Destination: Unknown: A Desperate Tale Of Survival
Page 10
“What’s the big deal about the lake?” Mark asked.
“It doesn’t mean much to us because we can generate our own water supply. Boaters having to depend on natural sources, would find the further south they sailed the harder it would be to locate drinkable water.
Under normal circumstances the group would have contacted port officials in Mathew Town, anchored in the bay, and enjoyed the local atmosphere. Under their current situation, they hoped to minimize contact with the population as they tried to gather information, before silently slipping back into the vastness of the sea.
Fifty minutes later the small armada tightened formation as they approached the entrance. Their weapons carefully concealed but at the ready should the need arise.
“A change in plans. I think a couple of us guy’s should go in alone to check things out. The rest of you can anchor out here until we radio you to come in.”
“That’s pretty risky don’t you think.” Mark replied.
“I think a single boat will draw less attention entering the harbor. If the island is friendly, no problem. If it isn’t, no need to put all our lives at risk.”
“This is sounding less and less like a good idea.” Judy radioed.
“Much as I hate to admit it, I have to agree with Richard. I’ll go with you.”
“Thanks Mark. Amanda will dinghy over to your boat.”
Their plan was to stay in contact by radio. Should trouble arise, it would be up to Brandon and the women to come to their rescue.
Having safely anchored the boats outside the harbor, Mark motored over to Richard’s boat. Once onboard, Mark pulled back the bolt on his rifle chambering a round. He turned to Richard saying, “Alright old man. Let’s take her in.”
The early morning sun made it difficult for Richard to see very far ahead as they neared the main anchorage.
Five hundred feet from shore, Mark noticed a half inflated dinghy floating 50 feet in front of them. Richard slowed the boat down as they closed the distance.
Mark straining to see through sun squinted eyes suddenly called out to Richard, “Stop! There’s a girl inside the dinghy.”
Richard slowed his boat to a stop alongside the dinghy. Mark leaned over the rail to help the young girl climb on board.
The woman in her twenties gave Mark a big smile. Her sun bleached blond hair and Polynesian looking dress radiated “tourist” on every level.
“How long have you been floating out here and why so close to shore?”
“About ten minutes.”
“I don’t under…”
Before Mark could finish his question, the young woman pulled out a large caliber pistol she had concealed in her dress.
“Sit down and keep quiet.” She said as she used her left arm to wave to someone on the shore.”
Mark sat down near Richard.
“Does this trick work every time?”
“I wouldn’t know, you’re the first one we’ve tried it on. Men are such suckers. Poor little girl drifting in a boat.”
Mark having doubts as to her ability to actually pull the trigger, started to stand up.”
She pulled the hammer back chambering a round.
”I will shoot you dead and sleep as sound as a baby asshole. Sit back down.”
Mark and Richard had been duped by a simple ruse. The young woman was obviously capable of pulling off a lie, but the tone of her voice when it came to pulling the trigger, wreaked with sincerity.
Visit www.larrydodson.com to sign up for notification of when Destination Unknown 2 becomes available for sale.
About the Author
Larry Dodson recently relocated from northern California to the warm seaside community of Palmetto, Florida. Having an extensive sailing background over the last forty years as well as a belief in being self-sufficient in the event of a nationwide catastrophe served to inspire his first book “Destination Unknown”.