"I can't send you out there with two hostages and no backup," Daniels said.
“If it even looks like we’re mobilizing, they may strike the Children's Hospital. There's one way to handle this right now. The kid’s way.”
The sheriff's face tightened. He knew we were between a rock and a hard place. "If this goes south, it will be all of our asses.”
"Then it better not go south," I said. I looked at Ethan one more time. "Are you sure this will work?”
Doubt crept into his eyes. He shrugged. "Yeah. It should. Unless something has changed in their system.”
54
The aluminum patrol boat sliced through the midnight swells. The twin outboards roared. The wind was icy. The temperature had fallen dramatically.
Clouds blanketed the sky.
We were on our own. It was hard to say just how deep Valterion’s surveillance of the department was, but none of us were taking any chances. Anything unusual could trigger an attack.
Daniels quietly took some guys from the Bomb Disposal Unit over to the Children's Hospital. In plainclothes with a German Shepherd, they hoped they wouldn't attract attention. I didn't think they'd stumble across a bomb or an improvised explosive device. Valterion wouldn’t use something so crude. A directed energy weapon fired from a satellite would be enough to start a fire. It would look like a lightning strike or a random occurrence.
It took about 45 minutes to reach Spice Key. The small island was only a couple of miles in diameter. Jack manned the helm and circled the island, doing a reconnaissance pass. With IR optics, I scanned the island, looking for activity.
It was deserted.
We’d beaten them to the island, or so it seemed.
Jack ran the boat aground on the soft sand in the bay. With wireless earbuds and an encrypted app, we had secure comms. We did a quick radio check, then I helped Ethan and Casey ashore.
The water was cold, and the wind colder. It was completely surreal. I’d never seen anything like it. The temperature was now 31°.
We marched up the beach, through the underbrush. Jack took off through the dense foliage with a sniper rifle. Decked out in full IR-resistant camouflage, an IR poncho, face paint, and tactical gear, he would provide overwatch for the operation. With any luck, he’d blend in with the scenery.
We also wore IR ponchos to minimize our signature. But over time, the fabric would heat up.
It was just after 11:00 PM.
I took point, moving down the trail, leading Ethan and Casey to the clearing as instructed.
We camped out at the tree line and waited, shivering with gusts of wind that penetrated deep. Nobody was prepared for this kind of weather.
There was an upside—not a solitary mosquito buzzed my ears. At least there was something to be thankful for.
I told Ethan and Casey, "It's not too late to turn back. You can take the boat and go back to Coconut Key. JD and I can handle it.”
Ethan shook his head. "These people have taken everything from me. I want to see it go down in real time. You need me to pull this off.”
I told both of them to hide in the underbrush and wait until I gave the signal to come out. “Don’t move.”
They agreed and scattered in different directions, then made themselves small in the brush.
A few minutes before midnight, the dull thump of rotor blades approached. Moments later, a sleek black helicopter circled the island.
My phone buzzed with a call from an unknown number again. I just barely had a signal out here. I answered the call.
“Deputy Wild,” the familiar voice said. “I’m so glad you could make it. I see your boat. I know you’re here, hiding. Unfortunately, you seem to be under the impression that I will tolerate your shenanigans. I’m not sure what you’re hoping to accomplish. Do you think I’m bluffing? Should I go ahead and destroy the hospital?”
“That won’t be necessary,” I replied, removing the thermal poncho. I stood up and stepped into the meadow.
“Tell your friend with the rifle to put the gun down and show himself. Did you think I wouldn’t have the latest thermal imaging? I think I should be offended. So little respect. Tell the others to come out as well. I'm not playing games with you. Once you've complied, I will touchdown in the meadow, and we can transact our business.”
