Jacob flexed his arm to pull his rifle close. Stephens dropped his palm to the table, covering the hand-guard and waving him off, shaking his head no. The two individuals continued along the dock across the water from them, stopping when they were in line with the cabin cruiser. They held up, appearing to stare at the RHIB tied tightly to the side. One of them continued on, passing the other. After tense moments, the remaining Delta lifted its head and followed before stopping again just yards away. It stood silent, looking back before continuing on and disappearing in the direction of the burnt-out boathouse.
“Were they Delta?” Marks asked again.
Stephens shook his head. “Too hard to confirm, but by their movements, I’d say so. Anything human would be scared shitless out there in the dark. These things had swagger.”
Marks put out his hand, reaching for the binoculars. He searched the horizon then placed them on the table. “If they come back, we’ll need to move. Can’t take chances this far from help.”
Stephens nodded then looked at Jacob. “Get some rest. You’ll be on the first patrol out with Rogers and me. We need to find us a ride.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
The cabin door creaked open. Jacob opened his eyes and watched the bearded man creep through the small opening. The sun was out, shining bright rays of light over the boat, illuminating the mess that had been hidden in the shadows earlier. There was evidence the couple lived here for some time. White, overstuffed trash bags covered the floor and empty cans and bottles filled a large cardboard box. A .38 special revolver sat on a shelf. Marks lifted it and opened the cylinder, removing six empty shell casings.
He lined up the small brass shells side by side on the shelf, everyone watching him, not needing to voice how the rounds must have been spent. “My old man used to have wheel guns just one like this. He loved the things; never got used to semi autos,” Marks said, holding the pistol in his hands. He flicked his wrist, closing the cylinder. “He was an Air Force man, a master sergeant. Heck, Dad is the reason I went to the academy and became a combat rescue officer. He said the only way he would allow me join up is if I got an education and became an officer. He didn’t want me on the ground getting shot at.” Marks shook his head and laughed softly to himself, taking the small pistol and tucking it into a pocket on his pack. “If he only knew…”
James crept across the cabin and shook Jesse awake. “You got the next watch; let me show you the ropes,” he whispered.
Jesse shook his head, closing his eyes tight then opening them wide again before taking a long sip of water. “What time is it?” he asked, fumbling to his feet.
“It’s time for your watch.” James smiled and led the big man back out onto the deck.
Stephens opened his rucksack, digging out a map and laying it across the galley table. Several items and locations were already circled. Grease markers of different colors marked routes and objects of interest. Marks moved close and pointed to an area to their south.
“Just follow the road, look for a ride here at the marina parking lot, and then patrol back up this way. The UAV showed several vehicles that matched our needs. Stay out of trouble, okay? We aren’t here to fight,” Marks said, using his finger to trace the path he wanted them to follow.
“Got it, boss,” Stephens said. He looked at Jacob and shot thumbs up. “You good to go?”
Jacob lifted his rifle to his chest and pivoted out of the dining booth. He leaned over for his pack, grabbing the straps. “Leave it; you won’t need it,” Stephens said.
Rogers was already up, checking his rounds. Jacob saw that he had loaded one of the black-taped magazines, so he did the same, dropping his standard mag and reloading one with the sub-sonic rounds then charging his weapon. Stephens took the map from the table and folded it so that the patrol area was at the top then placed it into his chest pocket. He looked at Rogers and nodded. The barrel-chested soldier led them out of the hatch and up to the main deck.
Jacob saw Jesse positioned at a corner of the deck where he could oversee all approaches to the boat, by water or over the docks. He dipped his chin and smiled as Jacob stumbled by him. Stephens made his way onto the dive deck of the boat and, with slight leap, landed heavily on the dock. Rogers followed him doing the same, with Jacob right behind. The men knelt down, holding their position as they listened, looking for any sign that they had been observed leaving the boat.
After several minutes, Stephens pointed at Rogers and sent him forward on point then smacked Jacob on the back, moving him along. Jacob stepped ahead, testing his feet on the dock’s surface and finding it far steadier than its battered appearance had led him to believe. The gray and weatherworn boards creaked as Jacob prowled along. Trying to mimic Rogers’s movements, he walked upright, his body turning left and right as he patrolled forward. Not running and ducking the way they’d done back in the small harbor town.
They moved out slowly, patrolling past the tied down boats. Rogers would square up to them, side stepping each one and slicing the view as he rounded by it to search the surface of the boat for movement. Jacob would do the same but less pronounced, trying to keep his eyes on Rogers while still observing the passing boats and looking for anything Rogers may have missed. Rogers moved them into a straightaway with less cover. He picked up the pace and dropped into the concealment the lawn blanketed with tall unkempt grass provided.
Again they
