Chapter 9
The hot sun beat down on them and the heat from the flaming yacht reached out, trying to sap their energy. The team rowed them further away, but not too far. The yacht torch would help the Coast Guard find them, so they couldn't stray too far. Sam, Jesse, and the CIA agents used their hands to bail out the boat. It was definitely taking on water, but slowly. The only advantage they had was that the ocean was unusually calm, with gentle swells versus breaking waves.
Sam returned to his seat next to Michael and spoke low into his ear. "Mike, I don't think this boat is gonna hold out with all of us in it. We've got life jackets. Some of us could go over the side and tread water until help arrives."
"I'll volunteer," one of the commandos said with a thin smile.
Sam gave him a look and returned his attention to Mike. "Well, what do you think? You, me, Jesse, and this guy, and his buddy go into the water, and Maddie and Virgil can stay here with Bailey, Menaro and the Captain."
"Nonsense, Mr. Axe. I'm going too," the Captain said as he reached for a life preserver under the seat where Maddie and Virgil sat. He held up another, and the soldier took it. "We can hang around the lifeboat, but don't try to get back in. It'll go down for sure."
"Hopefully it won't be for too long," Sam said.
"I'm not thrilled with the idea, but if it'll keep the boat afloat, let's do it," Michael said. He pulled out three life preservers for Sam, Jesse and him. Everyone put them on and slipped off the sides into the water. The activity caused the boat to teeter, but their hands held it until it settled. "Alright, hands off," Michael ordered, and the boat stayed steady while they backpedaled away but kept a protective perimeter.
The water was cool, and if they had to stay in it for hours, it could become dangerous. Michael wasn't even thinking about sharks or other predators. Hypothermia could set in. He glanced at his watch and mentally calculated.
"We've been stranded for about a half hour," Sam said. "It could be worse."
"I wish we had a flare gun," Jesse muttered as he treaded water next to Sam.
"It wouldn't work any better than the flaming boat," Michael replied. "We just have to hang in there. Someone will be along soon."
"Sixth sense, Mikey?"
"No, I think I hear a helicopter." He scanned the blue sky and puffy clouds overhead. "There, at one o'clock. See that blob?"
All eyes turned to where Michael pointed, and indeed the dark blot on the sky seemed to be looming larger. Even if it was an airplane, surely someone would see the fire and call for help. He could hear the rhythmic thumping of the blades, and he knew that it was a helicopter. As it approached at a good clip, it became apparent that it was a chopper. It slowed, and the sun glinted off the side as it turned to make a wide circle above them. Michael had never been so happy to see the colors red and white before.
"Help is here," Maddie shouted with joy. "See, Virgil? It's gonna be alright. The Coast Guard is here!"
A voice from above shouted over a speaker. "Hang on folks, we'll get you out of the water in a couple minutes. A Coast Guard boat is on the way to assist."
A cable with a basket came down, and the men in the water grabbed and held onto it. Michael directed his words at Bailey and Merano. "You two, get Virgil in the basket."
Maddie moved out of the way, and the two men picked up Virgil. He was heavy, so they jostled and repositioned him so he wouldn't fall, but the boat teetered violently.
"Hey, hey, watch it!"
"We're trying, Westen. Sorry we're not all super experienced in water rescues like you," Menaro shot back. He and Bailey inched closer to the basket and dumped Virgil inside none to gracefully. A soft "oof" came out of him.
"Geez, don't quit your day jobs, fellas," Virgil groaned. The basket started to rise. Maddie stood and clasped is hand for a moment, and he squeezed it. "Don't worry, darlin'. We'll be together again soon."
Maddie was next. She rode up in the basket, followed by the extraction team members. The cruiser appeared and a boat picked up Bailey and Menaro, Michael, Sam and Jesse. The helicopter left the scene with the others, and the Coast Guard decided to let the boat burn itself out. The vessel turned away from the scene and made its way back to Miami. During the two hour trip, everyone picked up from the water was checked out and questioned.
Considering the seriousness of the ambush, they all kept their mouths shut about what happened on the island and how the boat came to be burning in the ocean. It was a simple mechanical breakdown that turned into an inferno, and the Coast Guard had no reason to believe that anyone was lying. By the time they reached the base, Virgil had been taken to the hospital and Maddie went with him. The team was nowhere to be found.
"What happened to your guys, Bailey," Sam asked as the five men stood outside the base.
"They had their orders to return to HQ," he replied, and a slow smile spread across his face. "One of 'em came back with a car. Sorry, guys. That sedan has less room than that lifeboat." He gave them a quick salute and he and Menaro approached the car.
Menaro shot over his shoulder, "It's been fun!"
"As fun as a pit of scorpions," Jesse shot back. He grumbled low and looked at Sam and Michael. "I don't know how those guys manage to stay in the Agency. Mike, if you don't take that as a reason to get out, man..."
"Don't worry. I'm already writing my resignation letter in my head." Michael grinned. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and frowned. It was completely soaked and ruined by the sea water. "Anybody got a working phone?"
"No need." Sam grinned. "I called Elsa from the rescue boat, and she's coming to pick us up. As a matter of fact, there she is." He jutted his chin toward the SUV coming their way with Elsa at the wheel.
Elsa stopped and parked, and she almost flew out the open door and slammed into Sam. Their lips met in a passionate reunion and he held her close, his hands touching her as if he hadn't seen her in years rather than days. Michael and Jesse watched, uncomfortable by the amount of affection.
"Think we should just get a taxi," Jesse asked.
"I think they're almost done."
Sam pulled away from her lips and studied her face. "I wasn't sure I'd see you again. I love you, Elsa."
She planted a quick kiss on his lips and replied, "I love you too, Sammy. I'm so glad you came back safe." Her eyebrows rose. "You are okay, aren't you?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Mike and Jesse are fine too. Now, why don't we go home?"
"Where's the yacht?" Elsa looked past them and squinted at the port. Only a couple of Coast Guard vessels were moored there.
"Well..." Sam hesitated. "That's a long story. I'll tell you on the way home."
She took in a deep breath. "It got blown up, didn't it. Didn't it! Sam, how could you let that happen?"
"Honey, it wasn't my fault! It was the guys trying to kill us."
Elsa wouldn't listen. She whirled on her heel and strode to the SUV, not caring if anyone followed. Sam glanced at Michael and Jesse.
"You know, maybe Jesse's right. You better take a cab, 'cause I've gotta get Elsa cooled down before she goes nuclear."
"Will you be okay, Sam?" Michael looked worried.
"Yeah, you're forgetting, I know how to tame a wild Elsa." He winked. The engine roared and Elsa laid on the horn. "Uhoh, gotta go. See you guys later. Carlito's for lunch tomorrow?"
"If you survive," Michael said and he and Jesse nodded in agreement. "Just don't tell her too much, okay?"
"Don't worry, Mike. I'll straighten this out and have her eating out of my hand again. Just wait." He smirked, turned and walked toward the SUV.
"Now that takes some courage," Jesse breathed. "Dealing with Elsa after all he's been through. It's times like this I'm glad I'm still single." He turned to Michael. "So, what now?"
"Let's go find a bar. I could use drink."
Jesse laughed. "I just want to get in some shade and down a nice cold one. Then I'll worry about how to get home."
Michael and Jesse walked out of the base and down the street. The base attracted bars and restaurants, so they picked a restaurant where they wouldn't get too many looks in their disheveled clothes. He should have been trying to get in contact with the CIA offices, but today Michael would dip his toes into the waters of freedom, try it out, and see if he could find some peace there. But he was kidding himself. The only way he could truly give up that life is if Fiona would come back to him. As he and Jesse toasted to their survival, Michael added a silent hope that he could win her heart again, and he downed the glass in one long gulp.
"Woah, pace yourself, man."
"Don't worry about me, Jesse. I'm going to be fine."
Larry was right, it was the end of the line: for Larry, Michael's career. He should have felt a sense of loss, but he experienced nothing other than relief and excitement over the future and what it might hold. It was scary, intimidating even, but he couldn't wait to start.
