Page 46

CHAPTER 46

R aven twisted around the pole to see the bomb better.

The device was a compact arrangement of wires connecting a digital timer display to several cylindrical packages wrapped in what looked like modeling clay. A small antenna suggested remote detonation capability as a backup.

The bomb’s placement was strategic—close to the fuel lines that ran through the center of the vessel, where an explosion would cause catastrophic damage and likely sink the yacht within minutes.

The device wasn’t created to look like an historical remnant.

No, this one just looked big and dangerous.

While she knew a lot about identifying bombs, she knew next to nothing about disarming them. Even if she did, there was no way she could do anything. Not being tied up as she was.

The timer on the bomb said she only had six minutes before detonation.

Six minutes . . .

Then all the innocent—she assumed they were innocent, at least—people on board would be killed.

She pressed her eyes closed, fervently lifting up prayers.

There was nothing else she could do at this point.

Her wrists were rubbed raw. She’d tried to psych herself out and break a thumb in order to get her hands free.

But everything she’d tried hadn’t worked and had only served to give her cuts and bruises on her already sore wrists.

She felt along the pole and froze.

There was a small ridge where the metal had been welded together. It wasn’t large, but it might be sharp enough to break through the plastic zip ties holding her wrists in place.

She leaned forward, trying to angle her body up slightly so she could better reach the ridge.

Then she began to saw the plastic back and forth.

She prayed this worked—because it was her only hope.

Jake and his colleagues boarded the yacht.

Guests dressed in designer clothing and drinking fancy drinks milled about, enjoying cocktail hour while cheerful island music played.

When Jake, Ty, and Colton stood, not keeping their presence hidden, those around them gasped and drew back in fear.

“We’re not here to hurt you,” Jake explained. “We’re looking for this woman.”

He showed them a picture of Raven he’d found online.

But everyone shook their head as if confused.

“Your captain isn’t responding to our messages,” Jake said. “Any idea why?”

“He’s right up there—” one of the men pointed to the bridge.

But it was empty.

“What’s going on?” Senator Rollins stepped forward.

“We believe a woman was abducted and brought to this boat,” Ty said. “We also believe you all could be in danger.”

The man’s eyes widened as he seemed to comprehend his words. “What can we do?”

“We need to search the boat,” Ty said. “There’s no time to waste.”

The man offered a definitive nod. “Go ahead. We can help.”

Jake rushed below deck, figuring that was the most likely place these people would keep Raven.

As soon as he reached the lowest deck, someone dashed from a doorway into the hallway.

Relief flushed through him as the figure came into focus. “Raven?”

Her eyes widened when she saw him. “Jake?”

They ran to each other and hugged.

But Raven quickly pulled away. “We don’t have much time. There’s a bomb. It’s going to go off in about four minutes. We need to get everyone off this boat.”

He stiffened. “There’s no time for that. Before everyone’s off, the bomb will detonate.”

“Then what do we do?” Raven’s words came out fast.

“Where is it?”

“This way!” She darted into the engine room.

Jake drew in a breath when he saw the device.

Three minutes and fifty-six seconds.

It wasn’t much time to disarm the device.

But he had no choice.

He turned to Raven. “The rest of the guys are upstairs. Go tell them what’s going on.”

Raven nodded quickly, breathlessly.

She paused as if she wanted to say more. Instead, she rushed away.

They had no time to waste.

Jake dashed toward the bomb and knelt on the floor beside it.

He had to defuse this device before innocent people died.