Page 410 of Hidden Depths

Ivy pointed toward a metal panel.

“The hatch is above that.”

“How much noise does it make?”

“None if you release the catch first.”

“And if I don’t?”

“It falls open.”

“That sounds useful.”

I climbed the ladder.

Ben positioned himself near the flybridge stairs.

Ivy and Willow stayed inside the compartment.

For once.

I pressed my ear to the hatch.

The younger man’s voice came through clearly.

“Walk toward the railing.”

Hazel answered, “No.”

“Do it.”

“You said Ross needs me alive.”

“He does.”

“Then you can’t shoot me.”

A pause followed.

Hazel had found the weakness in his threat.

Exactly as Storm would have.

The man lowered his voice.

“I don’t have to shoot you to hurt you.”

I released the catch.

The hatch opened beneath the curved seating.

Smoke drifted across the flybridge.

Hazel stood near the port railing.

The man held her from behind with his forearm across her throat.

His gun pressed against her ribs.