Chapter 3
PART 3
Raskin’s face hardened.
“This is not a classroom, Commander.”
“No, sir,” Mercer said. “It’s a deck full of troops who just watched you mock the most qualified shooter aboard.”
The air changed.
Even the ocean seemed louder.
Raskin took one step toward Mercer.
“You should be careful.”
Mercer did not blink.
“I am being careful, sir. That’s why I’m saying it now.”
Meera looked up.
For one second, something unreadable passed between her and Mercer.
History.
Trust.
A warning.
Raskin noticed.
His eyes narrowed.
“What is this really about?”
Mercer’s answer never came.
The ship’s alarm screamed.
A hard, violent wail tore across the deck.
Red lights flashed along the bulkhead.
Every head turned.
A voice exploded over the speaker.
“Unidentified fast craft closing off starboard side. All hands brace for security response.”
The deck came alive.
Sailors ran.
Marines grabbed gear.
Officers shouted into radios.
The wind seemed to sharpen.
Far out across the water, a dark speck bounced over the waves.
Small.
Fast.
Too fast.
Raskin turned toward the command tower.
“What is it?”
A young watch officer shouted back, “Fast boat, sir. No response to warning calls.”
“How far?”
“Closing fast.”
Mercer’s eyes snapped toward Meera.
Meera was already moving.
The insult was gone from her face.
The pain was gone.
There was only focus now.
She pulled the Barrett into position near the rail, braced herself against the movement of the ship, and opened the notebook again.
Wind.
Wave.
Angle.
Distance.
Her fingers moved across the page once.
Then stopped.
Raskin spun toward her.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
Meera did not look at him.
May you like
“My job, sir.”
Read Part 4 to find out why Raskin tried to stop the only shooter who could save the ship.
