Page 42 of Island Holiday

She shrugged off the compliment. “You had it under control.”

He watched her stride away toward the bow of the boat, step up to the gunwale, and then straight over to the fire rescue boat, just as smoothly as if she’d been walking down the street.

“They train ’em well around here,” Logan said.

Connor didn’t reply. His attention drawn to Zimmer who was—finally—in handcuffs and surrounded by the authorities. “What now?” he asked Logan.

“You know the drill. Statements, contact information. All the usual.”

Connor looked down. He’d lost a shoe in the water wrestling match. Sucked into the pluff mud probably. He figured he might be mostly dry by the time the authorities were done. He wasn’t sure if that was good or bad. Toeing off the remaining shoe, he peeled off his socks. “And after that?”

“Christmas!” Logan smiled broadly. “Got plans?”

He glanced over at Sonya on the water taxi. “I sure hope so.”

Chapter 15

From the bow ofthe chartered boat, Sonya kept an eye on the young women. The three of them had been briefed and then moved to the fire rescue boat. There, they’d each called their families. Her stomach was still queasy due to the situation, not the rocking boat. It hadn’t been easy watching the young women come to terms with the danger they’d unwittingly been in.

This situation would leave its mark on them in indelible ways. Being duped was a shock in and of itself. Whatever Zimmer had specifically planned for them on the deep-sea charter, it went beyond an influencer training class. The three of them were safe now. Wiser too, she hoped. Trust was a good thing, but it should be earned, not given away carelessly.

“We’ll take good care of them, ma’am.”

Sonya wanted to hug the police officer, but managed to hold back. The cold fist gripping her heart loosened a bit more. “Thank you.”

Tears stung the back of her throat. Happy tears. Relief that these young women would be reunited with their families in time to celebrate the holidays.

She waved as the fire department’s water rescue team motored upriver, the boat leaving a gentle wake on the smooth surface.

It was over.

At least on her part.

She looked toward the stern where Zimmer was handcuffed and flanked by two people in FBI windbreakers.

“How are you holding up?” Jess asked, drawing her down beside her on the bench seat in front of the helm.

The water taxi had headed back to its normal route, leaving Sonya to wonder what was next.

“I’m fine.” It wasn’t really a lie, though it was hardly the full truth. “When will we hear anything about the boat they were scheduled to meet? Or what Zimmer intended?”

Jess smoothed her hair back from her face. “The FBI grabbed the lead on that, so I’m not sure. Once we have news, I’ll share it. Are you thinking Mertens will be at the exchange?”

“No.” Sonya was frustrated, but she couldn’t change it. She wanted answers that weren't immediately available. The authorities would take their time unraveling Zimmer's plans. All she could do was hope the news would trickle down to her eventually. “Physically, she hasn’t been anywhere close to the actual crimes.”

“Financially?”

“Financially, her fingerprints are all over this. The shell companies that specialize in the rentals should be a trove of good intel. I’m hoping the investigators find her before she can hide,” she said.

The sunset painted the sky with pinks and oranges and the grasses along the shore swayed in the breeze. They’d be backto the hotel dock within minutes. She should relax. Pull herself together. But she was still edgy.

“Thanks for everything, Jess.” Her gaze drifted back to Connor. He hardly looked winded, yet she’d seen him give his all to the fight with Zimmer. She’d been in awe as he swiftly protected her. He was her hero. It was all she could do to stand here when she wanted to throw herself into his arms. “Especially for bringing the backup,” she added.

Connor was awesome, but having seen it play out, she was even more grateful for the support.

“You’re welcome.” Jess smiled at her. “Logan and Knox were happy to help. They love this stuff. You know how it is.”

Sonya nodded along, pretending. In theory, sure, she understood the team effort. In reality, this was a first for her.

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