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CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO

Tyson wanted more than anything to pull Olivia into his arms. To plant a kiss on her lips.

But he couldn’t. Not now.

First, he had to make sure she was safe.

Where had her kidnapper gone?

Holding onto Olivia’s arm, he scanned his surroundings.

Waves lapped their faces. Lifted their bodies up and down.

Through watery eyes, he spotted the cabin cruiser drifting farther away. Walleye’s boat floating nearby. Or was Walleye idling toward them?

He couldn’t be sure.

The killer could be anywhere. Hiding behind a boat. Beneath the water.

Coming up on them.

Tyson was certain the man wouldn’t give up. Not after coming this far. This guy wasn’t about to let Olivia get away without a fight.

That was when Tyson felt something tug his foot.

At once, he disappeared beneath the water.

Hands circled his neck, strangling him.

Tyson hadn’t had a chance to get a breath before being pulled underwater. His lungs were already burning.

Tyson worked his fingers beneath the strangling grip and tugged the man’s fingers from around his neck.

Now he needed air.

Before he could get any, the guy grabbed him again.

Pulled him farther under.

Tyson kicked, hitting the killer in the face.

Then he darted to the surface, his lungs screaming for oxygen.

He prayed he could get there in time.

And he prayed Olivia was okay.

* * *

Olivia felt more panic kicking in.

Where was Tyson? Was he okay?

She sensed thrashing beneath her.

She knew she should dive under. That she should try to help.

But the idea terrified her, freezing her body with fear.

Her arms and legs grew weary as she continued to tread water.

Then someone shot to the surface next to her.

Tyson!

Relief filled her.

He was okay!

But as he drank in deep gulps of air, worry replaced the relief she’d felt.

What had happened down there?

“Get . . . to . . . the boat.” His voice sounded hoarse as he nodded to the boat behind them.

She stared at him. “You’re coming too?”

He nodded.

Good.

But where was Wes?

Just then, Tyson disappeared under the water again.

Wes had pulled him under, she realized.

She couldn’t leave him.

She needed to fight back.

Lord, give me the strength and courage. I’m begging You. Please!

Taking a deep breath, she dove under the water.

She could see nothing.

But she felt her way around.

Her hands connected with something.

A face.

Tyson’s or Wes’?

Based on the hair, it was Wes.

Using all the strength she had left, she began to pull his hair.

Hands grabbed her arms to stop her.

She didn’t, though.

As the current tried to pull her back, she kicked with all her might.

Her foot connected with Wes’ face.

Then everything felt still around her.

Hands tugged her back to the surface.

When she broke through, she blinked.

Tyson stared at her. “Are you okay?”

She coughed, sputtering out water, but nodded. “I’m fine. You?”

“I’m fine.”

But she wasn’t sure how much longer she could make it out here. She was so tired. So cold. So spent.

Just as the thought filled her mind, lights surrounded them and over a bullhorn she heard, “Coast Guard!”

Help was here.

Finally, help was here.

Tears of gratitude sprung to her eyes.