Janet Evanovich - Full Tilt

"This thing doesn't look as though it should be floating in a bathtub," Max said.

"Tell you what, Holt. Next time you get the boat."

"Next time? Sounds like you're looking for a long-term relationship."

"I'm really glad you're bringing your ego on board." It was going to be a long ride, Jamie told herself, and they could very well be on a wild-goose chase. For all she knew, Swamp Dog could be long dead and buried. "So, are you with me or not?"

"Hey, I wouldn't miss it."

Hitching the straps of her handbag on one shoulder and grabbing the canvas bag containing supplies Max had purchased — snacks, flashlights, first-aid kit, insect repellent, and hiking up the rubber knee-length wading boots she wore — Jamie carefully stepped into the boat. It rocked back and forth. She gripped the map Muffin had printed out so they could study the river closely beforehand. She was glad she'd taken the time to change into jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. Although the sleeves were now rolled up to her elbows, the added clothing would protect her from insects. That, and the mosquito repellent, she reminded herself.

A bemused Max watched as Jamie struggled to keep her balance. Finally, she grabbed a seat and held on, her behind perched high, waiting for the boat to stop rocking. Max arched one brow. "You don't do a lot of boating, do you?" he asked.

Jamie sat down. "Okay, so I'm not a boat person. Just get in the darn thing so we can be on our way."

"Let's get something straight, Swifty," Max said, trying to affect a stern look and doing a poor job of it. "The one operating the motor is the captain. That makes you the first mate. You don't have the authority to talk to me like that."

"Oh, so this is about power," Jamie said. "You forget, Holt. I'm the one who found the boat, and I know how to get to Swamp Dog's place. Face it, you need me." Even as she said it she knew better. Jamie suspected Max Holt could do anything he set his mind to.

"You're right," he said. "I'm helpless without you." He climbed into the boat and reached for the small Styrofoam ice chest filled with soft drinks, as well as the two gas tanks he had purchased and filled for the trip. He'd even thought to bring flashlights. "Go ahead and untie us," he said, once he'd settled in.

Jamie did as she was told. Once she'd pulled the rope in she shoved them away from the dock.

Max reached for the small handle that was attached to the cord on the motor and yanked it. It took several attempts to start the motor, but it finally chugged to life. He steered the boat down the river. "Am I going the right way?"

"Very funny. It's obvious there is only one way in and one way out."

"Just checking since you're supposed to be our guide."

They rode for close to an hour before Jamie pointed toward a thin tributary. She grabbed one of the oars and stuck it in the water. "Stay in the center," she warned. "The water is shallow here."

"Good thing you brought that sophisticated depth finder," Max said. "I wouldn't want to run aground." Finally, he cut the motor, tilted it so the propeller was out of the water, and paddled the rest of the way. The boat nudged against the bank.

Jamie gazed at the green scum that covered the water like a filmy curtain, hiding only heaven knew what that waited just beneath the surface. She suppressed a shudder.

"Now what?" Max asked.

"We walk."

* * * * *

Max tied off the boat. Jamie grabbed her purse, slipped the long strap over her shoulder and waited until Max climbed out. He turned and helped her out. They rolled down their shirtsleeves and sprayed insect repellent on their necks and hands.

"Let's go," he said.

Jamie was already feeling irritable from the heat. There'd been little breeze on the river. It was hot, and her blouse was sweat-soaked and plastered to her back. She found a sturdy tree limb to use as a stick. Hopefully it would offer protection in case she ran into some undesirable creature. Max did the same. "These boots aren't going to mean crap if we meet up with an alligator," she said.

"Then I suggest we avoid them at all cost. Besides, they're more afraid of us than we are them."

"Yeah. That would explain why we're the ones carrying sticks and wearing rubber boots instead of them."

"You're getting testy on me," Max said, "and I may as well tell you it's not attractive."

Jamie bit back her reply. She was determined to show Max Holt she was made of tough stuff.

They started up the bank. It wasn't long before they found themselves in shallow water. Jamie became even more anxious as the murky water climbed to her ankles.

"Are you okay?" Max asked, noting how she hesitated before taking every step.

"I can think of other things I'd rather be doing right now if that's what you mean."

"This was your idea."

"Do you see anyone else beating a path to investigate the situation? You won't find Lamar Tevis and his deputies combing the swamp looking for a madman."

"I've been meaning to ask you about Lamar," Max said. "He doesn't really seem qualified for the job."

"His daddy was sheriff for a while. He was very popular. Lamar got in on his coattails, so to speak. He does okay for the most part."

"Sounds like the jobs in this town run in families."

"Doesn't take a genius to figure that one out." Jamie jumped at the sight of a thin stick. She could have sworn it was a snake. The thought of looking for Swamp Dog had seemed exciting when she'd first mentioned it. Now she was beginning to regret it.

Jamie tried to concentrate on the scenery, the bald cypress, tupelo, and sweet gum trees. A canopy of vegetation shrouded the area, giving the swamp an eerie feel that sent goose pimples along her arms.

"I wish I had Vera's gun."

"You'd probably only end up shooting yourself in the foot," Max said.

"Hell's bells, I'm going to die anyway." Jamie took a step, felt the mud give beneath her feet, creating a suction noise each time she walked. "Oh, Jeez," she said. "This is so gross. Do you see any snakes? Water moccasins, maybe?"

Max chuckled. "You're acting like a girl, you know."

"I am a girl. Deal with it."

Max grinned. "It's not like I haven't tried. Are you sure we're going in the right direction?"

"I'm not even sure I'm going to live to see nightfall." Jamie paused and looked at her map. "I thought it was around that last bend." The water had risen almost to her knees. "We've had more rainfall than usual the past few months. That can change things."

Max stopped walking and regarded her. "Are you hinting that we might be lost?"

"I'm saying that's a strong possibility."

He sighed. "I should have known better than to agree to this harebrained idea. I'm beginning to think this Swamp Dog business is a crock."

"So why'd you come?"

"Because I knew you were hell-bent on finding this guy, and you'd probably go alone. Somebody has to look after you. You wouldn't last five minutes out here without me. Admit it."

Jamie froze. Something long and black was heading straight for her, and this time it wasn't a stick. "Oh, double damn."

"It's just a simple water snake," Max said.

Jamie didn't so much as breathe as the snake slithered along the water and swam right between her legs. She turned her head as he continued past her. "I can't believe I'm doing this," she said. "It's all your fault. You shouldn't have let me talk you into it."

Max was only vaguely aware of her words as his eye caught something. "Quiet," he said. "There's the houseboat."

Jamie looked up. Sure enough, she saw the rugged outlines of a wooden structure through the trees. "That's it," she whispered.

"Maybe you should stay back and let me investigate."

She shook her head. "I've come this far, I'm not backing out now."