“Women’s intuition?” I asked.
“More like a real psychic ability. It’s eerie,” he replied.
“Not to mention that if Sera and Taffy talk, they’re going to wonder why we both called them at this hour,” added Ransom.
“That’s true, too,” I replied.
“So, now what?” asked Ransom.
“I’m going to grab a cup of coffee,” said Thane. “Anyone else want me to bring one back?”
“I’d like one,” I replied. “Thanks.”
“No problem,” he said before taking off.
Marshall reached into his pocket and pulled out a revolver. “I think we’d better arm ourselves. Do you know how to use one of these?” he asked him
Ransom nodded.
Marshall handed him the gun. “Good. Hopefully you won’t need to but… you just never know.”
“So, what are we going to do about the crew and security team?” Ransom asked me.
“They’ll be ordered to give up their guns when these assholes show up,” I replied in a low voice.
“I’m sure that we’ll all be searched for weapons,” said Ransom, staring at his gun.
“Probably,” said Marshall. “Still, until that time comes, I’m packing heat.”
An idea popped into my head.
“I have an idea. Ransom is right. They’re going to frisk us and take away our weapons. I think we shouldn’t give them the opportunity. Let’s hide the guns strategically around the ship. At least some of them. Then, if we need to arm ourselves, we’ll have some options.”
“Excellent idea,” said Marshall, his eyes lighting up. “We’ll get the security team involved, too.”
“Right. And have them put on their civilian clothes. We’ll make them appear like regular guests,” I replied.
“Good plan,” said Marshall.
We rounded them up and relayed our plans. Although they weren’t excited about giving up their weapons, they agreed that hiding them was the most sensible idea.
“Not all of them,” I added. “It would definitely cause suspicion.”
Everyone agreed.
The eight of us walked the ship together and hid them in different spots. Afterward, we held a meeting with the rest of crew and updated them on what was happening. Most had already heard the news.
“I’m sorry to put you in this position,” I told them, looking around. Besides the captain, and the security team, there were ten crewmembers on board. “The only thing that I can say is we’ll do everything in our power to keep you safe.”
“Don’t worry, Mr. Stryker,” said Jennifer, one of the housekeepers. “We have faith in you and are all praying that you’ll get your son back.”
“I appreciate it,” I said, wishing that I had as much faith in my abilities as she did.
***
After the dismal meeting, I went back up to the bridge, still wondering if allowing the kidnappers to board the ship was going to be a tragic mistake on my part.
“Everything good?” asked the captain.
I let out a ragged sigh. “As good as it can be under the circumstances. How are we doing on time?”
“We should arrive at our destination on schedule,” he replied.
“Okay,” I said, staring off into the distance.
“Damian, how are you doing?”
I wanted to tell him that I was scared as hell. That I didn’t know if I was doing the right thing by putting all of these people’s lives in danger. But, the image of my son flitted through my mind again. The terror on his face as he stared at the camera. He needed me and I had to be strong for him, as well as everyone else on board.
“Confident that we’re going to get my son back and all make it through this ordeal,” I replied. “At least that’s what I need to believe if I’m going to keep my sanity.”
He gave me a sad smile. “You’ll get him back. We’re all betting on you.”
“I appreciate your support on this,” I replied. “I’m asking so much of you. Too much.”
“When it comes to keeping Jake alive, there’s nothing you couldn’t ask me that I wouldn’t be willing to do. He’s a damn good kid and is meant for great things. Someday he’s going to learn just how much of a hero his father was both on and off the baseball field.”
Too choked up to answer, I nodded and smiled at the older man.
6
Mia
It was a chilly ride. Ridley and I hadn’t dressed properly for the trip back to the mainland, so both of us were shivering. Eventually, we wrapped our arms around each other and kept our heads down. After about thirty minutes, we noticed our boat begin to slow.
“What’s going on?” I asked in a low voice.
“Look. There’s another boat heading our way,” said Ridley, standing up.
“Who is it?” I asked as I tried rubbing some heat into my arms.
“Probably the Coast Guard,” said Jeff.
“What do you think they want?” asked Ridley.
“I’m sure they just want to see what we’re up to,” he said, cutting the engine.
“Are you sure it’s the Coast Guard?” I said, as their light quickly blinded us.
“Who else could it be?” Jeff replied.
“Good morning!” called a voice through a megaphone.
Jeff waved.
“We’re responding to an S.O.S. signal. Did you make that call?” the man asked.
“Not us!” hollered Jeff.
“Maybe Damian did,” said Ridley, turning to look at me.
My heart skipped a beat. If he had, what exactly did it mean?
“Do you have any weapons on board?” the man asked us.
“No!” hollered Ridley. “We’re unarmed. Are you the Coast Guard?”
“Yes!”
“Even I know that’s not a Coast Guard’s ship,” I said, frowning. It was a Carver and not labeled as a rescue boat.
“It’s probably unmarked,” said Jeff, as if reading my mind.
“Maybe,” I replied.
The ship drifted next to ours and I watched as man, wearing a black hoodie, threw us a rope. Jeff caught it and began tying our boats together.
“This doesn’t feel right to me,” I said to Ridley, feeling suddenly very anxious.
“Nothing feels right to me tonight,” she said.
“Relax,” said Jeff. “They’re just checking things out. If they received an S.O.S. call, they’ll want to come on board and search for weapons.
Ridley and I looked at each other.
After the boats were tied together, the man in the black hoodie went back inside of his boat.
“What’s he doing?” I stood back up. “Hello?!”
Three other men stepped out of the Carver’s salon, each wearing a terrifying clown mask. My heart stopped.
“What in the hell?” said Ridley, as we stared at the men in horror.
“You mean ‘out’ of hell,” I muttered.
Ridley grabbed my arm. “The kidnappers,” she hissed.
The three masked men climbed on board our boat. One of them shook Jeff’s hand. “Good work and very quick thinking.”
Jeff smiled. “Thanks.”
I stared at him in shock.
He knew these people?
“I don’t understand. What’s happening, Jeff? Who are these guys?” asked Ridley.
“You still don’t get it?” he replied with a grunt.
“She’s a blonde. What do you expect?” said the clown standing next to him.
Recognizing the man’s voice, I gasped. “No. You’ve got to be kidding me.”
The clown stared at me, his eyes glittering with amusement.
Shaking with rage, I reached over and pulled off the mask.
“Boo,” said John, with a sardonic grin.
7
Damian
We arrived at our destination with a couple of minutes to spare. While Charles anchored the boat, I stepped outside, where Marshall and Ransom were standing.
“Not yet,” he replied.
“I’m sure they’re on their way,” I said, zipping up my leather jacket.
“Have you gotten any other calls from them?” asked Ransom.
“No,” I replied. “Hopefully, that’s a good sign.”
“Hopefully,” said Marshall.
“Does Jake’s mother know what’s happening?” Ransom asked out of the blue.
I shook my head. “No. She doesn’t handle stress well. I’m keeping her out of this for as long as I can.”
Ransom scratched his stubbly chin. “You don’t think she’s involved?”
“Hell no,” I said, although admittedly, the thought had crossed my mind once. But, I’d brushed it off quickly. I knew Marissa loved Jake and would never put his life in danger. Even for money, which she’d already gotten enough from me through the divorce.
“I see something,” said Marshall. He pointed his finger toward the sky.
I grabbed the binoculars and looked. It was definitely a chopper.
“Let’s get up to the helipad,” I said, my heart beginning to race.
***
The helicopter circled our boat a couple times and then landed. Four men got out. They were each dressed in black, wearing clown masks, and holding automatic rifles.
“What in the hell is this?” muttered Ransom. “Early Halloween?”
“Apparently,” I said in a low voice.
Marshall grunted.
“Hold your hands up in the air!” hollered one of the men as they rushed over to us.
We raised them.
Two of the clowns began patting us down. Not finding anything, they stepped back.
My eyes met with Marshall’s. Getting rid of the guns had been a wise choice.
He winked.
“What was that about?” asked one of the clowns, cocking his gun.
“What was what?” asked Marshall.
“That wink,” replied the gunman.
“I had something in my eye,” he answered dryly.
“You’re going to have a bullet in that peeper if you try anything, asshole,” he replied angrily.
Marshall raised both of his hands in the air. “Do I look like I’m in the position to try anything?”
“No and that’s why you’d better watch yourself,” he answered.
“Where is my son?” I asked, getting irritated. Something told me that none of these guys were in charge.
“Not here,” said the gunman who’d threatened Marshall.
“Obviously. Where is he?” I replied.
“You’ll find out soon,” he said.
“Fair enough. What now?” I asked.
“We wait,” said one of the other clowns.
“For what?” I asked, trying not to lose my cool.
“You’ll see,” he replied, pulling out a satellite phone. He called someone and informed the person that everything was clear.
“Where is your security team?” asked another of the clowns.
“We didn’t bring one this time around,” I lied.
“Right,” he replied. He walked over and held his gun up to my head. “I hope they’re smart enough not to pull any funny shit.”
“I thought that was your job. You’re the one dressed like a clown,” I replied dryly.
He stared at me coldly. “Friend, keep talking and I’ll blow that tongue of yours outta the back of your skull.”
Knowing that he had to keep me alive to get paid, I ignored the man. “Who’s in charge here?”
“Right now, I am,” he said. “The name is Chuckles.”
I laughed coldly. “How quaint. Tell me what it is you want, Chuckles.”
“Have some patience and you’ll soon find out.”
My phone began to ring.
“You’d better get that,” said Chuckles, still holding the gun at my head.
I pulled the phone out of my jacket and answered it.
“Mr. Stryker. You’ve been a bad boy,” said the familiar synthesized voice I’d been dealing with.
“What are you talking about?” I replied, stiffening up.
“Allowing some of your guests to leave,” he said. “Tsk. Tsk. Did you really not think I’d find out about the caterers?”
Shit.
“This has nothing to do with them,” I answered.
“Maybe not, but you disobeyed my orders.”
“Bullshit. You never said anything about women leaving the ship,” I argued. “You specifically requested Ransom and my guests. They’re not guests.”
He laughed coldly. “You know… thinking back, I do believe you’re right. Tell you what, I’m going to let it slide, considering that Ransom still appears to be with you, along with his buddies.”
“Do you have my son?” I asked.
“You’ll find out soon enough,” he replied before hanging up.
8
Mia
“John, why are you doing this?” I asked, still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that the man I once loved could be so heartless.
“Why do you think?” he sneered. “The money, of course.”
Ridley and I had been taken to the Carver and placed in the master stateroom.
“You’re risking all of this for money?” I said in disbelief. “You know that you’re going to be caught.”
“Not if there aren’t any witnesses,” he replied.
“So, you’re going to have us killed?” I answered, shocked.
“To be honest, I really hadn’t planned on it but you did take off my mask,” he said.
My eyes filled with tears. Was he really going to murder us? “Who are you?”
He let out a ragged sigh. “Look, Mia, I tried warning you but you wouldn’t listen. I begged you not to get on the ship.”
“You mean you lied to me about Damian.”
“I said that if you boarded his yacht,” he went on ignoring me, “you’d regret it. I was trying to save you because, believe it or not, I still have feelings for you.”
“And yet… you’re willing to kill me?” I countered, feeling sick to my stomach. John was a madman. He didn’t know what love was.
“This thing is bigger than you or me,” he said. “I don’t want to hurt you, Mia, but there are too many people involved and no room for mistakes.”
“You’re such a lying asshole. You don’t have feelings for Mia,” said Ridley, staring at him with hatred.
“Mind your own business,” he snapped, glaring back at her.
“This is my business,” she said. “We’re talking about both of our lives.”
“You’re dead no matter what,” he replied. “And to be honest, I’m going to feel good about ending your miserable life, you stupid, pathetic bimbo.”
Ridley’s face turned red. I watched in horror as she spit at John, hitting him on the chin.
Scowling, he wiped it off with his sleeve and then slapped her hard across the face. She fell down onto the bed and started to cry.
“John, no!” I screamed as he grabbed her by the hair and raised his hand to do it again. “Please! She’s frightened and upset. You’re only going to make matters worse.”
A vein in his temple throbbed, he was in such a rage. Thankfully he regained control of himself and let her go.
“You’re lucky I don’t kill you right now,” he growled, spitting on her cheek.
She closed her eyes and continued crying.
I quickly grabbed a tissue and moved to her side. As I cleaned her face and tried comforting her, I vowed that whatever else happened, I’d do anything in my power to strike back at John for hurting my best friend.
“Do you really have Jake’s son?” I asked, glancing at him. He was staring at both of us, his expression unreadable.
“Yes,” he replied.
“Is he alive?”
His lip twitched. “For now.”
I na
rrowed my eyes at him. “If Damian pays you the money, are you going to kill the boy?”
“I’m not discussing any more of this with you. You shouldn’t even be here,” he replied gruffly.
“But I am,” I replied, watching as he moved toward the doorway.
John turned around and looked at me. “Yes, and now I have to deal with it.”
9
Damian
Knowing now that we were waiting on the guy on the phone, I assessed the ones holding us at gunpoint. One of them was anxious and couldn’t seem to stop pacing, the other three seemed to keep one eye on us, and the other toward the ocean.
“When is your boss arriving?” I asked, scanning the horizon. It was early morning and the sun was just beginning to rise.
“Soon,” replied one of them.
“Go and check the bridge,” said Chuckles. “See what’s going on in there. Make sure the captain isn’t radioing for help.”
“He won’t,” I said. “You have my son. Nobody wants to risk his life.”
“Good,” he replied and then turned to his men. “Check it out anyway.”
Two of them left and headed for the bridge.
I let out a ragged sigh and looked at Ransom. He’d been quiet the entire time and was surprisingly calm. I sat down next to him. We didn’t say anything but I knew from the look in his eyes that he wasn’t very impressed with the morons on the ship.
About forty-five minutes later, another yacht approached. A newer Carver. It was around forty feet with a command bridge. Other than that, nothing distinguishable. As they drifted closer, I noticed the people standing outside of the salon were also wearing clown masks and black coveralls.
I stood up. “Looks like it’s show time,” I said under my breath.
“What’s with the clown masks?” murmured Marshall dryly. “Was it buy one get ten free?”
“No shit,” I replied.
“Clowns acting like clowns,” said Ransom, shaking his head in disgust.
Billionaire at Sea 2 Page 3
