Page 69 of Storm Warning

Hawk! Hawk was alive, he’d survived. The gunshot had merely been meant to send him into hiding. Cole couldn’t lose the guy. Hawk wouldn’t give up. His determination infused her with hope.

And neither would Remi. She might have been haunted by her past, attacked and abducted, but now she was more determined than ever. She doubted Cole realized that his relentless pursuit, his psychological games, only made her stronger.

Remi carefully balanced and stood on the deck, hoping that Hawk would see her. She was counting on him to watch her make a risky move.

The boat hit a wave and flew up into the air, tossing her up as well, then suddenly swerved, cutting to the left so that she landed in the water. The shock of cold rolled through her. Heart pounding, she sucked in a breath before her body sank. While jumping out of the boat had been her plan, she’d wanted to make the choice of when and how. She kicked her bound legs, but it wasn’t enough to keep her above the rippling waves that pounded her down and under.

28

Heart jackhammering, he laser-focused on the spot where Remi had disappeared beneath the chop.

She’d been standing when they hit the wave head-on, and then Cole had turned hard to port.

“Remi!” he shouted to the wind and rain, then slowed his boat as he approached. No time to drop anchor, he killed the engine. He risked the waves pushing the boat away from the spot where she’d gone in, but he couldn’t risk hurting her with the boat or motor.

His shoulders tensed as he searched the water on both sides of the boat.

She hadn’t come back up. He kept watch on Cole’s vessel. His brother could turn around and come back as soon as he realized Remi was no longer with him. Or Cole could keep going because the harbor police were out searching the waters now.

Hawk was going in after her. He grabbed the flotation device and jumped in. To dive, he’d have to leave the device and hope it was near when he came up with Remi. Because he would come up with her. He wouldn’t accept defeat.

He dove into the dark, cold waters and swam until hereached the calm below the chop. He could barely see in the murky dimness. He spotted her struggling to reach the surface. Struggling and failing. Bubbles rippling from her mouth. He had to reach her before it was too late. Kicking hard, he grabbed her arms and dragged her up, shoving her above the water. She gasped and coughed.

“What took you so long?” She didn’t smile with her question.

He was just happy he got to her. He’d wanted to find his brother and somehow fix him, and now, all he wanted to do was strangle him. But he let the anger go. They had to get to safety.

“Where’s the boat?” she asked.

Where was the life preserver? Both were washed well out of reach in the brutally rough waves. They couldn’t tread this for long. Except ... wait ... a Seattle Harbor Patrol boat sped toward them.

And slowed. Relieved, Hawk swam to the boat, pulling Remi with him since she was helpless with her wrists and ankles tied. A marine police officer assisted them aboard, cut off her plastic ties, then escorted them below deck, where it was warm. He offered them each blankets.

“Thanks.” Hawk used it to wipe his face off and wrapped it around his body.

Remi did the same and then she sat in a booth.

“Glad to be of assistance. I’m Sergeant Medford.”

“Hawk Beckett and Remi Grant. What’s happening?” Hawk asked. “You’re not letting him get away, are you?”

“Not letting who get away?”

“The man who shot John Marshall, and who abducted her.” Hawk’s voice hitched up with his anger.

“Why don’t you tell me your version?”

“I will, but I want to know you’re not letting him get away.”

“The Harbor Patrol officers are handling this. Now, your version. Your statement.” The man studied Hawk. “You’re that pilot with King County Aerial Unit, aren’t you?”

“I was, yes.”

“You can’t stay out of the news, can you?” He arched a brow.

Hawk shared a glance with Remi. “I guess not.”

“John. How is he?” Remi asked.

---