Generation Lost (Gray Wolf Security #17)

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

With two hours until dawn, the men had the advantage in more ways than just technology and skill. This was the time of the morning when others would feel exhausted and complacent. Quiet nights would lead those on board to believe that all is well and that they can relax.

With the additional men, they left Trevor and Gibbie on their own boat to ensure they were able to get away. Climbing her rusted sides, they rolled over the edge of the ship. Nine, Ghost, and Gaspar headed to the helm. The others dispersed to do their jobs.

Miller, Max, Eli, and Titus began setting charges all over the ship. Twice, men passed directly by them without ever seeing their faces.

Wilson, Cruz, Trak, Zeke, Noah, and Skull headed below deck to locate the women on the ship. Seeing two men guarding a door, they knew it must be what they were after. In silence, Zeke and Trak moved forward, taking both men out with knives before they could make a sound. As their bodies slid to the floor, Noah and Skull moved them into another small room, locking the door.

“We have a problem,” said Trak, looking inside the door. “This is not the women. It’s a warhead.”

“Fuck me,” groaned Cruz. “You guys take care of this. We’ll find the women.”

Cruz, Wilson, Trak, and Zeke continued their search for the women, while Noah and Skull waited for Miller to arrive.

“We have to blow other parts of the ship first so this blows beneath the water,” he said, staring at it. “This is going to create one helluva wave.”

The men on board the ship were nothing more than hired guns. It was clear by the way they kept the ship that they weren’t experienced sailors other than perhaps the captain and first mate. It was also easy to end their lives. Of course, the empty bottles of liquor in the galley told them they expected no problems whatsoever.

“We’ve got the women,” said Cruz. “We’re gonna need some help at the cargo door.”

“Great,” muttered Nine. “Stop the ship and drop the anchor.” Ian nodded, knowing exactly what to do. When the entire team arrived at the cargo hold, they were not surprised to find more than twenty women drugged, barely clothed, dirty, and completely unconscious.

“Get them out of here,” said Gaspar. “In some ways, this makes it easier. They won’t see us, and if we’re lucky, they won’t wake up until we get home.”

“Charges are ready,” said Miller, stepping into the room. “Damn. Just in time, I see.”

“Let’s go. Get them on the boat.”

They opened the back cargo hold, water sloshing in as their own boat docked at the opening. One by one, the women were carried to their boat carefully, unsure of what their injuries might be.

“How far do we need to be away from that thing when you blow it?” asked Ian, looking at Miller.

“A mile is good. Two is better.”

“Hey, fellas? You might not have that much time. Bolivarian military is moving toward the ship, suspicious of why it stopped. You gotta move and do it now.”

“You heard the man,” said Miller. “Fly.”

Only a mile from the ship, Miller stood on the deck with his multiple triggers. One by one, he flipped the switches. At first, you didn’t hear or see anything. Then, it was as if you were at a 4 th of July fireworks show.

“Boom, boom,” he smirked. Gaspar shook his head at his brother.

“You’re fucking crazy. When does the big one—”

His voice was drowned out by the deafening sounds of steel crunching and bending, engines blowing, and a roar beneath the water that had them all a bit worried.

“We gotta move,” said Miller. “Now!”

They didn’t slow the ship until they were certain they were out of the way of the potential tsunami-like wave. Fortunately, the force of the warhead took the water up, then sucked it all beneath the sea.

Home in less than thirty-six hours, the women were still barely conscious. Loaded and taken to the Sugar Lodge, the women helped to bathe them and put clean clothing on them. As they started waking, their confusion brought them to near panic.

“It’s alright,” said Lena. “It’s okay. You’re safe and in a place where we can help you heal. Are you hurting anywhere?”

The young woman shook her head, pushing herself up to a seated position. She frowned, grasping her head.

“I have a headache.”

“That’s probably from the drug they gave you and lack of water. You’ve got an entire pitcher here next to your bed. Drink as much as you want.”

“Wh-where are we?” she asked.

“You’re in a safe location. Where are you from? Were you taken?” asked Lena. The girl looked toward the door, seeing Tailor, Alec, and Skull talking. “They’re here to protect all of you. They won’t harm anyone. That big one with the pink shirt is my husband.”

The girl looked at her in disbelief and then looked back at Tailor.

“He doesn’t seem like a man who would wear a pink shirt,” she whispered.

“He knows it’s my favorite color,” laughed Lena. “So, where are you from?”

“Oceangate, New Jersey. My friends and I went to Atlantic City to celebrate my twenty-first birthday.” Lena smiled at the girl.

“Happy belated birthday.”

“Yeah, it wasn’t one I wanted to celebrate,” she said, looking around her. “My friends. Those are my friends over there.” She pointed to two beds, both girls still asleep.

“They’re alright. They’re just still sleeping off the drugs.”

“How did I get clean?”

“No woman wants to wake dirty and smelly. Me and my fellow nurses bathed all of you and dressed you. It’s not our first time.” She nodded. “What’s your name, honey?”

“Becky. My friends are Megan and Beth.”

“Beautiful names for beautiful girls. Becky? Were you touched by the men on the ship? Did they sexually assault you?” asked Lena.

“No. At least not when I was awake. In fact, they never came near us unless it was to feed us and occasionally spray us with a water hose.”

“Okay,” nodded Lena, smiling at her. “Do we have your permission to do a pelvic exam to be sure?”

“Yes. Yes, of course. I just want to know that I’m healthy. When can I go home?” she asked.

“I would imagine by tomorrow if you’re all feeling up to it. Do you feel like answering some more questions?” she asked. Cruz was walking toward them, and Becky smiled.

“If he’s asking. I’ll answer.” Lena could only laugh.

“What’s so funny?” asked Cruz.

“Nothing. She’s ready to answer some questions. Especially since it’s you asking the questions. When you’re done, come find me or Kelsey, and we’ll do a pelvic to be sure she’s alright.”

“Okay, but just know that I’m a married man. All questions will be about this incident,” he smiled. “Ready to begin?” Becky couldn’t help but nod, smiling at the beautiful man. She might have been kidnapped, but she was still human and twenty-one.

“Anything you want.”