Every man on the boat looked up ahead, their trained eyes spotting their target almost instantly.
“Got it,” Digger confirmed, bringing the boat to a slow-rolling stop.
With the engine cut, the scene grew quiet. The ocean’s current created a soft, steady beat as its waters splashed against the boat’s sleek hull. Baker continued giving them helpful intel while Beckett and the others listened closely.
“Current sig count is six,” he referred to the heat signatures his program was picking up. “We’ve got two on deck, two at the helm, and two more down below. Best bet, your girl’s being kept in one of the cabins, but that’s only a guess.”
It also made the most sense.
“All right, gentlemen, listen up!” Digger took charge. “We use the same, non-regulated approach through the water, using the buddy system to stay safe. You know the drill. You have an issue or need to come up for air, alert your dive buddy, they’ll get the next guy’s attention, and so on.”
“We board the yacht, the first thing will be to clear the deck,” Apollo reminded them all. “Once that area is secured, Dig, Bones, and I will take the first level down. Falcon, you, Mustang, and Aleck will handle any sigs still at the helm.”
Picking things back up, Digger added, “From there, we’ll all make our way through the rest of the yacht until every target is accounted for, and the hostage is safe.”
“Evie’s top priority,” Beckett reminded the entire group. “She’s the whole reason we’re here. If we can bring Granger in alive to face charges for what he’s done, great. But finding Evie and ensuring her safety is our number one goal.”
“Understood, Bones.” Aleck dipped his neoprene hooded head. “Like I said, we get it.”
“There’s something else,” Baker spoke up again.
“Can it wait?” Beckett’s tone did little to hide his growing frustration. “Evie’s two miles away, which means we still have about an eighty-minute swim to get to her.”
A lot could happen in eighty minutes, and he wasn’t about to waste a minute more standing around shootin’ the shit.
“This is important, Bones. I figured out Granger’s motive for kidnapping Evie.”
While he could appreciate the other man’s tenacity and willingness to help, right now, motive was the last thing on Beckett’s mind.
“No offense, Baker, but I really don’t give a shit about why Granger did what he did. All I care about is getting our asses on that fucking yacht.”
“Normally, I would agree with you. But I think you’re going to want to know what else I uncovered before you put even one of your ten little piggies on that boat.”
Beckett filled his lungs with air before releasing it out into the passing ocean breeze. “Fine. But make it quick.”
Less than a handful of minutes later, Beckett had to admit, the man was right. One of the first rules of war was to learn everything you could about your enemy.
And if Landy Granger hadn’t already put himself in the center of Beckett’s sights, the crooked son of a bitch would most definitely be there now.
I’ll fucking kill him.
The deadly mantra pushed him through the frigid waters as he and the team made their way to their floating target. As if playing on a silent loop, Beckett used the unspoken words as his own personal battle cry. Each push of his fins matched with a piece of the ominous vow…
I’ll.Kick.Fucking.Kick.Kill.Kick.Him.Kick.
In his mind, he saw the scene play out like the most satisfying ending to a harrowing action movie. His team would board the yacht. Neutralize those stupid enough to get in bed with a man like Granger. And then…
I’ll. Fucking. Kill. Him.
So that was the plan. They’d locate the asshole, take him down, and Evie would be safe. Then, once they were back on shore, the two of them could live out the rest of their days lost in their own happily ever after.
It was the only ending he would accept. The only one he would allow. Because a world without Evie lighting it up was a world in which Beckett had no desire to live.
Time stretched on as the team plus two made their way through the ocean seemingly undetected. Finally, after what felt like the longest dive of his life, Digger indicated that they’d reached their long-awaited destination.
“Just like we planned,” Digger spoke low enough only they could hear. “We’ll clear the deck together, and then you three”—he looked to Falcon, Mustang, and Aleck—will head to the helm while the three of us take the next level down. At that time, we’ll do an all call for a quick SITREP and decide where to go from there. Questions?”
When no one spoke up, he gave a curt nod and told Baker, “Going silent upon approach. Boarding vessel now.”