Page 187 of Broken Oath

“They could have tracked the tug after the harbor attack began.”

Cutter’s expression hardened.

“My tug has no active beacon.”

“It doesn’t need one. Satellite surveillance. Drones. A transmitter planted aboard the cargo ship.”

Reef opened the tracking scanner.

“I’ll check when we reach it.”

The tug rounded the mountain.

The Northern Star appeared through the storm.

Flames poured from the rear cargo section.

Smoke rolled across the deck.

The explosion hadn’t destroyed the entire ship, but fire was moving rapidly through the lower compartments.

The old cannery dock burned near the stern.

Cutter stared at it.

“My men.”

He pushed the tug harder.

Rook grabbed his radio.

“Fathom, any thermal signatures?”

“I have limited satellite visibility through the storm.”

“Give me what you have.”

A pause followed.

“Multiple heat sources aboard the ship. I can’t separate people from the fire.”

“What about the shoreline?”

“I see movement near the old processing building. At least five signatures.”

“Friendly or hostile?”

“Unknown.”

Cutter brought the tug alongside the northern dock, away from the worst of the flames.

Rook jumped onto the snow-covered boards.

Sarah landed beside him.

Reef and Falcon followed.

Cobra climbed off carrying enough equipment to concern everyone.