Page 76 of Pirates in Calusa Cove

“What?” Chloe asked.

“We’re forgetting one thing,” Keaton said. “We don’t know if Trinity is actually on that boat, but I think we can use Fenton to find out.”

“I’ll do whatever you want,” Fenton said.

“What are you thinking?” Chloe asked.

“She wants the jewels, and Fenton here led her to believe he could get them. She likely saw him pull in.” Keaton rubbed his jaw. “Let’s have him call and tell her that he got them. During the rush at my house, while they were taking Monty and me to the hospital, he was able to get in and get them. But when he got here, he saw Bradley and got scared, so he rented a boat, and he’ll meet her out at sea, but…” Keaton raised his finger. “Iwant him to ask about Trinity, whether the kidnappers have her, too.”

“Let’s do it,” Chloe said.

Fenton pulled out his phone.

“Put it on speaker.” Keaton waved his hand.

It rang twice. “Hello? Fenton? Is that you?”

“Mallary? Are you okay?” Fenton asked in what could only be described as incredible acting. As if he cared. Maybe he did because one didn’t turn off feelings that quickly.

“Barely,” she whispered. “I’m so lucky they haven’t found this phone.”

“I have good news,” he said. “I’ve got the jewels.”

“You do? How did you manage that?”

“Trinity’s dad was hurt really bad. Last I checked, he was still in surgery. And Keaton, they had to take him to the hospital, too. While all that was going down, I poked around and found them. But when I got to the marina, a cop was hanging around, so I got scared. I didn’t want to do anything that would upset those who kidnapped you. I will call them now and tell them I rented a boat and to meet me out in open water. I think that’s safer.”

“You’re probably right,” she whispered.

“Did you know that Trinity is missing now, too?”

“She’s here,” Mallary said. “You can save us both.”

“Okay. Hang tight. I’m on my way.” Fenton ended the call. “That bitch. She plans on killing me, too.”

Keaton coughed, pounding his chest. “What makes you believe that?”

“And you don’t?” Dawson glared.

“Just asking the question as to what brought him to that conclusion so fast.” Keaton raised his hands.

“What else is she going to do with me after I bring her the jewels I obviously don’t have,” Fenton mumbled. “Don’t you think I should call the other number now to make it all legit? Otherwise, they might think something is up.”

“Good idea.” Keaton nodded, rolling his neck. He still didn’t like the guy, but he hated him a little less.

That call lasted only four seconds. The man grunted a few coordinates at Fenton and then hung up.

Chloe stuck her head out around the side of the building. “They’re firing up the engines. They took the bait. Let’s roll.”

That’s all Keaton needed. Trinity was on that boat, and he wouldn’t wait another second to get to the woman he knew he didn’t want to live without.

CHAPTER 16

Trinity twistedand turned the knife. It dug into her skin, making her wince every time it drew blood, but with the last flick of her wrist, her hands broke free from the restraints. Her shoulder throbbed, and her arm felt like a dead weight against her body without the sling.

The engines roared to life.

Oh no! Her chance at freedom was being snatched from her grasp before she even had the opportunity to try to escape.

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