Page 125 of Undertow

“Make a right on the service road, then hang a left toward the back of the property.”

I pull out of the space in the parking garage and follow his instructions, still without a word.

A full moon bathes the landscape in an eerie glow as we drive away from the resort. The further we get, the more influence it has over the earthly scene below.

I manage to keep my breathing steady, but I have less control over my trembling hands. My fingers tighten around the wheel, my knuckles sore from the effort of soaking up my terror.

Merrick is silent until we reach the end of the service road and he tells me to turn off the engine.

“Get out,” he says.

I close my eyes, willing myself to breathe.

“Now, Shaw.”

I swallow hard and force my aching legs out of the vehicle. But when he directs us toward the water instead of the tree line, as promised, a rush of panic explodes in my chest.

“Move,” he barks, nudging me forward.

“Merrick, please! You swore! You?—”

“Move!”

He shoves me toward a small boat bobbing preciously a few feet off shore. In the sallow light, I see reflections of a large yacht further out.

Oh god.

No. No!

“Merrick! Please! You swore you would?—”

“Shut the fuck up and walk!” he growls.

An unexpected shove from behind sends me sprawling to the sand. I cough tiny granules from my lungs as more slice into my open wounds. Merrick grips the back of my shirt and yanks me to my feet.

Still spitting sand, I struggle to keep pace as he marches me toward the boat.

The ocean spreads out before me in an infinite abyss, mocking me with its deceptive beauty, and my heart pounds erratic rhythms with each step. I’ve spent the entire day preparing to die, but this wasn’t the death I was promised.

“Merrick.” I fight to keep my voice calm. “Merrick, listen to me.”

I turn and meet his cold eyes in the moonlight.

A muscle moves in his jaw. “Turn around and walk.”

“Merrick—”

“Walk!” He shoves me again, and I stumble several steps back.

My feet land in the wet surf, triggering a rush of panicked tears.

All I wanted was not to die like this. It’s the only thing I asked. I haven’t fought them on a single aspect of my fate. I’d take any other method. Any fucking thing, just not?—

He grips my arm and drags me toward the boat.

I’m choking on salty humid air as he yanks me forward. Waves crash against my legs, coating me with the premonition of death. I’m being buried alive as he forces me into the boat.

“Merrick, please. Please!”