Page 77 of Pirates in Calusa Cove

The boat rocked as it pulled away from the slip.

She stared out the porthole. She knew exactly where she was—a popular marina lined a channel leading into Gullivan Bay.

Where was Mallary taking her and why? What was the plan? Had Fenton boarded the boat? What did he have to do with all of this?

So many questions, and she didn’t have any answers.

The only thing she knew for sure was that she was going to die if she didn’t do something. But what?

Don’t be reckless. Don’t act impulsively.

What would Keaton do? Well, he’d be prepared with a weapon and a plan. She had neither. But she did have a window. And there were other boaters. She hobbled around the cuddy in search of a pen and paper. She opened every drawer…every cabinet…and found nothing.

She had to find a way to signal a vessel as she passed them. Pressing her nose against the porthole, she watched as the boat accelerated into the open waters.

The door rattled.

She spun, losing her footing, and fell on her ass. She groaned when she used both hands to cushion the blow, causing her bad shoulder to explode.

“Well, lookie who found a way to escape her restraints.” Mallary waved her gun around and laughed.

“You won’t get away with this.” Trinity lunged forward.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Mallary pointed her gun right at Trinity’s chest. “You are literally of no use to me now.”

“Why not?”

“Fenton has the jewels. He’s meeting us out at sea. Once I get them…” She shrugged. “You’re shark bait.”

“Just like that. You’re a stone-cold killer.”

Mallary inched closer, pressing the gun into Trinity’s gut. “This isn’t my first rodeo.” She smiled. “Mommy didn’t swallow a bottle of pills and kill herself.”

Trinity covered her mouth and gasped.

“That’s right.” Mallary smiled a wicked, deadly grin. “Sure, I painted this picture of how close we were, but the truth was, I hated my mother. She was selfish and not much better than wife number two. Can you believe she thought that me working on my dad’s slimy boats was a good idea? My mother thought I should be groomed to take over the family business. Like I want to smell like fish guts all day.” Mallary scrunched up her nose.

“And Amber? Did you kill Amber, too?” Flashes of that college party from so many years ago bombarded Trinity’s brain like a cattle prod.

“Damn, what a leap, but yeah.” Mallary shrugged. “She was sleeping with Tim, and he should’ve been mine. Not to mention, you and she were becoming a little too buddy-buddy after all the hard work I had put into you. Talk about not showing respect.” Mallary shook her head. “You know, I thought about putting an end to you when you chose to move back to Calusa Cove instead of coming to Marco Island when that dipshit Charlie did a number on you. I couldn’t believe you slapped me in the face like that.”

Trinity lifted her shaky hand. If she was going to overtake Mallary, it was now or never. The boat rolled up and down with the ocean waves. It moved at a good clip, heading out to sea. Thus far, she’d only seen two other men onboard. Big men. With big guns. But one would have to be behind the helm, driving. One thing at a time. Just breathe.

She sucked in some oxygen as her fingertips brushedagainst the cold metal. Her heart landed in her throat like a cement brick. She couldn’t swallow if she tried, so she didn’t bother.

“You’re a fucking bitch,” Trinity said, curling her fingers around the grip of the gun. She shoved Mallary hard.

“What the hell?” Mallary’s eyes went wide with shock as she slammed against the table.

The boat hit a wave, and she rolled to the side.

It was all Trinity could do to balance herself with her legs while holding the weapon in her good hand. Her father had given her a million lessons on how to shoot, but she’d been better with a rifle.

However, when it came to a handgun, she wasn’t the worst shot. She just didn’t like guns, which is why she didn’t own one. After this, she might change her mind. It was Florida, and almost everyone she knew had one, Baily included.

Mallary twisted and turned her body, pushing away from the table, and stepped closer.

“I won’t hesitate to shoot you,” Trinity said.

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