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“Roger that,” each of the three responded.
“Once on board, return to the dock.”
They were several yards from me when I saw Ares turn around.
“You coming, Cayman?”
“Negative.”
Rather than go in the direction of the boat, he came toward me.
“I issued a direct order, Kappas. Proceed to the transport vessel immediately.”
“Not without you.”
“When it’s safe for you to return, I’ll issue the order.”
“Trace? What’s this about?” Z asked.
“Six explosive devices. Four wired differently. I will disarm all six. Once I’m finished, you and the rest of the team can return.”
“I’m taking over command, Cayman. Either you return to the patrol boat with the other divers, or we stay put and they will assist with disarmament. Which will it be?”
“This ismymission, Z. I’ll conduct it the way I see fit.”
“Let me go back,” Kodiak requested, most likely of Ares.
I responded instead. “No. I issued a direct order. The longer you argue with me, the more at risk those on thePerniciousremain.”
“Trace—”
I shut off the comms and got to work. With any luck, I’d have time to disarm some of the explosives before Kodiak, Ares, Blackjack, or Tank returned. I’d just finished the fifth when I saw a lone diver heading in my direction. I turned the comms back on. “I’m almost finished. Only one left.”
“Copy that,” Kodiak responded.
I proceeded to the final device. “Bloody fucking hell,” I muttered, forgetting I hadn’t turned the mic off.
Kodiak swam closer. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t get to the third wire.” In order to do so, I’d have to let go of either the first or second. Unless I disconnected all three at once, the device would go off. “I need your help,” I admitted. “Reach under from the bottom, and on my count of three, we’ll disconnect.”
“Roger that.”
Once in position, I realized the wire I needed Kodiak to pull was wrapped around the fourth. If it pulled loose with the others, the bomb would detonate.
“Do you see what I see?” I asked.
“Affirmative, but I think I can get it without disturbing the last wire.”
We had no other choice but to proceed. My eyes met his through our masks, and he nodded. “Count of three,” I repeated.
“Copy that.”
I held my breath when I got to the final number. “Thank God,” I muttered when only three came loose.
“Should we do a final sweep?” Kodiak asked.
It was only then I realized he still held the MDX-940. “Affirmative.” I waited while he slowly made his way around the yacht.
