Page 90 of Max's Mission

A curious frown sat on Sam’s face, but he didn’t argue.

Max shifted to the side. “Take the wheel.”

“What? Why? What are you planning?” He grabbed the wheel as Max let go.

“Get me as close to that boat as you can.” Staying low, he walked around the dash.

“Max! You’re insane. You’ll never make it on board.”

Maybe, but he wasn’t going to let Berry get away with his little girl. “I’ve got a chance from this side. Get me closer.”

Sam let out a frustrated growl but swung the boat toward Berry’s.

The strip of water between the vessels disappeared. Max waited until they were practically touching before he stepped around the dash and climbed onto the starboard bow. Water sprayed him in the face, dampening his shirt. “Hold it steady!”

A bullet splintered the hull just feet away.

Max jumped.

Tucking himself into a ball, he hit the deck of Berry’s boat and rolled. Coming up to his feet, he took two running steps toward the cabin and tucked himself against the wall, out of sight.

Above, he heard Emily scream, closely followed by a shout from Tad. A moment later, there was a heavy thud.

He needed a line of sight. But climbing the ladder to the bridge was out of the question. Berry would put a bullet through his skull before his shoulders cleared the floor.

Staying low, he hurried around the side of the boat, ignoring the railing and plastering himself to the windows. He’d come at him from the front. The angle would make it difficult for Berry to see him.

“He’s got Em!” Sam yelled. “Tad’s down!”

That made Max pause. Berry couldn’t hold the girl, a gun, and steer.

He changed direction, deciding to chance the ladder. “Push him toward the right!” he yelled to Sam, swinging an arm and pointing. They needed to keep one of Berry’s hands on the wheel.

Sam swung the speedboat away, then back at the other vessel at a sharp angle. Max grabbed the railing as the boat lurched to the right. A moment later, it swung left at the speedboat.

He climbed the ladder, hurtling himself into the pilothouse and drawing the handgun tucked into the holster at his back. In one quick glance, he took in the scene. Berry stood at the wheel, Em tucked under his arm, the gun on the dash within reach. Tad was on his forearms and knees, head hanging. Blood dripped from his temple near his hairline onto the floor. He was awake, but appeared dazed.

Max leveled his weapon on Berry. “Stop the boat!”

“Daddy Max!” Emily squirmed in the man’s hold.

Berry let go of the wheel and picked up the pistol on the dash, holding it to Emily’s side.

“Back off! I’ll shoot her!”

Max took one hand off his gun, holding it up. “You don’t want to do that. You shoot her, and you’re dead. Simple as that.” He took a step closer. “Give me the girl.”

“Stay back!”

The whites of Berry’s eyes shone bright in the sunlight.

Max planted his feet. He wanted to rush him, but the man was on the brink. He had nothing to lose.

Tad lifted his head. Fury had turned his hazel eyes to a flinty steel.

Oh yeah.Max’s inner voice fist-pumped. Tad wasn’t as hurt as he appeared. He was playing possum.

He met Tad’s gaze, letting him know he knew.

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