He stroked her hair. “You’re safe now. Everything’s all right.”
She nodded as her heartbeat slowed. Finally she drew her head away and shifted off his lap. “Thank you.”
His lips crushed hers and she was swept away with his passion.
When they finally came up for air, Sam’s hands trembled as they stroked her arms and then brushed the cut on her head. “Tell me.”
“Declan asked me to check a reported whale carcass. I went out, decided it needed to be towed a little further north so the currents would take it away from the beaches and was going to head back to get the equipment when I spotted the luxury boat.”
His frown deepened. “They’ve got to have a mooring and access to fuel somewhere.”
“What about Coral Bay?” she suggested.
“Dot sent the description to all the towns along the coast. They should have reported the Joy Ridin’.”
“Unless they have people helping them,” Penelope pointed out. “Stonefish have a way of influencing people.”
“Yeah. What happened next?”
She shivered. “Grant had a gun, some kind of semi-automatic thing like you see in the movies. He shot the boat until it sank. Then they left me to the sharks.”
“They didn’t shoot you?”
“They said this was a warning to the Stokes to stay out of their business.”
Sam growled. “They completely misunderstand the Stokes. This will make them even more determined. They don’t want anyone else hurt.”
Penelope rested her head against Sam’s shoulder. Outside the cabin, curious passengers were glancing their way. “They have to be stopped. I haven’t done anything to them and they’ve targeted me.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” His arms tightened around her again.
“It’s not your fault. I’m glad you heard my mayday call.”
“Scared the shit out of me when I heard they were after you. I’ve got to apologise to my customers for the rough ride.”
She hugged him. “I’m fine now. I appreciate the fast rescue.” She wanted to cling to him and not let go, but it was better if he spoke with his customers. She didn’t want them to leave bad reviews. “Go talk to your passengers. I need to contact Declan.”
“There’s a radio down here.” He pointed to it and then kissed her again. “Be right back.”
She waited until he left the cabin before she moved, being cautious to make sure her legs would hold her. The adrenaline was wearing off and exhaustion and fatigue were taking its place. She had the ridiculous urge to burst into tears. She was fine, safe, no reason to cry now.
Penelope made her way to the radio and changed the dial to the right station. “Declan, are you there?”
“Penelope. Thank God. Where are you?”
“Rescued by one of the tour boats. I’m on my way in now. Can you get the police to meet the boat at the marina?”
“Sure. Do we need to send another boat to tow yours in?”
She shook her head. “No, it’s gone. I’m not sure it will be salvageable even if you can refloat it.”
“What happened?”
“I’ll explain when I get back.” The less information she gave Stonefish, the better. Sam had mentioned they listened to the radio chatter.
She replaced the radio and as she turned, Gretchen came in. “Oh my God, I’m so glad you’re all right.” She smashed Penelope in a hug. “What happened?”
Penelope debated whether she should tell her friend the whole truth, but decided it was safer to keep her in the dark. She didn’t want Stonefish to target her too.
