“Gabe’s already sorted it.”
Cally stared at his back. “What?”
“He brought food,” Ryan said indifferently, still not turning around as he steered the boat.
“What?”
“Come on, Cally. You know what vampires eat. Antoine won’t be Antoine until he’s fed. Just let Gabe handle it.”
She rocked to her heels and pushed herself up, striding across the cabin to grab Ryan’s arm. “You tell Gabe that anyfoodhe’s brought is to be kept unharmed, unaware, and released as soon as we get back to Boston.”
He shrugged her hand off. “Don’t be naïve.”
“I mean it, Ryan. You link with Gabe and tell him right now.”
He sighed. “Okay, I’ve told him. Now you need to focus on you and get ready for this descent.”
“What did Gabe say?”
Ryan gave her a fleeting look, then faced forward again. “He didn’t bother to reply.”
“Damn it, Ryan—”
“He’s right, Cally,” Zoey said gently. “You know he is.”
Cally shook her head. “Let’s get Antoine back, then we’ll figure this out. But I’m deadly serious—you keep any otherchattelaway from him.”
“You’ll change your mind when you see him,” Ryan muttered.
“The hell I will.”
*
“Chest seals tight. Arm sleeves secure.” Brent finished checking her straps and leaned back. “I’m going to seal you in.”
“All right.”
“You’ll be waiting a while. I need to get into my own suit and there’s only one crane.”
“Yeah, you said. I’ll be fine.”
“It’ll be claustrophobic, and—”
“Brent. I’ll be fine. Let’s get going, okay?”
He nodded. “Then take the time to run through your checks.”
“Sure.”
Cally braced as he swung the rear hatch closed. The latches locked into place with finality, and she swallowed hard. The only way they’d ever be opened again was if she survived this trip.
One hiss, then another, and the seals engaged. A light flicked green, showing the suit was pressurized, and her breathing echoed in the helmet.
She forced herself to calm.Entombed by choice. Lovely.
But the thought boosted her determination. Even now, Antoine waited below, suffering in his own hell. Two weeks and five days trapped in that watery grave, unable to move, to even breathe. Alive… barely.
She clenched her jaw. This would work. Thishadto work.
