Page 106 of Ripple Effect

* * *

“You’re going to what?”The disbelief in my voice can’t be hidden.

“We’re going to move the ship close enough so we can swim it,” Thorn assures me.

“How?” I yell.

“We’re going to have the captain call over with hostage requests from the families of all the passengers,” Thorn replies calmly. “We’re going to demand they bring all the hostages out for a visual inspection on deck.”

I hate the fact it might just work.

“Then what?”

He rolls his eyes. “That’s where your boy comes in. We’re going to shut off all power to theSea Forcebut our eyes before we board the craft.”

Christ. I turn away, scrubbing my hands up and down my face until I grip my hair so tightly, I might be yanking it out by the roots. “You’re sure this is the best way?” I finally ask. “They could decide it’s not worth it and kill them all.”

“Yes. They could.” My back stiffens at his words. “But Cal, it’s the best plan we have to get all the hostages in one place, keep our forces together, and get them out.”

My breath whooshes out. “Right.” Around the room, my team’s scattered amid the Navy task force and SEALs we’ve been working with—except Sam and Iris. They’re holding one another, giving each other a moment of comfort before we go to war.

I catch Sam’s eye. So much of this lies on his shoulders. “Can you do this?” Holding up a hand before he responds, I tack on, “Be one hundred percent certain, Sam. Yes or no?”

“Yes. I’m positive.”

Thorn’s fist hits the table in front of him. “We’re wasting time,” he declares.

“No, we’re not. If Sam says he can do it, then let’s get it done.” I lift my chin at my best friend.

“Operation Mermaid is a go,” Thorn declares. “Team, gear up and stand by for my command.” The SEALs surge to their feet and move to the door.

“Sam, team, back to the bridge,” I order.

We have a limited time until we hold the lives of a few sole survivors in our hands.

* * *

“This isthe captain of the USSLassen. Please acknowledge this transmission.”

We all hold our breath and wait.

And wait.

Finally, long moments later, we hear, “What do you want?” from a hostile voice with an Italian accent.

And we let out a breath as the first hurdle has been breached.

We’re in play.

76

Elizabeth

Year Six - Five Years Ago from Present Day October 24 0500 Hours GMT

“Alessio! Come quickly to the bridge!”

The high-pitched yell from Diego snaps me from my pain-riddled lethargy against the wall. What’s happening now?