Page 101 of Gin & Trouble

“Then I guess I’m stuck with you.” She turned and gave me a real smile. “I’m thankful to be with you for Christmas and that I was able to see my sisters. I’d like to banish sharks and crooked politicians.”

“I’m thankful for sharks, because they’re keeping you from jumping overboard. Crooked politicians because, what else would cable news cover?”

Frankie laughed. “What would you banish?”

“Too many things to list.”

“Do you think we can have a tree or do something special for Christmas?”

“Absolutely. Come on.” I dragged her with me to the cockpit. “Alicudi is beautiful. You should see the uninhabited side from the water.”

It was silly, but I thought Frankie would enjoy the unspoiled view of the rocky cliffs.

“Okay, but can we hike there one day? You know, when we’re done with work.” She rested her hand on my shoulder.

“Absolutely. There are a few grottos and waterfalls we can visit when the weather warms up.” I turned the key but nothing happened.

“Do you think we’ll be here that long?”

“Maybe.” Careful not to flood the engine, I tried to start the engine two more times.

“What’s wrong?” Frankie slipped out of my jacket and rested it on the back of her chair. “Are we out of gas?”

I double checked the gauge. “Three-quarters of a tank. Hang tight. I’ll be right back.”

“Okay.” She didn’t look okay. She looked worried.

“Relax. I know my way around boats.” I lifted the hatch and descended the narrow stairs to the engine.

Checking the most common problems, I verified we did, in fact, have gas. Next, I made sure the tank air vent was open. Nothing seemed amiss.

Kneeling, I checked the gas lines for kinks. My heart stopped beating.

There, tucked into the corner, was a black duffle bag chained to a piece of PVC pipe. From the looks of it, the metal links had compressed the line.

“Everything okay?” Frankie called from above.

“Grab a couple of life vests.” I tried to keep my voice steady as I inched closer to the bag. From the outside, I couldn’t tell if the fuel line was rigged to the bomb and had caused us to stall, or if whoever had chained the bag had gotten lucky.

“Dante, you’re scaring me.” She stepped onto the top rung of the ladder.

Me too, sweetheart. Me too.

“Get the vests. I’ll be right there.” As slow as my trembling hands would move, I pulled the bag open. Inside sat a phone duct taped to three rectangular shaped objects, covered in plastic wrap. I squinted at the screen on the cell. “Fuck me. Five minutes?”

Panicking, I tugged on the pipe. If I could break it, I might be able to toss the bag overboard.

Whoever had planted the device had done a good job of ensuring it stayed in place. The harder I pulled, the more I jostled the bag and risked detonating the explosive by accident.

No time. We have to swim for it.

I bounded up the ladder. “I need you to listen. Okay?”

“Dante, what is it?”

“Hold a vest and jump. Don’t put it on. It will slow you down. Just hold it and swim for the island. Do you understand?”

Frankie paled. “What? Why? We’ll get hypothermia. And sharks. You said there were sharks.”

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