Page 43 of Zero
Bailey looked at the map for a silent breath before pointing at the screen. “Okay, so cruise ships come though here. At any given time, there at least two of them since the port isn’t that big for an island like this.”
“For an island like this?” I asked. “How big are we talking?”
“The average cruise ship at full capacity is about—three thousand, passengers and crew.” Eton did the math inside his head. “So, let’s say for argument’s sake, two ships, six thousand. But let’s say not everyone gets off the ships. Break it down to about two thousand five hundred each.”
“That would make the place very busy.” Dude nodded, a thoughtful look on his face.
Eton nodded. “Still, there’s an up side. No small crafts are allowed into these areas.” He pointed at the map. “This one here is for cargo ships coming into the country from international locations. I’m thinking Africa, China and other parts of Asia.”
“It’s safe to say we can take those two off the list.” I used my finger to touch the screen to cross out the two we’ve eliminated. “That leaves us with five. Still too many for us to check out and have someone remain here with Fabienne.”
The others groaned in unison.
“We might have to wait for the others to come back with Barbie and Crash.” I announced. “All these locations look like places where Morena could hide a boat for his purposes.”
“That is true.” Bòkò played with the map on the screen to get different angles. “And they haven’t asked for a ransom?”
Bailey and I shook our heads.
“They don’t want money.” Eton spoke up. “We knew that from early on. They want the girl, and they won’t stop until they get her.”
“We’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen.” Dude told us. “She can’t go back to him. I know men like Morena. At this point he doesn’t really want her. He wants to—”
“Dude.” I cut in.
“You don’t have to sugar coat it.” Bailey wrapped her arms around herself. “They want to kill her to send a message to the other girls. I get it.”
“Right now, he’s butt-hurt.” I explained. “If what I’m thinking is true, she’s the top woman. She’s the one he believed would be theone.Now, in his head, she’s off with another man and to keep the others in line, he wants to make a very public example of her.”
“But she didn’t—not really.” I pleaded.
“You’re assuming this jackass can be reasoned with.” Bòkò grumbled. “Human life means nothing to him.Li se yonons!”
“Say what?” Dude and I asked.
“He’s a monster.” Bailey translated.
Bòkò chuckled. “I’m sorry. Sometimes I get angry and forget what language I should be speaking.”
We chuckled and nodded.
“Bòkò, get some rest while we wait for the others.” I told him.
“Come on, Bòkò.” Bailey told him. “I’ll show you to the guestroom and the bathroom so you can wash up a little.”
“Thank you.” Bòkò responded.
With them gone, I shifted my attention to Dude. “Try getting Tex to get eyes on these location for us. Maybe he can get his hand on a drone for a little backup?”
“What about me?” Eton asked.
“Chill for now.” I told him.
Eton smiled and left me alone with Dude. I checked to ensured Fabienne was still snoozing then turned to my computer screen.
“Before I do that.” Dude drew closer. “I got a question for you.”
I licked my lips. The way Dude tilted his head told me I was about to be put through an inquisition. Those were rare from Dude.
