Page 117 of Duty Unbound

Logan nodded, though his expression suggested he still wouldn’t be too broken up if things went the other way.

“Ty, maintain position and be ready for rapid extraction,” I instructed. “Jace, any movement inside?”

“Heat signatures still in the cabin area,” he confirmed. “No indication they’re aware of your presence.”

I moved forward, testing each step for creaks before committing my weight. The teak deck was wet with sea spray, requiringcareful movement. Logan followed close behind, covering my six.

We reached the cabin door without incident. Through the small window, I could see light but no movement. I tried the handle—locked.

“Secondary entry point?” I breathed to Logan.

He gestured toward a smaller hatch that likely led to the same area. I nodded, and we split up—him circling toward the front of the boat, me moving to the side hatch. As I reached for the handle, my boot scuffed against a metal cleat, making a soft but distinct sound.

I froze, listening. For a moment, nothing.

Then, from inside: “Did you hear that?” Tommy’s voice was suddenly alert.

“I didn’t hear anything,” Mel’s voice replied, sounding strained but steady. My heart clenched at the sound.

“No, someone’s out there.” Footsteps approached the door.

Fuck. So much for the element of surprise.

“Compromised,” I hissed into my comms. “Executing immediate entry.”

I moved to the main door just as Tommy yanked it open, his eyes widening in shock at the sight of me. Before he could react, I slammed my shoulder into the door, sending him staggering backward.

Tommy lunged toward Mel, who stood frozen in the center of the cabin. I caught a glimpse of her wide eyes, her split lip, the darkening bruise on her cheek—and something in me snapped.

I drove forward, intending to tackle Tommy before he could reach her. But I underestimated his speed. He grabbed Mel, spinning her around to face me just as Logan burst in through the side entrance.

“Stop right there,” Tommy barked from the corner, and I saw the glint of metal as he pressed a gun to Mel’s temple.

Logan and I froze, our weapons raised but useless without a clear shot.

“Ethan,” Mel whispered, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes.

“Let her go, Tommy,” I said, forcing my voice to remain calm. “It’s over.”

“It’s not over until I say it’s over. Mel is mine.” Tommy’s eyes darted between Logan and me, calculating. “Drop your guns or I’ll kill her.”

Neither of us moved. “You don’t want to kill Mel. You love her.”

“If I can’t have her, no one can!” he screamed, pressing the gun harder against Mel’s head. She winced but didn’t make a sound.

We weren’t going to lower our weapons. As soon as we did, he was going to kill us, and Mel would still be trapped with him.

“Tommy, stay focused.” I kept my voice calm. “Logan is going to leave, okay? This is a discussion between you and me. See, Logan is putting his weapon down.”

As Logan bent to move his weapon, I caught his eye and gave him a barely perceptible nod. Our backup plan. He returned the gesture, understanding immediately.

Logan backed toward the door, hands raised. “I’ll be right outside,” he said.

But I knew what the real message was:I’ll be setting the charge.

Logan left, and I knew I wouldn’t have much time. I just needed to keep Tommy from doing anything stupid.

“What’s your endgame here, Tommy?” I asked. My gun was still in my hand, but I didn’t point it directly at him. I couldn’t take the chance with his weapon still against Mel’s head.