CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-SIX - Captured by the Smugglers

They retreated silently, making their way back into the dense jungle. But curiosity and a nagging sense of unease drove them to circle back, approaching the cove from a different angle. What they saw chilled them to the bone. The crates the men had unloaded were open now, revealing their contents – rows upon rows of weapons, packages that could only be drugs, and other items that screamed of illegal activity. "Smugglers," Mason whispered, the pieces falling into place. "This island must be some kind of waypoint for their operation." Claire's grip on his arm tightened. "What do we do? Should we try to contact them for help?" Mason shook his head vehemently. "No way. These aren't the kind of people we want to get mixed up with. Our best bet is to stay hidden and hope for a real rescue." As they turned to leave, Mason's foot came down on a dry branch. The crack seemed to echo through the cove like a gunshot. One of the smugglers whipped around, his rifle raised. "Who's there?" he ba