Page 72 of Vanishing Legacy

“Stun gun.” Bethany cocked a sideways smile. “I distracted him playin’ all helpless old woman, then zap.”

“He could have shot you, Bethany.”

“I dunno.” Her lips twisted. “I guess I might deserve it after all I done.”

Alana considered the best way to deal with a woman who seemed so unstable she’d stalk someone she thought had done her wrong. Bethany had risked her own life to save her, so the least she could do was give her a little trust. “Where we going?”

“Wherever them bikers are taking yer little girl. I’ve been followin’ em these ten minutes. Looks like we’re goin’ to the ocean.” Bethany nodded to the map on the infotainment system.

“Tybee Island.” Was it possible Sonia was alive and had ordered Penny’s kidnapping? “Do you have a phone I can use?”

“Sure, hon.” Bethany handed Alana her cell phone.

Alana stared at it, trying to conjure up phone numbers from memory. There was one she knew by heart, but she wouldn’t type it into Bethany’s phone. The woman might be helping right now, but with her history of violence, giving her Rocco’s cell number was not anywhere near worth the risk. Instead, she dialed 911 and asked the dispatcher to put her through to Detective Matt Williams.

Bethany pulled into a marina and pointed. “There! They’re on that boat.”

On the horizon, Alana saw a boat skipping across the waves and headed out to the open ocean. Her heart raced as she squinted, trying to make out any figures on the boat. “Are you sure that’s them?”

“There’s the bike right there.” Bethany pointed to a black motorcycle parked between two pickup trucks, a familiar black helmet on the seat and Penny’s yellow hair tie on the ground.

“I sure as sunshine don’t see your baby girl anywhere around here, so she must be on that boat, right?”

Alana’s heart thudded harder. “You’re right. But if that boat disappears, even with the help of the Coast Guard, we might never find Penny. Here. Take the phone. When the detective is on the line, tell him Alana Flores said Sonia is still alive and she’s kidnapped Penny and Cash. Do you got all that?”

She nodded. “Why don’t you tell ’im?”

“Because I’m going after them.”

Bethany’s eyes went wide. “But shouldn’t you wait for backup or somethin’?”

“There’s no time. Just tell him.” Alana jumped out of the car and raced across the dock. Her feet pounded against the wooden planks. She scanned the boats for any possible assistance. Her gaze landed on an older woman with sun-kissed skin and short blonde hair in a center console boat. Alana raced to her boat.

The woman was leaned over, packing up her dive equipment. “Please, ma’am, can you help me? They’ve kidnapped my…my little girl, and she’s on that boat.” Alana didn’t take the time to explain that Penny wasn’t her biological daughter but pleaded with her eyes as she gestured toward the boat on the horizon.

“Oh, honey, what happened to your eye?”

Alana touched the tape. “I told you, they took my daughter! Please, can you take me to them?”

The woman darted her gaze between Alana and the disappearing boat. “That’s a big ask, honey. I don’t know you from Adam, and I’ve got my own life to worry about.”

“I understand, but please, she’s just a child. The police are on their way. I’ll pay you whatever you want—just, please help me.” Alana’s voice cracked with emotion. Tears threatened to spill over.

The woman glanced out at the water. “Well, I do know these waters. You picked the right person to ask. I’m retired Coast Guard. I’ll help, but first I need to radio this in.”

“Whatever it takes.” Alana climbed into the boat. “Just, please let’s catch up to them first. You can call it in on the way.”

“You better hold on tight, honey. If we’re going to catch that boat, it’s going to be a wild ride. Name’s Joan, by the way.”

“Alana Flores.” She climbed into the boat. “I’m a former dive detective, but right now, I’m just a concerned mom who wants to save her little girl.”

Joan gunned the engine and propelled the boat forward, slicing through the waves with impressive skill. Alana stood beside her, her knuckles white as she gripped the grab bars and prayed they wouldn’t lose the boat.

Alana squinted against the salt spray and the glare of the sun on the water. “Look!” she shouted over the roar of the engines. “They’re heading for that massive yacht over there.”

Joan’s eyebrows shot up. “Goodness gracious, that thing is enormous. Looks like they’re heading for the tender garage at the stern.”

“Get us closer, then turn to starboard. And can I borrow your snorkel gear? I’ve got a plan.”

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