocelyn relaxed against Ryan’s frame under the safety of his arm. Ryan wished she had gone back into the shelter. Yet he couldn’t help smiling as he stared at her lips, slowly moving in her sleep. Ryan leaned back on his free hand relaxing as much as he dared himself. What he wouldn’t give to be in her dreams, to see for himself her memories of the past and her wishes for the future. Ryan immediately sat forward, startling Jocelyn, as he tried to shake those thoughts from his mind. It was mistakes like that that could doom his mission. 14

“What’s wrong?” Jocelyn asked reaching up to touch Ryan’s face.15

“Nothing, its nothing,” he harshly replied leaning away from her outreach. Jocelyn reflexively retracted her hand and wrapped herself tighter in the blanket. “You should probably go back to the shelter, I’m fine here alone.”16

“I guess I should,” Jocelyn replied avoiding Ryan’s eyes. “I’ll see you later on in the morning.” Jocelyn rose to her feet quickly, swaying slightly. Ryan immediately reached toward her but was too late. Jocelyn fell forward to the sand.17

“Are you all right, love?” Ryan asked reaching his hand towards her, never finding his mark.18