Page 28 of Tiki Hut Tragedy
Millie grimaced, warily eyeing the PRV. If she knew one thing about her friend, it was that he had a need for speed, whether it was via his scooter, the Flamethrower, or the PRV. “I’m not dressed to go out on the water, not to mention I’ve already funny flopped into the lido deck pool and had to change my clothes.”
“You took a dip in the pool?”
“It’s a long story,” Millie said. “Perhaps Pastor Haakenson can accompany you.”
Sharky gave the tall man the once-over. “I’m pretty sure he’s not gonna fit in the wetsuit.”
“We already know it fits you, Miss Millie.” A crewmember held out a wetsuit, similar to the one she’d donned when Sharky coerced her into helping him with practice rescues.
Millie reluctantly took it. “How long will we be gone?”
“You heard Patterson. I’m guessing an hour or less. We’ll check the jetty and rocks and then cruise along the coastline.”
She hesitated. On the one hand, Millie would love to help, especially if there was a chance of rescuing Dixie. On the other, she knew exactly what she was getting into when accepting any assignment involving her friend.
“C’mon, Millie. Where’s your sense of adventure?”
“I’m not so sure about this.”
“I promise I’ll bring you back without getting a drop of your hair wet.”
“What about my phone?”
Sharky removed a Ziploc bag from the storage compartment and held it out. “You can keep it with mine.”
“You have an answer for everything.”
“And you have an excuse for everything.” Sharky began making squawking noises.
She playfully punched him in the arm. “I’m not chicken.”
“You could’ve fooled me.”
“Fine.” She sucked in a breath. “I may live to regret this, but I’ll help you search.”
Chapter 12
“Ready?”
Millie wiggled the helmet and tugged on the chinstrap, confirming it was firmly in place. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Hang on.”
“I’m hanging.” She wrapped both arms around Sharky’s middle, tightening her grip as the Quadski lurched forward. Millie squeezed her eyes shut and could feel them picking up speed.
Thump…thump…bump.Forgetting her plan to avoid watching their takeoff, her eyes flew open at the exact second the PRV launched off the ramp and became airborne.
She started screaming at Sharky to let her off. It was too late.
“Whoa!” he whooped loudly, his enthusiastic bellow blowing in the Caribbean breeze.
Bam.The PRV touched down, an impact forceful enough that it sucked the air from Millie’s lungs.
Gritting her teeth, she whispered a prayer. Millie didn’t dare look at the speedometer. She didn’t have to; certain they were traveling at warp speed. She shot a furtive glance over her shoulder at the wake and waves billowing out behind them.
Sharky jerked the handlebars, sending them careening to the left, narrowly avoiding what appeared to be a piece of plastic bobbing in the water.
“What was that?” Millie yelled.
