Chapter 88
‘Come on, guys,’ Tug said, as the sound of Quick’s footsteps faded. ‘The sooner we’re off this island the better.’
He led the way back through the house, expecting an obstacle at every turn. More guards, Thomas with an automatic weapon, the doors closed against them and a poisonous gas released. Christ, he had to keep his head.
There was a boat key hanging by the back door, just as Quick had said, identifiable from the others by the attached cork float. As they hurried down the gravel path, he heard the sound of the helicopter’s engines starting up.
Tara was directly behind him. ‘Those clouds don’t look great,’ she said, gesturing out towards the west. ‘I know we want to get out of here, but you know, frying pan and fire.’
‘It’s four miles max to St Mary’s.’ Tug kept up the pace. ‘The RIB will do that in minutes. As long as it’s seaworthy. I wouldn’t put it past that creep to sabotage us again.’
The wind was definitely getting up again, splashing their faces with miniscule drops of sea water as they approached the pontoon. ‘Wait here,’ he told them. ‘Except for Tara. I need to check it out.’
The hull of the RIB looked sound. Both engines, each a hundred horsepower, seemed pristine. No water in the bottom of the boat.
‘Look in all the cupboards and lockers,’ he told Tara. ‘We need life jackets. Anything that seems out of place, let me know.’
Tug turned on the ignition. Tank three quarters full. More than enough to get them to St Mary’s. The VHF went immediately to channel sixteen and gave out a burst of static. He checked the gear was in neutral and started the engines. A comforting, regular roar. Both props turning. All looked good.
‘Life jackets here,’ Tara called out. ‘Ten of them. And a packet of flares. Some spare rope.’
‘Get everybody in life jackets,’ he told her. ‘Make sure they fit. Then get them onboard.’
He fired up the engine. It responded. Looked like they were good to go.
Charlie, unsurprisingly, was first on board. ‘Can I sit with you?’ he asked Tug.
‘Course. Help the others on first. Your mum needs to fasten her crotch strap.’
Tug glanced back at the house. From this angle, the helicopter was out of sight. He guessed Quick would be heading for an airport on the mainland, from there to somewhere the UK government would find it hard to extradite him.
Holly, then Sabri, climbed on board. Cheryl froze on the pontoon.
‘I can’t,’ she said. The life jacket was strained around her girth. ‘I can’t do it again.’
‘Course you can.’ Robin held on to her hand. ‘This thing will fly over the water. We’ll be in St Mary’s in time for breakfast. Aren’t you starving? I know I am.’
Tara climbed in ahead of Cheryl and then she and Robin coaxed the terrified woman aboard. They settled her near the bow and then Robin leaned out to untie the line and release them. Once he’d done that, he took hold of Cheryl’s hand again.
‘He didn’t ruin my life.’ For once, Cheryl spoke loud enough to be heard clearly, even above the engine noise. ‘He gave me friends.’