Page 40 of Hurting Hunter
Hunter eased his grip as Emilio started spilling information.
Ethan leaned against the doorframe of his apartment, the tension in his muscles easing as the officers from Internal Affairs filed out. As he watched them go, the weight of the past few hours lifted off his shoulders with each step they took away from his door.
Free.
The word felt strange, almost unreal. He could hardly believe it.
His phone buzzed in his pocket and pulled him back to the present. He glanced at the screen and saw Hunter's name.
Ethan answered quickly, anticipation making his heart race. "How are you?"
"We've got them," Hunter said, his voice firm and relieved.
Ethan let out the breath he didn't know he'd been holding. "That's great news. I'm free, Hunter. All charges dropped, and house arrest lifted."
There was a brief silence, then Hunter replied, "That's fantastic!”
“It is. How are you holding up?"
"I'm okay. Safe now. How about you?"
Hunter's tone shifted as the weariness he must be feeling crept in. "We’re safe, got maybe forty women and children here. We’ll bring them to the safehouse as agreed. Have social services and doctors at hand, because it’s bad. Really bad."
Ethan's grip tightened on the phone. "And Aubrey?"
Silence stretched on the other end of the line. "Gone," Hunter finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Ethan’s heart plummeted. "What do you mean gone? Dead?"
"No, no. Sorry. Four captives, including Aubrey, have been transported to a boat or ship," Hunter explained. "It's called the Majestic Dawn, sailing under a Panamanian flag. It’s posing as a cruise ship, but once in international waters, the guests will bid on the women."
Ethan's mind raced, picturing the bustling ports of Seattle. "Smith Cove Cruise Terminal?"
"Exactly," Hunter confirmed. "It’s a smart move. Seattle is the gateway for many Alaska cruises.”
“I know. They have over two hundred departures from seven major cruise lines.”
“According to my information, the Majestic Dawn will be leaving from Smith Cove Piers 90/91."
Ethan closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "I know it well. We need to act fast. Dani and I’ll get an intervention team out there. You take care of bringing the other women to safety."
"Will do. As soon as I end my call, we’re on our way. Can you send arrest units to the warehouse? We’ve apprehended twelve guards. And can you get the authorities and port security ready?"
“On it.”
Ethan gripped the phone so tight his knuckles ached as he dialed the number for the Port of Seattle. Each ring seemed to stretch into eternity. Finally, a calm, professional voice answered on the other end. "Port of Seattle, how may I assist you?"
Ethan drew a deep breath, his words tumbling out in a rush. "This is Detective Ethan Stephenson with the Seattle PD. We have an emergency. A ship named Majestic Dawn, under a Panamanian flag, is scheduled to leave Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91. It's posing as a cruise ship, but it's a front for human trafficking. Women and children are scheduled to be auctioned once the ship reaches international waters. The ship is disguised as a regular cruise liner. It must be stopped before it leaves port. We have confirmation from a credible source. There are at least four captives.”
There was a brief pause before the operator responded. When she finally did her voice steady. "I understand, detective. We have The Majestic Dawn on schedule to leave at 5 am. What can we do?”
Ethan checked his watch—3:32. “Please delay the departure. Maybe…” Ethan swallowed hard, his mind racing. "Has anyone from the port been on the ship?”
“Yes, porters helped with luggage and supplies.”
“Great. Tell them one of them went home sick and reported a positive COVID-19 test. Tell them we’re getting tests for all the passengers. It will also help us determine how many people are on board.”
Ethan snatched his jacket from the back of a chair, his movements swift and determined. He threw it on as he bolted out the door, taking the stairs two at a time. His breath came in quick, sharp bursts.
