Heaven Is High by Kate Wilhelm

This is the 12^th work in the Barbara Holloway novels. Former NFL player Martin Owens finds a mute woman, Binnie, while he and some teammates sail near Haiti. He fell in love and married Binnie. Binnie and Owen turn to Holloway when U.S. officials try to deport her. Holloway travels to Belize and into danger as she hunts for proof of Binnie’s citizenship.