Page 13 of Depths of Desire
“The lifeboats. This ship had lifeboats, right? Maybe we just can’t see them because they’re in the water on the opposite side of the ship.
“Maybe,” I say, however I don’t believe that.
“What about the Coast Guard or Navy or whoever those officers were? Do you think they got off in time?”
“Uncertain.”
She shivers. “Do you think…” Her voice fades out.
“Do I think?” I cock an eyebrow at her.
“Well, it’s stupid really…but I just suddenly thought that everything was going fine until they boarded the ship, and then it literally went up in flames. Do you think they were the target?”
“No. The explosives that created holes that massive in the sides of the ship would take a while to place. I would guess they were put in place either before we left the dock or someone on board placed them just after.”
What I don’t mention is that it’s quite possible someone who boarded as part of the Coast Guard might have set the explosives, or they might have been the ones to trigger them.Either way, my guess is that the authorities were involved in whatever the hell is going on.
A low hum vibrates through the air. Engines. I turn, eyes straining against the darkness. Normally, a boat would have its lights on. But my guy knows better. Slowly, a small vessel glides into sight.
"Our ride’s here," I say.
Luna scans the water. "Where? I can’t see anything."
"Let your eyes adjust."
The boat floats closer.
"Okay, swim to it. Think you can do that?" She nods, but I see it. She’s at her limit. I swim beside her, staying close until we reach the boat.
"Adolfo," I call.
"Yeah, I got you," he says quietly.
"Get Luna first."
She lifts her arms, and I boost her up while Adolfo hauls her onto the deck. She lands with a soft thud. I grab the railing and vault over it, landing softly on the gunwale. Vampire strength. There’s nothing like it.
Luna shivers violently as Adolfo tosses me a blanket. I wrap it around her, pulling her against me, seating us at the back of the boat.
"What are you doing?" she murmurs, her voice sleepy, sluggish.
"Keeping you warm."
Adolfo turns the boat and starts moving—slowly at first, keeping the noise at a minimum. Luna leans into me for warmth. My body reacts. I fight it, but then—The scent of blood hits me. I go still.
"Luna, you’re hurt."
She lifts her head so she can see me. "No, I’m not."
"Yes, you are." I can’t tell her how I know, but there’s no mistaking the smell of blood.
She frowns. "I’m not?—"
I lift her arm, and there it is—a gash along her bicep. Probably happened on the way out.
"Oh," she murmurs. "I didn’t even realize."
"Adrenaline will do that."
