Page 249 of Hidden Tide
“You weren’t answering,” John snaps.
“I was underwater.”
“That isn’t an excuse.”
“It’s an excellent excuse.”
Even Ben laughs.
The sound is ragged, but it sends life back through me.
All five SEALs reach the opening.
Scott and Mark exit first. John follows.
Piers fastens a rescue line around Ben.
“I don’t need it.”
“You can’t use your left leg.”
“I have another one.”
“And a head injury.”
“So do you.”
“My head injury is less irritating.”
Piers lowers Ben into the water.
A rescue swimmer catches him and guides him toward the response boat.
The moment Ben reaches the side, the Argent Star rolls.
“Move!” Keating shouts.
The response boat accelerates away.
Piers jumps from the opening as the damaged hull turns toward him.
John and Mark drag him aboard seconds before the vessel’s lower deck disappears beneath the water.
The Argent Star doesn’t completely capsize.
Its bow strikes the rocks and holds, leaving the stern half submerged.
The bridge remains above the water.
Simon.
Donald.
Naomi.
The third prisoner.
They are still aboard.
