The captain came to the main lounge where we were all sitting. “I really do not know what is going on Steve,” he said, “I have no control of the yacht at all, we are being steered by something else. And all our communication is out too.” “Yes, we noticed our phones are not working either,” I responded, “I guess we will have to wait and see what happens. How far are we from the nearest island?”

“If you are thinking of swimming, forget it, there are sharks in this area, and you would not get very far,” he said shaking his head, “and it would be about 15 miles to any land from where we are right now.” “Well, in that case, I guess we will wait and see what happens,” I said. Soon we approached an island, and the yacht began to slow down. The captain went back outside, but I told the others we would stay inside for now, until we knew what was going on.

As we approached a rock cliff covered with vines of some kind we just kept going straight ahead. There was a steel door hidden behind the vines which opened and in we went. We came to a sudden stop once inside, but only for a moment, then we began moving again. All was dark, very dark. We could see nothing at all. It was not long and we stopped once more. Then a woman’s voice was heard.

Meanwhile, back at home, Baldwin was pacing back and forth in the library of our chateau. “You are making me nervous, Mr. B.,” said Annelie. “Good, then I have some company,” he answered, “because I am sure nervous about this. How did someone know that Steve and the others were going to Mandar’s resort?” “I was thinking about that too,” said Annelie, “I mean, it was no big secret, but we also did not talk about it around here either.

We do not talk about anything serious out in the open anymore. We never know if someone is listening or not. So, we have become very careful.” “They must have been tipped off by someone,” said Baldwin, still pacing, “maybe someone in Mandar’s organization said something.” “But he told us that no one in his organization even knew about it,” she reminded him, “he did not want anything to happen on their honeymoon. And he purchased a bunch of these scramblers to use as well.”

“Yeah, he really liked those things,” said Baldwin smiling, “but maybe they do not work as good as we think.” “We check them regularly,” said Annelie, “but nothing is perfect, someone just might figure a way around them.” “I did not want to hear that,” said Baldwin, finally sitting down in his favorite chair. Then Annelie got a phone call, which she put on speaker so Baldwin could hear also.

“Hello dear Annelie,” said a woman, “you are Annelie, correct?” “Yes, I am,” she answered, “who is calling?” “Oh, my name is not important,” she began, “you do not know me anyway. Steve does though, and I have your precious Steve right now, and those with him, including his new wife, plus Mandar’s yacht and crew. I will let you know something right away, I know you are looking for Steve and the others, but please stop, for the sake of Steve and those searching.

If any boats or helicopters come near us again, they will be destroyed, and there will be nothing much left to find. This is your only warning, please listen to it, or your people will die. Follow orders and Steve’s supposed wife, his team members plus Mandar’s crew and yacht will be allowed to leave with no harm to them. If you continue to look for them, they will all die. Do you understand this?”

“Yes, we understand,” said Baldwin, “I will call off the search immediately.” “Good,” said the woman, “and you must be Mr. B.” “That is right,” he said, “what happens to Steve, I noticed you did not say he would be released.” “Oh, I have plans for Steve,” she said, “but that is something private. I assure you, he will not be harmed if he cooperates.” Baldwin then called Rock and told him to call off the search, stressing ‘immediately’, and head back to the hotel for now. So Rock called the others and they all returned to the hotel to wait.

Meanwhile, back to us… “Hello Steve,” she said, “do you remember me? You have to think about a case way back.” “I do not recognize your voice,” I said, “do I get another clue?” The woman laughed, but pleasantly. “All in due time, my dear Steve,” she said, “but do not worry, your new wife and friends will be set free, it is only you that I want…”

To Be Continued.

©2022 Steve McLeod.