Page 304 of Hidden Depths

No registration.

It sped toward the opposite side of the reef.

“That’s their extraction,” Nathan said.

Ward lifted the radio again.

“Coast Guard, second unidentified vessel approaching the stranded boat at high speed.”

The operator asked for a description.

Ward gave it as the gray vessel disappeared behind the reef.

For thirty seconds...

Nothing happened.

Then the boat shot back into view.

It was heading away from us.

Fast.

Too far away for us to see who was aboard.

Ivy had her camera back and was busy taking pictures.

“No visible registration,” he said.

“Can we follow them?” Ben asked.

Calle shook her head.

“Not safely. We’re down an engine, and they know it.”

Ward’s expression hardened.

He hated letting them escape.

So did I.

But he wouldn’t risk everyone aboard Sea Whisper for a pursuit we couldn’t win.

“Send the photographs to the Coast Guard,” he said.

Ivy nodded.

“Already doing it.”

Twenty minutes later, the first Coast Guard helicopter thundered overhead.

The sound filled me with relief.

Frank waved both arms.

Rose pulled them down.

“They can see the yacht, Frank.”