| Mystery and Crime Fiction posted January 31, 2025 | Chapters: |
...23 24 -25- 26... 
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The Harrowing River Escape
A chapter in the book Veil of Secrets
Veil of Secrets Chap 25
by Begin Again
Travis crouched near the remains of a forgotten chest, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His fingers traced the jagged wood as if searching for something — strength, maybe, just the reassurance that they had made it this far. Rebecca knelt beside him, holding the young girl close, the child's small fingers digging into Rebecca's sleeve like a lifeline.
"It's not much further," Travis whispered.
Rebecca peered into the darkness ahead. "Are you sure? I thought we'd see light when we found the way out."
"I'm sure," Travis insisted. "I found it yesterday, or —" He wiped his mouth with his hand. "Honestly, I don't know. Everything's a blur. But I know it's there."
"Then why didn't you leave when you had the chance?"
Travis exhaled sharply. "Because of the river. You'll see when we get there — if we do."
The girl jerked her head upward, her frightened eyes locking into Rebecca's. "If we do? You mean we aren't safe yet?"
Rebecca forced a smile, brushing damp hair from the child's face. "Shh, it's okay. He just meant unless we find another way out."
But when she looked at Travis again, something in his expression unsettled her. For the first time, fear flickered in his eyes. This boy had been so brave, so determined, but now — so close to escape — doubt crept in. He wasn't afraid of the smugglers. He was afraid of what lay ahead.
They pressed on. The tunnel sloped downward, the walls slick with moisture. The scent of damp stone and something earthy filled the air. The distant rush of water grew louder, no longer just a sound but a force they could feel in the cool air curling through the passage. The dim light cast eerie shadows on the wet walls, adding to the sense of foreboding.
Then, light — faint but discernible — seeped through the rock ahead.
Rebecca exhaled in relief. They had found the exit. But as they stepped forward, she saw why Travis hadn't escaped. The tunnel opened into a cavern, more expansive than she expected, and at the far end — a sheer drop, six feet down, into the churning river below.
The surface was dark, swollen from the rain, and coiling like something alive. What had started as a drizzle now spattered against the stone, slipping through cracks in the rock and dripping into the river below.
Rebecca's eyes focused on the odd-looking hill in the river not far from the opening. Her pulse raced. Branches and debris were deliberately piled near the cave entrance, half-concealing it. Someone had hidden this place, but there was just enough space for something—or someone—to get through.
She stepped closer, scanning the area. And that's when she saw it.
A rope ladder, knotted and weathered, dangled just within reach. Travis had missed it before. It blended in with the branches, but Rebecca recognized it for what it was — a way down.
She tested the ropes with her hands. They were damp but held firm. "We have a way down," she whispered.
Travis crouched near the edge, peering into the swirling blackness below. "You can climb, but the river — it's deep, and the current —"
Rebecca tried to reassure him. "We'll take it one step at a time."
The girl tugged at Rebecca's sleeve. "I can swim. My mom taught me when I was four."
Rebecca smiled despite the situation. "Good. That'll help."
But Travis stood frozen.
"What's wrong?" Rebecca asked.
His fingers curled around the rope. He couldn't look at her. "I never left when I found the opening because —" His voice dropped. "I don't know how to swim."
Silence hung between them. The only sound was the steady patter of rain and the river's whispering current.
Rebecca nodded firmly. "Then I'll take you one at a time."
Travis looked ready to argue, but she was already moving.
Rebecca climbed over the edge, her pulse hammering as her feet found the swaying rungs. The rope was slick, shifting slightly under her weight, but it held. She moved quickly, reaching the jagged rocks at the water's edge.
"The girl first," she called, keeping her voice steady.
The child hesitated, then gripped the ladder with determined hands. Travis helped her over the edge, whispering something Rebecca couldn't hear. The girl climbed down carefully, trembling but focused.
When her feet touched the rocks, Rebecca pulled her close. "You're doing great."
She waded into the river, and the cold stole her breath. The girl wrapped her arms around Rebecca's neck, and with slow, steady strokes, Rebecca swam to the logs, the rain spattering against her face.
When they reached the tangled pile, she helped the girl onto a stable section of wood and turned back.
"Travis, your turn."
Travis hesitated. His knuckles were white against the rope.
"You can do this," Rebecca said.
Swallowing hard, he climbed down. When he reached the bottom, his whole body shook.
"I've got you," Rebecca said.
His hands clenched around her arm as she waded into the river.
"Hold on tight," she instructed.
Travis stiffened the moment the water touched him. His breath came in panicked gasps.
"You're okay," Rebecca whispered. "I won't let go."
She pushed through, the current dragging at her legs, forcing her to move against the river's pull. When they reached the logs, Travis scrambled up, breathing hard.
Rebecca rested for only a second, and then she saw it, hidden among the branches, a boat. It was old, half-filled with rainwater, but moored to a thick root jutting from the hill.
A forgotten smugglers' boat.
Rebecca gripped the mooring rope, pulling the boat from its wedged position against the rocks and tree roots. The wooden hull bobbed slightly, and rainwater sloshed inside.
Her heart sank. They couldn't row like this. It would sink before they got downriver.
She turned to the children. "We need to get some of this water out before we can go."
Travis, still shaking from the swim, swiped rain from his face. "How?"
Rebecca's eyes darted around. They had nothing — no bucket, no cup — nothing except their hands.
"Use whatever we can," she ordered.
She scooped her hands into the chilly water, tossing it over the side. The girl followed suit, using her cupped palms to splash water out.
Travis hesitated before yanking off his soaked shoe, using it as a makeshift scoop.
They worked fast, only stopping when a noise echoed through the cave. A beam of light swept across the cave walls.
Rebecca and the children froze.
A figure stood at the top of the ledge, just inside the cave, holding a lantern. The warm glow spilled onto the rock, illuminating the cave's mouth.
The smuggler's boots scuffed against the stone as he peered downward. "Think they made it out?" he muttered.
Another voice, unseen, answered from inside the tunnel. "Doubt it."
The first man squinted toward the water, then up at the sky. Dark clouds rolled overhead. The storm was coming. "If they're in that river," the man said, lowering his lantern, "they won't last long."
Hidden behind a few scant saplings growing in the crevices, Rebecca pressed herself and the children against the logs, barely daring to breathe.
The smuggler turned back into the tunnel, his lantern glow fading.
Only then did Rebecca whisper, "Travis, get in."
The boy climbed into the boat, positioning himself low. Rebecca lifted the girl in after him, then followed, her soaked dress clinging to her legs.
The boat rocked under their weight, but it held.
A growl of thunder rolled overhead.
Her fingers fumbled in the cold as she tugged until the rope came loose.
The boat lurched, the river's current seizing them instantly.
Rebecca barely had time to grab the oars before the water pulled them away from the shore, spinning them into the storm.
At first, the current was manageable, guiding them forward. Now, the cliffs stretched high behind them, closing them off from any retreat. The children huddled low in the boat, their arms wrapped around each other as the rain poured down.
Rebecca gritted her teeth and rowed, fighting the pull of the water.
The first wave hit hard, slamming against the side of the boat and spraying icy water over them. The little girl cried, her small hands grasping Rebecca's arm.
"Hold on to the sides!" Rebecca ordered. "Stay low!"
Travis did as she said, his fingers curling around the boat's edge.
The river wasn't just moving faster — it was alive, rolling and twisting like a writhing beast.
Lightning split the sky.
For a split second, Rebecca saw the river ahead — jagged rocks, fast-moving rapids, and a narrow bend that would be impossible to steer through.
She dug the oars into the water, rowing harder, trying to turn them before they hit the bend.
A gust of wind slammed into them.
The boat rocked violently, teetering on the edge of control. A huge wave pounded against the boat.
Rebecca barely had time to brace herself before it came crashing down. The impact was like a fist to the chest.
The boat flipped, wood splintering as it slammed into the rocks.
Rebecca hit the water so hard that the impact ripped her breath from her lungs. The river swallowed her whole, twisting and dragging her under. For a terrifying moment, there was nothing but darkness and silence, the current forcing her downward.
Then she remembered the children.
She kicked hard, breaking the surface, gasping for air.
Travis was thrashing nearby, his head barely above water. The girl was caught in the rushing current, her hands reaching for anything.
Rebecca lunged toward Travis first, grabbing his wrist before he went under. "Hold on to me!" she gasped.
His fingers dug into her arm, his grip desperate.
She turned to see the girl being carried toward a half-submerged log. If she hit it the wrong way, she would go under. Rebecca screamed at Travis, "Hang onto the boat."
She let go of the broken boat, the only thing keeping her afloat, and kicked toward the girl.
The current was a relentless adversary, pulling at them with all its might.
She stretched out her hand — fingertips brushing the girl's soaked dress — then caught hold. With one final, desperate pull, she yanked the child into her arms.
The river fought to take them back, but Rebecca kicked and clawed her way toward the shore, pulling the splintered boat and Travis and the girl, clinging to her neck.
Her lungs burned, her muscles screamed, but she didn't let go.
She half-dragged, half-carried the girl as she stumbled onto the muddy grass.
Travis let go of the wreckage and crawled up beside them, chest heaving.
The storm still raged above, rain pouring down in sheets, but they were out of the river.
They were alive.
Travis coughed violently, curling into himself, his thin frame shaking.
The girl pressed her face against Rebecca's shoulder, her sobs muffled by the wind.
Rebecca took a deep, shuddering breath. Her whole body ached, trembling from exhaustion.
The cliffs were behind them now, and the dark stretch of forest was ahead. They were somewhere past the vineyard, but she had no idea where.
Her limbs felt like lead, her skin too cold yet feverish all at once.
Travis touched her shoulder gently, his voice small. "Rebecca?"
She forced a weak smile. "I'm okay," she whispered. But the truth was, she wasn't sure.
She shifted slightly, feeling the girl still clinging to her. Gently, she brushed damp strands of hair from the child's face.
"What's your name, sweetheart?" she asked, her voice hoarse.
The child shivered, her lips trembling, but she managed a whisper. "A—Amelia."
Rebecca's arms tightened around her. "You're safe now, Amelia. We've got you."
She tried to take another breath, but the world suddenly tilted. Her vision blurred.
Rebecca pressed a hand to her temple, trying to steady herself, but the dizziness was too much. Her body swayed.
Travis reached for her, his fingers brushing her arm as she toppled sideways onto the ground.
He crouched beside Rebecca's still form, watching her chest's shallow rise and fall. Her skin was burning hot, yet she shivered uncontrollably.
Amelia pressed against her side, trying to keep her warm. "Is she gonna be okay?"
Travis swallowed hard. He didn't know.
The rain continued pouring, and the biting cold penetrated his bones. They couldn't afford to remain exposed like this.
His eyes scanned the area, searching for shelter. A cluster of thick bushes and fallen branches caught his eye just beyond the tree line. It wasn't much, but it might be enough.
He worked quickly, dragging over broken branches and weaving them together into a crude lean-to against the base of a tree. The storm had tossed debris everywhere, and he was lucky enough to find an old, half-buried fishing tarp caught in the undergrowth. It smelled like mildew and decaying fish, but it would keep the rain off them.
He draped it over the shelter's frame and tucked the edges beneath heavy stones. It wasn't perfect, but it would do.
Amelia watched him with wide, tired eyes, holding onto Rebecca's arm like a lifeline.
"We can't leave her out in the rain," Travis muttered, more to himself than her.
With effort, he dragged Rebecca beneath the shelter. Amelia crawled in beside her, pressing close for warmth.
Travis hesitated. He had done what he could, but they needed real help.
His gaze drifted toward the dark forest beyond the cliffs. Somewhere out there, there had to be a road. A house. Someone who could help.
A flicker of movement made him glance down.
Rebecca's eyes fluttered open for a moment, unfocused. She mumbled something — a name? Her words were lost in the wind.
Travis clenched his fists. He wanted to stay. But if he didn't find help, Rebecca wouldn't survive the night.
"We need to find someone," he said, his voice rough.
Amelia's head snapped up. "You're not leaving, are you?"
Travis hesitated, his mind a battleground of conflicting thoughts and emotions. If he took her with him, she might slow him down. But if he left her behind, she'd be alone.
Finally, he made his choice.
"You stay with her," he said firmly. "She needs you to keep her warm."
The girl bit her lip but nodded.
Travis bent down, brushing a few strands of wet hair from Rebecca's face. He turned, then stopped. He spotted something near the tree line — small green apples scattered beneath a wind-blown tree.
He ran over and grabbed as many as possible, brushing off the dirt. "Here, have one," he said, placing them in Amelia's lap. "If she wakes up, try to get her to eat."
The girl clutched one tightly. "You promise you'll come back?"
Travis nodded.
Then, before he could lose his nerve, he turned and ran.
Main Characters -
Spirits from the past -
Eleanor Bennett - ghost detective
Danni - jr. ghost detective working with Matthew Donatelli
Cornelius Webb - Miriam's nemesis and murderer
Miriam Cascio - Trevor's murdered bride, Rebecca's grandmother and protector of the Vineyard
Antonio Maggio - Rebecca's grandfather and Miriam's first love
Bayside's Community --
Jenna Bennett - Event planner, Eleanor's daughter, Maggie's mother, Donatelli's love
Matthew Donatelli - Bayside's lead detective and Maggie's father
Rebecca Cascio Stillwell - recently inherited the Vineyard after discovering her adoption
Garth Woodman - FBI Agent and widower (Allie) and potentially interested in Rebecca
Joseph DeLuca - Bayside detective
John Doyle - Ex-judge, nemesis to all, and escaped prisoner from Joliet State Prison.
Vince Rossi - mobster and Doyle's cellmate and escaped prisoner
Grayson Webb - grand nephew and recently inherited the Webb Estate
Althea Webb Cascio - mother to Travis and half-sister to Rebecca
Travis - missing boy
Amelia - young girl swept up by the smugglers
Phil Henderson - Bayside family lawyer
Criminals -
Zhang Wei - once involved in human trafficking with Doyle, seeks revenge for his career losses after Doyle's downfall from the Judge's bench.
Frank DiVito - retired gangster and childhood friend of Garth
Sam - Frankie's right-hand man and friend
Jack Lexington - Chicago kingpin
Tony "The Hawk" - Salvatore "Sal" and Vito Greco -- the New York mob
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. Spirits from the past -
Eleanor Bennett - ghost detective
Danni - jr. ghost detective working with Matthew Donatelli
Cornelius Webb - Miriam's nemesis and murderer
Miriam Cascio - Trevor's murdered bride, Rebecca's grandmother and protector of the Vineyard
Antonio Maggio - Rebecca's grandfather and Miriam's first love
Bayside's Community --
Jenna Bennett - Event planner, Eleanor's daughter, Maggie's mother, Donatelli's love
Matthew Donatelli - Bayside's lead detective and Maggie's father
Rebecca Cascio Stillwell - recently inherited the Vineyard after discovering her adoption
Garth Woodman - FBI Agent and widower (Allie) and potentially interested in Rebecca
Joseph DeLuca - Bayside detective
John Doyle - Ex-judge, nemesis to all, and escaped prisoner from Joliet State Prison.
Vince Rossi - mobster and Doyle's cellmate and escaped prisoner
Grayson Webb - grand nephew and recently inherited the Webb Estate
Althea Webb Cascio - mother to Travis and half-sister to Rebecca
Travis - missing boy
Amelia - young girl swept up by the smugglers
Phil Henderson - Bayside family lawyer
Criminals -
Zhang Wei - once involved in human trafficking with Doyle, seeks revenge for his career losses after Doyle's downfall from the Judge's bench.
Frank DiVito - retired gangster and childhood friend of Garth
Sam - Frankie's right-hand man and friend
Jack Lexington - Chicago kingpin
Tony "The Hawk" - Salvatore "Sal" and Vito Greco -- the New York mob
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