Page 130 of Hidden Depths

Toward the approaching RHIB.

Ward's eyes widened.

"He really is trying to stop them."

The black RHIB accelerated.

Its twin outboards screamed across the Pacific.

White spray exploded behind it.

It wasn't changing course.

It was committed.

Storm tightened both hands on the wheel.

Her father's face flashed through her mind.

Then Grandpa's.

Then her mother.

Waiting back in San Francisco.

Elanore had kissed each of them goodbye before they sailed.

"Come home safe."

Just four simple words.

Storm whispered them to herself.

"We're coming home."

Ben glanced at Ward.

"Rules?"

Ward smiled.

"Same as always."

"Protect the innocent."

"No matter what."

Nathan's trawler cut hard across the RHIB's path.

The helmsman aboard the RHIB reacted instantly.

Too late.

Its driver veered sharply to avoid a collision.

The RHIB slammed into the side of a swell.

It launched completely clear of the water.