Page 140

I thought about what she was saying. “Meaning this has little to do with taking our cargo, but in using it as a ploy to protect theirs.”

“Exactly. Our ship will be taken, both of us arrested. An easier way for a takeover.”

Much easier.

My jaw clenched as I realized she could be right.

“Then we do what needs to be done.”

“We blow them out of the water?”

“Maybe, baby. Maybe.”

While we had no issue with the coast guard on our way out, if she was right, there was a distinct possibility the Algerians would be called to engage. Our route was close enough to what they considered their waters that they might cross the imaginary line.

And the bastards didn’t like me very much since I’d killed the previous incoming president, almost pushing their economy into a recession. Little had the people known how dirty the man was. His death had only made him a martyr.

It was entirely possible Fassi had learned about that since they were bordering countries.

The powerful engine in the boat didn’t fail me and soon we were able to see our cargo ship in the distance. It didn’t take long to discover they were under fire. Getting on the ship would be dicey as fuck.

“Benito. Take the wheel. Lazarro. You’re coming with us,” I directed. I pulled the radio into my hand. “Kruz. Navarro. Ourship is under attack. Kruz, take another boat and board the other cargo ship. Navarro, head in our direction.”

Genevieve tossed me my assault rifle and threw the strap to another one over her shoulder.

The men grunted out acceptance. This was as close to being a suicide mission as I’d allowed. But it had to be done.

I contacted the captain, hearing gunfire as soon as he connected to the radio.

“What do we have?” I barked out.

“Three boats. Lots of firepower. Several soldiers on board. They’re trying to get onto the bridge.” The bridge was blocked off, reinforced with steel under my direction. At least it should buy us some time.

“How many?”

“At least fifteen.”

Fifteen. I’d keep that in mind.

“Shift away from Algerian waters.”

“Yes, sir.”

Minutes passed that seemed to take forever as Benito maneuvered toward the embarkation ladder.

“Stay here. Just stay here,” I told her as I gauged success in getting her onboard.

“Trust me, Jago. I can do this.”

With every muscle tense, Benito slowed again, his skills decent enough he kept the two boats from colliding. Before we had a chance to climb on board, shots rang out.

In the next several seconds, firepower was exchanged. I pushed her down and took aim, catching two of them almost immediately.

She maintained cover, displaying her expert marksmanship by leveling her weapon and killing three on one boat, then at least one more. One enemy boat veered off, the engine still revved although the captain was dead.

The other captain sped up, moving elsewhere, but they would be back.

We had seconds to spare and I jumped onto the ladder first, immediately reaching for her. She swung her body onto the edge of the boat, stretching out her arm. The full moon told no lies. Terror accompanied a rush of adrenaline. I could see it in her eyes.