It was late in the day, so we did not plan to do anything until the next day. I want us to leave during the day so our “friends”, the kidnappers, can see us leave. Or at least someone working with them. I called for a team leader meeting for 1am, it should be quiet in the hotel by then. I turned on our new scrambler, even though we could not find any listening devices in our room. This scrambler has different background sounds on it to help fool anyone listening in to our room.

Because we would normally be sleeping, there is a sleep sound with light snoring and shuffling bed sounds, typical sounds they would expect to hear. Rock and Angel arrived 10 minutes apart and our meeting commenced. “I was talking with Erisman,” I began, “he did not like the bomb setup, especially with the timer they used. Apparently it can malfunction and blow anytime.”

“Then the plan is off?” asked Rock. “No, the plan is still on,” I said, “but only I will be on the boat. The girls will come on board but will get off the other side and stay under the dock until after I leave. Then Rock will come along with another boat and pick them up and take them to another spot where they will hide for now. Then they can sneak into the hotel and stay with Angel’s team until this is over.”

“Not…a…chance!” said Sky emphatically, “that is way too dangerous for you!” “I agree,” said Rock, “you cannot take such a chance, that is a no from the start.” “That is our vote too,” said the others. “It is our original plan or nothing,” said Sky. “I know how you feel, but this is a good opportunity for us,” I said, “and Sky, how far can you swim, underwater mostly.”

“Well, um, not too far really,” she said. “But we can,” said Crystal and Kristina. “But there needs to be 4 of us,” I said. “Sky could still get out like you had said,” said Kristina, “then the rest of us can continue.” “Hmm, that might work,” I admitted. “Not…a…chance!” said Sky again, “we have only been married 3 days, I do not want to be a widow just yet!”

“I do not want you to be a widow either,” I said, “now just listen to the whole plan before you shoot it down.” I then detailed the whole thing to them. Sky still did not like it too much. “Sky can still go with you Steve,” said Angel, “I have an idea so she can swim the distance.” She told us all what she had in mind. “Well Sky,” I asked, “what do you think? Does that work for you?”

“Well, I wish there was another way,” she said, “but I know that leaving and going to the main island is not a good idea either. So I will change my vote to yes.” The others all agreed now too. “I would like to bring Storm along too Angel,” I said, “what do you think?” Meowr.=Me able to swim long distance, me like to swim. But me need to breathe, not can swim under water. “Yes, that would be a problem,” said Angel, “otherwise I would let him go.”

“Well, I have a device that will make it easy for you to breathe, and stay underwater,” I said to Storm. All the cats ears went straight up! “Oh, that is right,” said Angel, “I remember the cats were practicing with those in the pool. Only Storm was able to use it correctly.” Meow,meow.=Me remember now, make me scared, so not good for me. Meow.=It make me scared too. Meowr.=Me not mind it.

“And since I decided to go out farther than originally planned,” I said, “we can slip into the water just before it blows, about 2 seconds or so, lots of time.” The girls eyes opened real wide when I mentioned the 2 seconds. But we need to make this look real, they likely will be watching. Rock, Benson and some others will quickly come with another boat to look for survivors and pick up some very real looking pieces, but they will try to get all the pieces before anyone else can see them up close.

That will mean making sure no other boats nearby will work in the morning. It is a big job, but we can do it, there just will not be any sleeping tonight. That is why we got a couple of hours before our meeting. Time to get things going.

Meanwhile, under cover of darkness, a helicopter comes close to our island, but away from the tourist area and hovered briefly over one of the walking trails. A man was let down, then the helicopter flew away into the darkness. “Good timing,” said a man. “No time to lose either,” said the man who just came in, “let us get going.” Off they went into the darkness to their destination…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.