Page 226 of Hidden Tide

“Leaving her alone,” Ben says.

“Apparently alone.”

“No.”

“Ben,” I say.

“No.”

Marquez looks toward him.

“I can place tactical agents in the lighthouse ruins above the landing. Coast Guard divers will be in the water. Calle will wear a concealed transmitter.”

“And if Simon sends someone ashore to search her?”

“We stop them.”

“What if he keeps Naomi aboard and orders Calle onto the ship?”

“I refuse,” I answer.

“What if he shoots Naomi?”

The question tears through the room.

I don’t have an answer.

Neither does Marquez.

Ben steps closer to his camera.

“Simon will force you to choose between boarding and watching him kill her. He knows who you are, Calle. He knows you won’t stand on that dock and let an innocent woman die.”

I look toward Naomi.

Donald has forced her onto her knees near the railing.

He holds the gun against the back of her head.

Ben is right.

Simon knows exactly how to control me.

Unless we find a way to take away his control first.

“What if Naomi isn’t on the deck when the ship reaches the landing?” I ask.

Ivy looks at me. “Where else would she be?”

“Somewhere Simon believes is more secure.”

Ben’s eyes narrow.

“You want him to move her below deck.”

“Yes.”

“How?”