No Place for Vengeance Read online

  Tye stood there stiffly now, looking at Olivia carefully before speaking. “Come in, please,” he said finally. “You’re young to be doing this kind of work, aren’t you? Not at all what I expected.”

  Olivia didn’t feel the need to prove herself at all, just walked into the room and looked around. His hotel room was elegant, uncluttered, and in strangely perfect order. It was hard to imagine anyone even occupying it.

  Tye stepped in front of Olivia then, taking charge. He pointed to an emerald green chair. “Please sit down here,” he said, “and we can talk further.”

  “I’m terribly sorry for what you’re going through,” Olivia started, as she sat down.

  Tye sat opposite her and said nothing for a moment.

  “This must be extremely frightening to you,” she went on.

  “It could be, if I let it,” he answered coolly. “I can’t let it though. I have to keep calm and clear-eyed, don’t I?”

  “Yes, you do,” said Olivia, agreeing fully.

  “I’ve spoken to the police already and I suppose I have to go through it all again with you now,” he continued.

  “It’s helpful to go through what happened with different people,” answered Olivia. “Everyone sees something others haven’t.”

  Tye bit his lip and shook his head. “Okay, here goes. Amanda and I have been married for a year. This is our first anniversary and we came to Key Largo to celebrate.”

  “Did you both plan to take a tour of the glades as part of the celebration?” Olivia was curious. Tye didn’t seem like someone who would celebrate in that manner.

  “Yes, that was part of the plan,” he answered nondescriptly. “Amanda loves extreme sports and adventures. She planned the outing. I agreed to it.”

  “Did you want to go, though?” Olivia was fascinated.

  “I wanted to be with her, of course, and make her happy,” Tye replied. “She loves a thrill and I knew it when we got married.”

  “You don’t love a thrill?” Olivia asked quietly.

  Tye smiled for a brief moment. “Do I look like a daredevil?” he asked.

  Olivia smiled as well. “Looks can be deceiving,” she replied.

  “I assure you I never wanted to explore the Everglades, but I certainly do now,” he answered abruptly. “I want to go and find her!”

  “Where do you think she is?” Olivia was quick on the draw.

  “I think she’s alive and hiding somewhere,” Tye quickly answered.

  “Hiding, why?” Olivia felt uncomfortable.

  “That’s for us to find out, isn’t it?” he responded.

  “Was something threatening her, was she in danger?” Olivia asked, feeling chills run up and down her arms.

  “Not at all, she was fine, well cared for, happy.” Tye smiled oddly.

  “Where do you think she might be hiding?” Olivia wouldn’t let it go.

  “I don’t know where, I don’t know the terrain, but she’s smart, she’s careful, she knows what she’s doing.” Tye spoke with great confidence.

  “Do you think your wife ran away on purpose to hide?” Olivia pressed.

  “I’m not saying that,” Tye quickly answered. “I’m saying if something happened and she got into trouble Amanda would know how to be safe. She’d find a hiding place.”

  “What kind of trouble are you talking about?” Olivia asked again.

  “I told you, she’s smart, she’s agile,” Tye repeated, growing nervous.

  “Does Amanda know the terrain? Has she been here before?”

  “No, she hasn’t been here before,” he replied, “but she’s studied the glades carefully. We have books all around and maps. She’s been watching videos about it.”

  Olivia and Tye looked at each other for a long moment.

  “What is she looking for here, Tye?” Olivia asked.

  “That’s a great question.” He seemed impressed. “I believe Amanda’s looking for thrills, excitement, a taste of real nature as she calls it. She said she can’t live without it.”

  “That’s quite a statement,” breathed Olivia.

  “Yes, it is,” he replied. “She’s also given to extreme comments.”

  “Amanda seems to have a need to break out of the mold,” Olivia mused.

  Tye stared at Olivia then. “That’s putting it mildly,” he quipped.

  Olivia couldn’t help wonder what their marriage was like. Tye seemed like the epitome of someone who fit the mold, did well in it.

  “You like that wildness about her?” Olivia went on. “It’s like a breath of fresh air to you?”

  “To a point, I like it. To a point, only.” Tye bristled. “Listen, what’s all this got to do with finding my wife and bringing her home?”

  “The more I know about your wife, the more we can figure where she is and what happened,” Olivia replied.

  “I want to go there myself and look,” Tye replied. “The police won’t let me. They want me to stay put in the hotel. There are plenty of people searching right now. Strangers are coming from all over to find Amanda.”

  “I heard that,” Olivia replied.

  “The cops said I could become a target, as well,” Tye went on shakily.

  “A target for what?”

  “Who knows?” He shrugged intensely. “If someone is after her, if someone did something to her on purpose, they could turn on me then, I suppose.”

  “Does that scenario make sense to you?” Olivia paid close attention to him now. “Is there anyone at all you know of that could wish her ill?”

  “No. Not that I know of,” Tye replied tartly. “Look, I was supposed to go with her on the tour that morning but woke up feeling unwell. I had a loose stomach and couldn’t make it.” As he went on Tye grew more agitated. “I asked Amanda to postpone it a day or so, but she wouldn’t. She wanted to be on this specific tour into the swamps. We’d booked it awhile ago and it was hard to get on. She said we could take another tour later on, when I was better.”

  “Once she made up her mind that was that?” Olivia commented.

  “You got that right.” Tye shook his head slowly.

  “Tell me about your marriage, Tye,” Olivia continued.

  “It’s good, it’s fine, we’re happy,” he replied.

  “You’re very different from each other, though, aren’t you?” Olivia had to have more details.

  “In some ways we’re different,” said Tye, “and in others we’re the same. We fit well together. It’s a good balance overall.”

  “You’ve known each other for a long while?”

  “We dated for over two years before the wedding,” he replied. “Everyone thought we were a wonderful couple. They were thrilled to be at the wedding, happy we’d tied the knot.”

  Olivia listened carefully. She saw no reason to doubt what he was saying. Tye was certainly believable in every way.

  “What a mess,” Olivia murmured. “I’m really sorry this happened.”

  “Thanks,” said Tye, getting up off his chair. “Listen, you’ve got to help me. I’m asking you to do everything you can to find Amanda immediately! I’ll make it worth your while.”

  “It’s already worth my while,” Olivia breathed. “This is my work. I love it.”

  “And don’t listen to what others are saying,” he went on. “Don’t give up hope, no matter what they say.”

  “I never give up hope,” Olivia replied. “And I’m going to go myself to the Everglades immediately to find out exactly where she was, and what could have happened there.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Key Largo was about a thirty- to forty-minute drive to the entrance of Everglades National Park. Olivia decided that next she had to go and speak to Jack Healey. He was the guide who owned the company Amanda had been on tour with. When Olivia called his office they said she’d find Jack either at the Everglades National Park or in Everglades City. They suggested that she start with the park. Most likely he’d be there. Olivia decided to take their suggestion and start
looking for Jack at the Everglades National Park.

  Without giving it another moment’s thought, she got back into her car and pulled out some maps for directions. She had the option to take the fast four-lane Alligator Alley, or the more scenic two-lane Tamiami Trail. Olivia immediately chose the Tamiami Trail, which ran through the Big Cypress National Preserve where a thick cypress swamp hugged its edges. Olivia wanted to follow the trails similar to the ones Amanda was on, to get a better sense of what she really wanted here.

  The Everglades National Park was a one-and-a-half-million-acre wetlands preserve on the southern tip of Florida. You could find the leatherback turtle down here, the Florida panther, and West Indian manatee. As she drove along, out of the corner of her eye, Olivia had glimpses of alligators sunning along the waterways. There was also an assortment of huge, magical birds perched both on the land and in the trees. Olivia had to force herself to keep her eyes on the road, not stop and stare at the incredible natural beauty in front of her eyes. This was Florida’s version of the wild west, she thought, as she entered the lush and captivating world that was completely set apart from reality.

  Olivia drove carefully through sawgrass marshes and pine flatwoods that were home to hundreds of animal species. Even with the car air conditioning on the sweltering heat pressed in through the windows, as little insects of all kinds got stuck on the sweaty windowpane.

  Before long, she entered the national park. As she drove along, the ground seemed to be a grassy, slow-moving river made up of coastal mangroves. Olivia didn’t know what would turn up next. Fortunately, in a few minutes the Information Center came up on the right.

  Olivia parked, got out, and was bowled over by the scalding, thick heat. She quickly rushed inside both to cool off and to find Jack Healey.

  A stern-looking woman with short frizzy hair sat up front, underneath large ceiling fans that whirred the hot air around. Dressed in a tight park uniform, the woman looked up the moment Olivia approached.

  “What can I do for you?” she asked, not missing a beat.

  “I’m here to see Jack Healey,” Olivia reported.

  “The head of Gliding Tours,” the woman announced proudly. “Jack’s a fifth-generation guide. You can’t find many of those around anymore.”

  Olivia was duly impressed. “I heard he’d be here now,” she went on.

  “He was supposed to be, but he’s not.” The woman bit her lower lip as she swatted a small fly that had landed on her cheek. “Something happened and Jack’s still back in Everglades City right now.”

  Olivia was alerted. “What happened? Something connected to the case?” she quickly asked.

  The woman looked nervous. “How do I know? I don’t know anything about the case at

  all. It’s none of my business, is it?”

  Olivia looked at her closely. The twang in her tone hit Olivia strangely.

  “I’m a private investigator, working with the police on the case down here.” Olivia filled the woman in quickly. “If there’s anything at all else that you know, I need to hear it right away.”The woman got the point. “Okay, there’s been all kinds of people coming through our park with one question after another about Amanda,” she said. “But she’s gone and if you want my opinion the chances are one in a thousand we’ll ever see her again.”

  Olivia felt disturbed. “Why not?”

  “Why not?” The woman looked at Olivia as if she were crazy. “Do you know what’s living in the swamp?”

  For a second Olivia wondered if rabid criminals were also hiding out here.

  “These parts are loaded with predators of all kinds,” the woman continued. “Take a look. Besides the gators and crocs which call this home, you’ll find snakes and critters all over in the roadway. And Florida panthers are made roadkill every day. They’re not exactly friendly, either.”

  Olivia shivered at the thought of it.

  “Amanda could also have had more trouble from dangerous plants too, than any gator or cottonmouth,” the woman continued. “Poison ivy, poisonwood, and the miserable manchineel tree with its rotten sap are all over the forests. Too much time has gone by.”

  “My God,” said Olivia, disheartened.

  “What do you want to talk to Jack for, anyway?” The woman seemed to have taken a

  sudden liking to Olivia.

  “Jack owned the tour Amanda was on,” Olivia replied simply.

  The woman frowned. “Okay, so go talk to him. But be careful, it’s the hurricane season

  and we get thunderstorms almost every day now. Temperatures are sweltering, and huge gangs of mosquitoes like to fly together. If they get at you, it can be hell.”

  Olivia flinched at the thought of it.

  “Also, the higher water in summer makes it hard to see hidden wildlife crouched all over. These animals aren’t hanging out at the dry season’s sloughs. You never know what’s hidden right beside you.” The woman was being protective of Olivia and she appreciated it.

  Olivia wondered for a second why anyone in their right mind would come down here this time of year.

  “Why do people come in the summer, anyway?” asked Olivia.

  “People come all year long,” the woman replied. “Some can’t stay away, they’re addicted. Once you get the taste for a wild, off the beat place to spot animals in, it’s all over. You keep coming back for more. For people who can’t stand civilization, this is home.”

  Olivia suddenly felt cold sober. She could see how the place could be a wild haven from the trials and tribulations of the cold, lonely world many lived in these days.

  “Thanks so much for your help,” Olivia said to the woman.

  “Listen, be careful,” the woman replied. “How are you getting over to Everglades City, anyhow?”

  “I have a map,” Olivia answered.

  “There are trails through the glades that can take you there faster,” the woman advised. “You’ll need to hire a Jeep driver though.”

  Olivia paused. “Maybe.”

  “I can get you a Jeep driver to take you. You can leave your car here if you want.”

  “Thanks, I’ll think about it,” said Olivia.

  The woman grinned. “You’re here on business, not on a tour, right?”

  “I’m here for both,” Olivia replied. She definitely needed to have a similar experience to Amanda’s, a tour that would give her a firsthand taste of the territory.

  “Be smart, honey,” the woman suggested.

  “Okay, I’ll take the Jeep,” Olivia answered boldly.

  “Good for you.” The woman was surprised. “I’ll call my favorite driver right away.”

  *

  Before long Anthony Talin drove his Jeep right up to the entrance of the Information Center, and Olivia climbed in. She was headed to Jack’s main office in Everglades City.

  “Take good care of her.” The woman came outside with Olivia to make sure things went well.

  “I take good care of everybody,” came Anthony’s chuckling reply. “Just fasten yourself in, honey and we’ll be there in no time.”

  The Jeep pulled away immediately and swerved onto a side path down into what seemed like marshes, with huge grass, rocks, and trees all around. Olivia looked out at the endless array of animals crawling around and shivered. The ride was fast and bumpy and she hoped it was safe. At least she would get there quickly, she thought, as loud, odd birds screamed at each other through the tall trees.

  Anthony laughed as he drove along. “Not too many know this back road to Everglades City,” he said. “I’ll get you there in half the time as any other way.”

  “Great,” said Olivia. “Good work.” Fortunately, the woman had called ahead for Olivia, said she was on the way. They promised that Jack would be there waiting for her. Olivia definitely needed to get there as fast as possible, and was glad she’d chosen to go by Jeep.

  “Hey, look over there.” Anthony’s large hand flung out of the open window, pointing at a huge alligator creeping alon
g in the road. “You’re in his territory now. You’ve got to respect that.”

  Olivia gazed at the animal in awe. It was huge, and moved along inch by inch, one with the earth it called home.

  “You’ll get a good look at everything from Jack’s tours, too,” Anthony added. “He sure knows how to take his travelers just where they need to go.”

  Olivia closed her eyes a second as if to visualize where Amanda might be. She wondered where exactly she needed to go. She hadn’t expected to be out in the midst of this wilderness so quickly right now. Strangely enough, she felt comfortable in it, not at risk for her life. Anthony and the Jeep gave her a sense of safety. She was close to the animals but far enough away to pay them a visit and move on.

  Amanda hadn’t been so lucky, though. She hadn’t made it home. Whether she realized it or not, she hadn’t been safe. Olivia tried to put herself in Amanda’s place and imagine what had happened to her when she left her tour and proceeded onward alone. What had driven her to do that? It was still an open question that had to be answered, fast.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Jack Healey was a big man, with short hair, warm eyes, and a tense face. The minute Olivia walked into his office, he stood up and greeted her formally.

  “Good to see you,” he said. “You’re a brave young woman coming out here alone.”

  Olivia never thought of herself as brave. “Thank you for making time to speak to me,” she replied.

  “Come in and make yourself comfortable,” Jack continued.

  Olivia walked in and was immediately struck by the many photos hanging all over the walls of Jack’s office. His entire life seemed to be on display. First were photos of alligators, crocodiles, panthers, and huge birds alongside the many tourists who had pictures taken with them. Above that you could see photos of the Indians who had once lived in the Everglades. At another side of the wall were shots of what looked like Jack’s family members, standing tall together in front of a swamp.