Page 160 of Rescuing You

“Brock. Any men on deck at the stern?”

“One, port side, watching the coast guard.”

“Copy.” To the sisters, he said, “I’m going to open this and provide cover. While I do that, run to your left.” He pointed toward the rear of the boat on the starboard side, to be sure they both understood. “And jump.”

“What?” Leila’s question came out ragged.

He’d never heard so much terror in a single word.

“I’ll be right behind you.” He kissed her forehead. “Trust me.”

They were out of time.

If Leila and Jasmine didn’t do as he said…

This would end very badly.

CHAPTER FORTY

Leila was still trying to make sense of what Michael had said.

Jump? Into the sea?

Was he insane?

But killers were coming. Almost in.

Michael shoved the door over his head open, rose up, aimed.

Fired. “Go!”

Everything in her screamed.

No!

But she didn’t try to come up with a plan B.

She scrambled up and out into the cold, damp air.

Jasmine followed, right on her heels. They bolted to the side of the boat.

Reached the railing.

Climbed up.

Inhaled.

And jumped.

Into the abyss.

Water covered her, frigid. It had waited, waited all those years for the life that had been snatched from its jaws when she was a child. It swallowed her now, pulling her down, down…

She tasted salt and death and knew this was the end.

But then she rose, just like Michael had promised she would.

Someone gripped the life jacket and yanked her back to the surface.