Chapter 40
“Iwas able to log into Teagan’s account and use the device tracking app to locate her earbuds,” Isabella said. "Looks like they’re on the water now, heading out to one of the keys. Probably Barracuda, based on their current trajectory."
"Keep me posted on her location.”
"I will," she said before ending the call.
I called Jack, and he met me back at the boat. We grabbed a bunch of tactical gear and loaded into the Raptor. I cast off the lines, and Jack took the helm. He fired up the engine and navigated us out of the marina.
We passed the breakwater, and Jack brought the boat on plane. The engines roared, and the bow carved through the obsidian swells.
I called dispatch and had them scramble Tango One and told them to notify the Coast Guard.
The Raptor was fast, but Earl had a hell of a head start on us.
We bounced across the water, the briny air swirling, my veins flush with adrenaline. My heart punched my chest, and that sensation of dread twisted my stomach. I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to Teagan.
Isabella kept sending me text message updates on Earl's position. It wasn't long before he hit the shores of Barracuda Key.
We were probably 20 minutes behind them.
I kept listening for the sound of Tango One, but didn't hear the thump of rotor blades. I wondered what the delay was. At this time of night, it could have been anything—mechanical problems, crew issues, you name it.
Before long, Barracuda Key was a speck on the horizon.
"How do you want to approach this?" Jack shouted over the wind and engine noise.
"I don’t think we have time to waste. Bring us in against the wind.” It would minimize our sonic footprint. “I'll do a recon pass with the drone, and we’ll take it from there.”
As we drew near, we saw Earl’s center console. He’d run the boat ashore in the soft sand of the bay. The wind blew in from the east, and we came in from the west. Jack plowed the high-density plastic boat into the sand a little farther south, and we hopped out.
Decked out in full tactical gear with vests, night vision optics, and all the toys, we were ready for action.
I set the waterproof case that housed the drone on the beach and opened the lid. Within minutes, I had the quad-blade craft airborne and buzzing overhead. At a certain altitude, it wouldn't be noticeable, especially with the heavy wind. Just a faint buzz.
I circled the island with the ultrahigh-def camera aimed below. With IR optics, it was easy to see the perp. He dragged Teagan across the meadow toward a shack that had been built from plywood, driftwood, and palm fronds.
It was a makeshift hut out in the middle of nowhere.
I wasn't sure if this was something Earl had constructed or if someone else had built it.
It wasn't uncommon for people to build temporary structures out here to camp in, party in, or do other things.
These remote keys often served as a waypoint for drug dealers and other criminal types making clandestine exchanges in the dead of night.
With a visual on the target, JD and I proceeded into the thick underbrush and made our way through the trees like ninjas. We tried not to crunch on leaves or break fallen twigs.
With an M4 shouldered and a suppressor attached to the threaded barrel, I led the way through the forest. Mosquitoes, like vampires, swarmed. It didn't take long to reach the treeline, and we held up at the edge of the meadow.
The thump of rotor blades drew near. Soon, Tango One circled overhead.
The element of surprise was gone.
Earl knew somebody was here.
I nodded to JD, and we advanced across the meadow, rifles shouldered. JD and I hovered on either side of the makeshift door to the shack.
I shouted, "Come out, Earl, and no one gets hurt!"
Footsteps shuffled around inside, and Teagan whimpered.
“Fuck!” Earl grumbled.
"Earl, don't cause yourself any more trouble than you already have."
"Back off, or she dies!” he shouted back.