Page 224 of Hidden Tide

Ben goes still.

I point toward the evidence photograph displayed on the screen.

“We know exactly what it looks like. Simon saw it when his people attacked the Coast Guard base, but he never held it.”

“You want to make a copy,” Ivy says.

“A copy good enough to fool him from a distance.”

“He’ll inspect it before releasing Naomi,” Marquez replies.

“Only if we let him.”

Ben studies me through the camera.

“You want to use it to get aboard.”

“No. I want Simon to believe I’m willing to get aboard.”

“Absolutely not.”

I fold my arms.

“You don’t have to sound so happy that I finally made a plan.”

“Your plan ends with you on an explosive ship.”

“My plan ends with Simon slowing down long enough for our people to reach Naomi.”

“He won’t allow a Coast Guard vessel near him.”

“Then I won’t arrive on one.”

“Calle.”

“Sea Whisper.”

Storm moves beside me.

“She’s faster than the Argent Star.”

Ward shakes his head. “Simon will see every person aboard her.”

“We won’t need many.”

“You won’t need any,” Ben says. “Because you aren’t doing it.”

I look directly into his body camera.

“You told me we had to stop reacting to Simon. He expects me to be frightened. He expects all of you to protect me by keeping me here.”

“I am keeping you there.”

“And while I’m here, he controls Naomi’s life.”

“This isn’t your fault.”

“I know that.”