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I studied him. Tyler meant every word. Maybe he was a cop who got results, after all.
Maybe I could ask him to investigate Mom’s cold case.
“If it was that container, why would that DIM thingy still be sending off a signal?” I asked.
“That’s why we need to investigate it.”
“But surely that computer was encrypted, and didn’t you say it was damaged? Maybe it’s all crap?” I frowned at him.
“Cobra is highly skilled at cracking computer code.”
“What’s Cobra?” Dad scowled.
“Sorry, Cole Tanner. He works with Aria.”
“Jeez.” Dad huffed. “What is it with that lot? Cobra, Blade, Viper. Who do they think they are?”
I knew who they were, and those incredible soldiers could call themselves anything they wanted. But that was a conversation for another time.
“Cole is still working on the computer.” Tyler stood and walked to the coffee machine. “But the DIMS did correctly pinpoint a drug den that you found in the Everglades. We were just lucky that you were able to find that place in the middle of nowhere first.”
Kudos to Tyler. Rubbing Dad up the right way was going to win him brownie points.
Dad swiped his hand like he was swatting away a ghost. “It was nothing.”
“It wasn’t nothing. But anyway, the fact that it pinpointed that site gives us hope that the DIMS will help us locate more of Chui’s assets.”
The coffee machine changed in tone, and black liquid dripped into the cup he’d also brought with him. The delicious smell made my mouth water.
“I’ll get us going,” I said. “That spot on the map is a long way out.”
“Great. Want me to make you a coffee?” Tyler grinned, making that dimple in his chin somehow sexier.
I would give anything for a coffee, but there was no way I would give Tyler an opening.
I strode from the hut. As I headed toward the bridge, a cry of seagulls swooping over Kangaroo Island added to the waves slapping against Rhino’s hull. My gut churned as I wondered if making this agreement with Tyler and Aria was making a deal with the devil. It was always Dad and I against the cops, not working with them.
What the hell just happened?
As I strode onto the bridge and the overdue notices on the corkboard fluttered in the morning breeze, I convinced myself that it wasn’t Tyler that loosened my stance on trusting cops, it was the promise of keeping Rhino afloat a little longer.
I pressed the buttons to haul up all four anchors, and the grinding noise reverberated through my feet. Once the anchors were back onboard, I started Rhino’s engine, and the beast rumbled to life, shuddering the walls around me. Lifting my binoculars, I scanned the horizon. Other than a massive cargo ship on the eastern horizon, the waters were clear.
Turning the steering wheel hard right, I aimed Rhino away from Pineapple Reef and pushed the throttle forward.
“Hello, captain.” Tyler entered the bridge.
I jolted. “Christ Almighty, Kingsley. What did I tell you about sneaking up on me?”
“Sorry.” He winced. “Brought you coffee.”
He tentatively placed a coffee mug on the counter in front of me.
I squinted at him.
“Two scoops of Nescafe Blend 43 instant coffee and three sugars,” he said. “That’s how you like it, right?”
He clenched his jaw like he was trying not to smirk.
