Page 46 of Scammed

“There’s one headed that way now,” said Ian. “We’ve been tracking it for a while, and there’s an eighty-eight percent probability that it will hit the island. Either way, the only way to get there is via boat from the bigger islands. He’ll be cocky and think he can handle it.”

“What if we fail?” whispered Amy. They all stared at her as if she were speaking a foreign language. “What if you get there and he has outsmarted all of you? What if he is better than Marcel remembers?”

“Amy, we have a few days to plan for this. For now, let’s get him the painting and see what happens. We will stop this man, and we will make sure that you and Marcel have a very long, very happy life together. Once we have him, we’ll complete the job of stopping all the hackers.”

“You’re all so confident,” she frowned.

“We tell them that all the time,” said Ela. Ro and Ellie nodded at her.

“It’s annoying as all get out. They’re always sure that they’ll defeat the bad guys. They’re always sure that everything will work out. They’re always sure of everything,” mimicked Ellie.

“And doesn’t it always work out?” asked Jax, standing behind his wife.

“Y-yes,” she grinned.

“And don’t we always get the bad guys?” asked Marc.

“I mean, yeah, you do. Alive or dead,” she smirked.

“We won’t fail this time either,” said Trak. “Ask Matthew. Good will triumph over evil every single time. I think you should continue your research into Couvillion and his family, little one. You might be able to provide information that we need.”

“You’re trying to keep me distracted, aren’t you?” she smirked. Trak looked at her with a serious expression.

“I would resort to anything to protect the life of my brother’s wife.” Amy laughed, shaking her head as she kissed the older man’s cheek.

“You’re lucky I find you incredibly dark, brooding, sexy, and attractive for a man who could be my father,” she smiled. “I’ll go do some research on the Couvillions. Be careful. I know he’s not a good man.”

Ian and Ghost smiled at Trak, chuckling at the woman’s description of him.

“I’m not brooding,” he frowned.

“Hell you aren’t,” laughed Ghost. “But that’s why we love you, brother. Come on. Let’s get the boat and head out there.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

The small winding waterways and bayous leading to their meet spot were slow. Moving fast created wakes that would disturb nesting wildlife, like the famous pelicans of Louisiana. The men were cautious to ensure that nothing was frightened.

Inside the cabin, the painting was wrapped and secured. With Ian, Ghost, Bull, Whiskey, and Trak all on board, it would be unlikely that Couvillion would bring enough men to overpower them.

As always, they were prepared if he tried. The team knew the art of intimidation. They might be old, or at least older than they appeared, but they were masters at warfare. Part of intimidation wasn’t just about the weapons you carried but also about your appearance.

Every man wore black tactical trousers and tight-fitting black t-shirts, highlighting the curves and cuts of their well-defined muscles. Trak’s hair, always longer on top, was pulled into a tight man-bun, making him look decidedly more dangerous and handsome at the same time.

Ghost, with his infinite cover of tattoos, had his hair longer around his shoulders, his beard long to his chest, tied in several spots, giving the appearance of a pirate. Fitting.

Of the three oldest men, Ian was the one who looked pedestrian. His hair was cut neatly around his neck, his beard trimmed to a perfect angle.

Bull and Whiskey looked as they always had. Solid. Muscled. And pissed off at the world.

“He might shoot first and ask questions later,” said Ghost. “Be prepared.”

“He would be a fool to do so if we still have the painting. Once it’s passed over, he might try something. Just make sure he’s aware that he’ll go down with us or at least point at the painting.”

“I’ve got an idea,” smirked Bull. He disappeared below deck, and the others just shrugged.

“We’ll be close enough to the highway that he risks being seen,” said Whiskey. “Marcel and the others are back by now. They’ll be prepared to leave for Caicos.”

“I’m sure we’ll get Evie or Savannah to drop us on the island and be waiting for him. The storm should hit within seventy-two hours, so we’ll need to get there soon. Is there any shelter on the island?” asked Ghost.

---