On the Hunt - Page 75
“Foolish me.” She moistened her lips. “Where are you?”
“Nearby, on the surface. How are you?”
“Better for hearing your voice. What’s the plan?”
“Hey, turn toward Taylor and tap your helmet like you’re having trouble hearing him. He’s trying to talk to you right now.”
“Shouldn’t I answer him?”
“To hell with him. Let him think his equipment is faulty. It’ll drive him nuts.”
She chuckled. “You’re right.”
“I have a surprise planned for him and his men.”
“And for me, apparently.”
“I don’t have time to explain. Just be ready to be very appreciative when you see the alternative transportation I’ve arranged for you.”
“A navy submarine?”
“Better than that.”
“Don’t overpromise.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it. Okay, you’re about to arrive at the first large cavern. You’ll lead them in there, then back out immediately.”
“They’ll just follow me out.”
“They won’t be able to.”
“How are you going to pull that off?”
“Did I mention that my sea sleds can be controlled remotely?”
“And…?”
“Don’t worry about it. Just keep listening. Oh, and give Taylor a thumbs-up. He’s getting a little frantic right now.”
“I’d rather show him a different finger.”
“Later. Right now, we want him to feel that everything is okay.”
She turned back and raised her right thumb. Taylor nodded and raised his thumb in response.
“Just another few yards,” she said. She eased off the throttle as they moved into the large cavern. She allowed Taylor and his men to drift past her, and she pointed vigorously at the far wall. They accelerated to take a look, and she spun around and roared back through the opening!
“I’m out!” she shouted to Harlan. “What now?”
“Keep going. Here’s where the fun begins.”
“She’s getting away!” Giles shouted.
Taylor spun his watercraft around. “You idiot! Don’t tell me about it. Go get her!”
The three men raced back toward the opening, but before they could reach it, one of Harlan’s underwater sleds suddenly surfaced in front of them!
BLAM! Giles and Donovan struck the sled and were thrown from their Jet Skis. Donovan struck the cavern wall, and blood oozed from his forehead.
