we can get out of here?’
‘Not until Aleksandr tells us we can,’ Bianca said, just as apprehensive as the others. She was worried about what was going on outside their safe room. She was also furious that the stewardess had robbed Aleksandr’s safe. If she was not mistaken, she could’ve sworn she’d seen the girl open a small box, then take out the ring nestled inside — and she couldn’t help wondering if it was an engagement ring.
Could it be that Aleksandr had been planning to propose?
The thought was an exciting one.
Ashley had stopped complaining. She was slumped on the bench, muttering to herself.
Xuan was chanting some kind of mantra, sitting cross-legged on the floor.
Sierra was thinking that this situation was almost like a signal from God, telling her that if they all survived, she should leave Hammond.
And she would. No more excuses.
‘Shitheads,’ Cruz snarled, as he realized the chase boat was catching up with them. ‘Faster!’ he screamed at Jabrill. ‘Make this thing go faster!’
Mercedes translated to Jabrill, who wasn’t happy.
Captain Dickson was hunched in the back of the boat, praying to God that he would get out of this alive and be reunited with his wife of twenty years.
What did they want with him? He was useless to them.
As if reading his mind, Cruz came up with the same thought. The Captain was useless to them, so why keep him around?
Flynn had his eyes fixed on the boat ahead. He figured that if he was able to pass it, maybe he could cut them off, force their engine to stall and rescue the hostages.
He wasn’t taking into account the man with the Uzi, and the driver of the boat who was no doubt also armed. All he could think about was persuading the pirates to relinquish their two hostages — the girl and the Captain. Then as far as he was concerned, the pirates could go on their merry way.
It wasn’t going to be easy — nothing ever was.
Then he thought, What if he offered an exchange?
Seemed like a fair enough deal if he could get the fucker with the Uzi to listen.
He was thinking all of this as he powered the boat forward, intent on catching up. Then, to his utter surprise, someone on the boat in front of him hurled what appeared to be a body overboard.
Hurriedly, Flynn swerved, immediately cutting the throttle and coming to a shuddering halt.
‘Watch what you’re doing, mate!’ Taye yelled, as he was thrown violently off-balance. ‘What the
Chapter Ninety-Seven
‘I want you to bring me one of the prisoners,’ Aleksandr ordered Guy. He was now settled in the mess-hall, his leg elevated.
‘There’s three of them, sir, and they don’t speak English,’ Guy advised. ‘We gather from the looks of them that they might be Somalians.’
‘Then don’t bother,’ Aleksandr said, shaking his head. ‘Are they well secured?’ he added. ‘No chance of escape?’
‘Absolutely no chance, Mr Kasianenko.’ Guy cleared his throat. ‘The problem is that we don’t know how many others there might be.’
‘The Coast Guard is on its way,’ Aleksandr said, surveying the room. ‘Everyone has to stay in one place until they get here. Is that understood?’
‘Yes, sir,’ Guy said, then after hesitating a moment he added, ‘May I ask — where are the ladies?’
‘Safe,’ Aleksandr replied. ‘However, I regret to tell you that my bodyguard, Kyril, is no longer with us.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that,’ Guy said, wanting more details, but afraid to ask.
‘So am I,’ Aleksandr said gravely. ‘He was a very loyal and fine employee.’
‘To fill you in, sir, we have one stewardess still missing,’ Guy said. ‘And Renee — the other stewardess,’ he lowered his voice. ‘I fear she’s been raped. She’s also saying something about Senator Patterson having been shot, but this has not been confirmed.’
‘Jesus Christ!’ Aleksandr thundered. ‘This is abominable.’
‘I know, sir, it’s a terrible situation.’
‘Those bastards will pay for this,’ Aleksandr said, his face dark with fury. ‘You have my word.’
Cliff found himself to be quite invigorated. Not that he embraced violence, but the fact that he and the young Australian with him were prepared to defend the yacht and search out invaders… well, it was damn energizing. After all, this wasn’t a movie set; he wasn’t surrounded by gofers willing to accommodate his every need. This was the
For once Cliff was in charge of his own destiny. No longer The Sexiest Man Alive, a title he would like to see buried once and for all. He was living free, doing what
‘Middle deck’s all clear,’ Den announced. ‘We should go down one.’
‘I’m right behind you,’ Cliff said, holding his gun in front of him, and feeling more of a man than he had in a long time.
‘I’m so sorry this had to happen to you,’ Luca said, commiserating with Jeromy — who was quick to tell him that he’d almost died.
‘My shoulder is extremely painful,’ Jeromy muttered, wincing to make sure Luca realized the full extent of his suffering.
‘You’re being very brave,’ Luca said.
‘It was a ghastly experience,’ Jeromy sniffed. ‘Not to mention quite humiliating.’ A meaningful pause. ‘Can you imagine, being dragged down here and thrown in with the
‘At least we’re all safe now,’ Luca said, attempting to be the supportive significant other.
‘Are we?’ Jeromy said curtly. ‘That girl over there says there is a man with a gun asleep in her cabin. She claims he shot Hammond.’
Luca glanced over at Renee. ‘Well, that doesn’t make sense,’ he said. ‘She’s most likely hallucinating after all she’s been through.’
‘Where
It occurred to Luca that nobody
‘This story of a man asleep in her cabin,’ he ventured. ‘Did someone go check it out?’
Jeromy started to shrug, then flinched with pain instead. ‘Nobody wants to,’ he said shortly.
‘Maybe
‘No!’ Jeromy admonished. ‘Leave it to one of the men.’
‘The men, Jeromy?’ Luca said, giving him an incredulous look. ‘What does
‘You know what I mean,’ Jeromy said, hurriedly backing off. ‘It’s not your place. You’re too—’
‘Too what?’ Luca interrupted, finally realizing what Jeromy really thought of him.
‘Forget it,’ Jeromy said, switching to a long, deep moan. ‘My shoulder is
