by S. L. Menear
“Did you figure out how to save them?” Cindy asked.
I nodded. “I tried something Dragon Master suggested, and it worked.” I glanced at Jeff. “It’s considered top secret, so I can’t share the details, but the main thing is the divers made it back safe and sound. Oh, and Vicky loved the necklace you gave her.”
Lance put his arm on the back of my chair. “Did you at least enjoy the experience?”
“God no, it was terrifying—not to mention I felt claustrophobic in that damn Hardsuit.” I bit my lower lip. “I’m not looking forward to going back there, but I promised Max I’d return for a few days in May after I’m back on regular flight duty.”
“Did you at least get a good view of Atlantis? That must’ve been awesome,” Sonia said.
“My trip down and back up was so fast, all I got was a quick glimpse—and don’t ask any more questions. Sorry.” I grabbed my plate. “I’m going to the buffet. Anybody need anything?”
“I’ll go with you,” Lance said. “I haven’t eaten yet.”
As we worked our way down the buffet table, Lance asked, “Any injuries?”
“No, mostly just terrified.” I looked around. We were alone at the buffet. “Deadly situations are playing out in Atlantis. Russian divers tried to kill our divers, and they tried to kill me, but we can’t disclose that without opening a dangerous can of worms. World War Three could be at stake. There are nuclear-powered subs cruising around down there, along with some other scary stuff.”
“Dang, woman, you’re lucky you survived. No wonder you’re so glad to be back.” He hesitated. “Do the Chinese have a sub down there?”
“Yeah, I think so. Why?”
“All the more reason for you to stay the hell away. They won’t give up just because they missed taking you in Hong Kong.” He squeezed my shoulder. “You need to keep a low profile for a while.”
I nodded, staring absently at the buffet. “That’s my plan.”
Later that day, we flew to California and spent the night in San Jose. The next day, we flew home to Palm Beach where we were greeted by the usual blue skies and bright sunshine.
USS LEVIATHAN
Rowlin ripped open the sealed orders from SECNAV. “I can’t believe we’ve been delayed almost two days waiting for the brass in D.C. to make a decision about the vaults.”
Executive Officer Vance Lowes settled across from Max in his stateroom. “Maybe they’ve decided we deserve a posting in Stockholm or Naples. I’d settle for anywhere with hot chicks and no sea monsters.” Lowes grinned, trying to ease the tension.
“Fat chance.” Rowlin read the orders. “The delay was to allow time for two destroyers to join us early tomorrow morning. One will escort us to Mayport where we can unload the vaults away from public view, and the other destroyer will remain on station until we return.”
“I thought SECNAV didn’t want to draw attention to our cargo,” Lowes said. “Sailing all the way up to Jacksonville instead of Key West will most certainly make all our commie friends suspicious.”
“They’re also sending Texas to guard us from enemy subs. Apparently, North Korea thinks we sank their sub. They’re making the usual nuclear threats, but they may also be planning an attack on our ship.”
Lowes leaned forward. “If Texas shadows us, who’ll guard the weapon in the black pyramid?”
“That was another reason for the delay. Washington negotiated a deal with the Brits. Their nuclear-powered sub, Audacious, will handle it.”
“Can they launch Hardsuit divers from that sub?” Lowes sipped his coffee.
Rowlin nodded. “Banger met with their divers and warned them about the Russians. They’ll be armed with ballistic spear guns.”
“How do we know their divers won’t mess with the Atlantean weapon and accidentally fire it?” Lowes shook his head.
Rowlin thought a moment. “That would annihilate Ireland and a big chunk of England, including London, so the Brits won’t risk it. And they haven’t forgotten their marine archaeologist got killed messing with that weapon.”
“Let’s not forget the giant squid. Aren’t the Brits concerned for their crew’s safety?”
“I’m sure they are, but they know the lives of their people back home depend on them.” Rowlin hesitated. “They asked me to loan them Banger.”
Lowes straightened. “And did you?”
“Not a chance in hell. I told Banger he’s not going down again unless Sam is down there with him. Besides, he’s a SEAL. We need him to defend our ship.”
“One SEAL team isn’t enough to defend a ship this big. Good thing you requested a full platoon.” Lowes glanced at his watch. “They should be arriving in Seahawks any minute.”
“My gut tells me the North Koreans will send in an assault team tonight. Notify the officers to arm our crew and plan on going to general quarters at sunset.”
Lowes stood. “Aye, Captain.”
“And XO, you have the conn while I meet with the SEALs.” Rowlin pulled on his captain’s hat and strode down the corridor.
Eleven
Palm Beach, Florida
“Hi, Mom,” I said into the phone. “I’m back home now and cleared to resume my flight schedule. How’s everything with you and Duncan in Scotland?”
“We’re good, but aren’t you leaving out a few things? Like flying a fighter from Hawaii to Key West? What have you gotten yourself into this time?”
“How did you…oh, Matt must’ve told you.”
“You know how quickly news travels in the military. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, and I’m working another flight as soon as I get my mandatory crew rest.” I hesitated to tell her, but decided it was better if she knew. “The Chinese may be after me to find out why the US bombed the Himalayas near their border. I want to keep moving until they lose interest.”
“Then for God sakes go to my house. The security system is far better, and Romeo can protect you. Besides, he really misses you.”
“That’s actually a good idea. They’re bound to look for me at my condo, and I miss our big cuddle bear. It’s a shame the UK has such strict rules about bringing in pets. Romeo would love Duncan’s castle and grounds.”
“Hurry and pack. Call me when you’re settled at my place,” Mom said and hung up.
Her “place” was a huge oceanfront mansion. The local police were known for keeping careful track of everyone entering Palm Beach who didn’t live there. They’d know if Chinese agents were sneaking up on me.
I put several uniform items on hangers into my clothes bag and packed my luggage. Fifteen minutes later, I headed to my mother’s manse.
A black SUV with darkly tinted windows pulled behind me seconds after I left my condo’s parking garage. It followed me through town to A1A and stayed on my bumper all the way to Mom’s oceanfront home about a half mile south of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago.
Damn.
The SUV kept going down A1A when Mom’s iron entrance gates closed behind me.
Rosa, my mother’s longtime domestic helper, greeted me when I entered the house.
“Sam, mi corazón, cómo estás?”
She reverts to Spanish when she’s excited.
“I’m fine, and you? I’ve missed you.”
We hugged.
Before she could answer, Romeo galloped across the polished marble floor and skidded into me, yowling with glee.
He covered me with sloppy dog kisses as he stood on his hind legs. A honey-colored German shepherd, Romeo was almost my height standing with his front paws on my shoulders.
I kept petting him until he’d had time to calm down. Big dogs are the best—so warm and huggable.
“Your mother called and told me you were on your way. Where is your luggage?”
“In the car. I didn’t want my hands full when Romeo greeted me.” I turned and headed out the door.
Rosa helped me with my bags while Romeo supervised. We took the elevator to the third floor and deposited the luggage in my old bedroom
.
“How long will you stay?”
“Just until my next flight in a day or two, but I’ll come back again after that.”
“Good. We’ve missed you,” Rosa said as she patted Romeo’s head.
I stepped out onto the balcony overlooking the ocean. Below, I spotted a lone figure with binoculars looking up at me from the shadow of a palm tree.
How did he get past the security system?
I backed out of view, pulled out my cell, and called the cops.
My next call was to my brother, Mike. Luckily, he answered. “Hi, Mike, no time for chitchat. How can I contact your SEAL buddy Tim Goldy—the one who has the security company?
“Sounds like another Danger Magnet mission,” he said. “Who’s after you this time?”
“The Chinese Secret Service.”
USS LEVIATHAN
Rowlin stepped out onto the bridge’s port wing and scanned the dark water with night-vision binoculars. Humid salt air shrouded him like a wet blanket in the still night.
“It’s almost midnight, and they’re out there somewhere, XO. I can feel it.” He stepped inside and keyed his mike. “Commander Bern, report.”
“The moon pool is locked down, and SEALs are stationed at potential boarding points throughout the ship,” Bern said. “We’re ready, Captain.”
Rowlin turned to XO Lowes, who stood beside him. “Am I missing anything?”
“All battle stations are manned, and the crew is armed. I think we’re good.”
“Unless a skirmish here triggers World War Three.” Rowlin clenched his fist.
“That nut in North Korea thinks we sank his submarine,” Lowes said.
“He wants payback—tit for tat, with an attack on my ship.”
“And Washington is okay with that as long as we win…so no pressure, Captain.”
Rowlin pounded the console. “I wish we could use our Scorpions. Inflatable boats might sneak in under the radar, and Texas wouldn’t be able to take them out.”
“Can’t risk our Scorpion crews with that giant squid out there, but maybe it’ll do the job for us.” Lowes grinned. “That’d be poetic justice.”
“We should be so lucky. Too bad Sam isn’t here to make it happen.” Rowlin scanned the calm water. “This is the perfect night for an amphibious assault—heavy cloud cover and no moon. Kraken or no kraken, we’re ready for the North Koreans.”
“Unless they vaporize us with a nuke.”
“Nice to know I can always count on you to be the optimist,” Rowlin said.
Earlier in Palm Beach
I was relieved when Palm Beach cops arrested the Chinese intruder, but they couldn’t hold him because he had diplomatic immunity. He claimed he didn’t know he was on private property.
Yeah, right!
I stepped out on the third-floor balcony of my bedroom and scanned the back lawn, pool deck, and oceanfront. Nothing seemed to be there but palm trees swaying, sea gulls squawking, waves breaking on shore, and balmy breezes caressing me. When I returned to the air-conditioned room, my cell rang. The caller ID indicated Luxury International Airlines, my employer.
“Captain Samantha Starr, at your service,” I answered.
“Hello, Captain Starr, we need you for a charter.” It was crew scheduling. “Flight 515 departs at noon tomorrow for Rio de Janeiro. Your passengers will attend the two-day Rio Film Festival, and you’ll fly them back the next morning.”
“Great! I was hoping for a trip as soon as my crew rest was over. Thanks!”
I’d no sooner hung up when Tim Goldy from Trident Security returned my call.
“Hello, Tim. Thanks for getting back to me so fast.”
“When my men heard you’d called, they were eager to join another Danger Magnet mission. Protecting you is like being back as an active-duty SEAL. That first time sure was exciting.”
“Yeah, well, this one might be a lot worse. The Chinese Secret Service is after me.”
“What? Here in the US?”
“Yep, the local cops caught one spying on my mom’s house in Palm Beach.”
“If he’s in custody, why do you need us?”
“They had to let him go—diplomatic immunity. He’s probably one of many. I need you guys to guard Mom’s house just for tonight. I’m leaving the country tomorrow.”
“Are you sure you need a full team? Wouldn’t two men suffice?”
“It’s a twenty-thousand-square-foot oceanfront mansion with three full floors and a circular glass-enclosed office on the roof deck. I’m guessing they’ll approach from the ocean so they can escape in a fast boat.”
“How many people will we be protecting?”
“Three—Rosa, Romeo, and me.”
“Romeo?”
“He’s a German shepherd—and a treasured member of my family,” I said in a firm voice. “Make damn sure nobody shoots him.”
“Understood,” Tim said in a reassuring tone. “My security company has several service dogs. I can put a bullet-proof vest on Romeo if you like.”
“That’d be great. How many men can you bring?”
He hesitated. “Look, this is really short notice. I can only spare five men, plus me, but we can bring two service dogs.”
“Are the men former SEALs?”
“All the guys in my company are from the teams.”
“Six SEALs can fight off a small army. I’m satisfied.”
“Good. We’ll be there at 4:00 p.m. to familiarize ourselves with the property before dark. Uh, is Romeo good with other dogs?”
“Romeo is good with any person or dog if I tell him to be, so no worries there. Thanks for doing this on short notice, Tim. I’ll see you in a few hours.”
My next call was to Ross. “Hey, handsome, how’s it going in Scotland?”
“Better now that you’re safe at home,” he said in his deep, sexy voice.
“Um, about that…” I explained the situation and the precautions I’d taken.
“Bugger! I never thought China would go this far to find out why America bombed the Himalayas. I don’t think they have assets in Brazil, but who knows? Best not to wander about in Rio.”
“Okay.” I sighed. “I miss you.”
“I miss you too, lass. Be careful tonight and call me in the morning so I’ll know you’re safe. General Barnes told me MI6 is trying to sort out what China’s up to. They’re working with the CIA to find a way to end this.”
“I hope it’s over soon. Bye, love.” I clicked off and scanned the placid sea.
They’re coming. I can feel it.
Twelve
USS LEVIATHAN
Rowlin strode into the Combat Information Center—the nerve center of the ship where all weapons were controlled. “Anything on radar or sonar?”
“Four nuclear-powered fast-attack subs cruising around—ours and the UK’s, Russia’s, and China’s,” the sonar operator said. “And one slow-moving barge about four miles to our east in a shipping lane. It makes the same run every week.”
“Radar shows one high-altitude aircraft.” The radar operator pointed to his screen as the aircraft blip continued north directly overhead. Then it suddenly reversed course toward South America. “Huh, that’s odd.”
“Put our defense missiles on high alert in case that aircraft dropped bombs and move the ship five miles northeast. Now!” He watched as his crew sprang into action. “I’ll be on the bridge. Keep a close watch on that plane.”
He left CIC and rushed up to the bridge.
Rowlin stood beside his XO as the engines went to full stop. The ship slowly drifted five miles northeast of its previous position.
“It’s too still out there.” Rowlin scanned the water on the port side. “I’m going out on the wing. Maybe I’ll hear something.”
He stepped into the balmy night air and listened. At first, there was nothing but the gentle slap of waves against the hull.
A loud splash drew his attention.
“What the hell?” He scanned the wa
ter near the ship.
It was pure luck that he spotted the billowing black chute a second before it was pulled underwater.
Rowlin dived inside and grabbed a microphone as bullets peppered the front windows on the bridge, showering him with shattered glass. “HALO jumpers attacking!”
A bullet hammered XO Lowes in the left shoulder and spun him around. He ducked behind the control console beside Rowlin as a metal storm slammed into the electronics panels.
“Vance, you’re hit!” Rowlin ripped off a sleeve and wrapped it around his upper arm.
“It’s just a flesh wound. My trigger arm’s still good.”
The two officers fired M4 carbines at paratroopers dropping onto the bridge wings. Both men were bleeding from numerous small puncture wounds inflicted by flying glass shards.
Dozens of dark chutes fluttered onto Leviathan with black-clad commandos firing before they even touched down. A few of the high-altitude low-open jumpers missed their landing spots on the ship and hit the water.
SEALs and sailors stationed throughout the ship opened fire on the assailants. Screams and staccato blasts from automatic weapons echoed off the water.
“XO, how’re you holding up?” Rowlin noted the makeshift bandage was soaked with blood.
Lowes slapped a full magazine into his weapon. “I’m good.”
A paratrooper crashed through a broken glass panel and shot Rowlin square in the chest. The Kevlar vest stopped the bullet, but the force of it knocked him into the back wall.
Lowes took out the attacker with a head shot.
“You okay, Captain?”
“Just got the wind knocked out of me.” He patted his vest. “Kevlar stops Atlantean spears and modern bullets.”
Rowlin turned and tracked an attacker as he dropped down on the port side. After he drilled him with bullets, a round fired from somewhere below grazed his left shoulder.
