Free Blood Cruise: A Deep Sea Thriller by Jake Bible Page B

pinpricks behind prominent cheekbones and skin that was a healthy tan.
    “Mr. Giraldi, I’m not trying to be rude, but when you accepted my invitation you did agree to my terms,” Nick said. “Again, no offense, but I have had one too many run-ins with hired guns. I am going to have to insist that your men return with the helicopter.”
    “Tell you what, Sheeran,” Tony said. “You let my guys sweep this boat—”
    “It’s a yacht,” Nick muttered.
    “—and if they find it’s safe then I’ll send them back with your rented chopper,” Tony continued, ignoring the interruption. “Capisce?”
    “Did he really say capisce?” Lane asked. “Christ. What a bloody stereotype.”
    “What was that?” Tony asked. “You say something?”
    “I said what a bloody stereotype,” Lane replied, his voice loud and abrasive. “Friggin’ Cosa Nostra saying capisce. It’s like a bad Coppola movie.”
    “Are there good Coppola movies?” Jessica asked. “I’m not a fan. Never did get the Godfather thing. Thugs and morons in that movie.”
    Tony eyed the two then smiled. “You have a problem with the Godfather?”
    “She does, mate,” Lane said. “I enjoyed them. Even the third one.”
    “Of course you did,” Jessica said, punching Lane on the shoulder.
    “Must we?” Niya asked.
    “Yeah, come on,” Carlos said as he stood there tapping his four thousand dollar loafers. He nodded his chin skyward. “Gonna get nasty soon and I’m already freezing my butt off. Can we go inside and meet this blogger or what? I’m here to play cards and laugh at Nick as he tries to sell me a yacht.”
    “Thank you, Carlos,” Nick said. “And it is a very nice yacht. As you’ll all see.” He turned back to Tony. “Tell you what. Have your guys bring in everyone’s luggage and then they can sweep the yacht. Might as well be useful for something. The second they are done sweeping then they are back on the chopper and out of here. You cool with that, Mr. Giraldi?”
    Tony kind of shrugged. “That might work. But I’m trusting my men. Any of them feel like you’re going to pull something and I’m on that chopper with them.”
    “That’s cool by me,” Nick said. “I don’t want anyone here that doesn’t want to be here. Now, can we go inside? I want you all to meet Ben and get comfortable. I have an amazing dinner planned, top shelf drinks, and then some quality card playing.”
    “I can show them below,” Captain Staggs said. “If you would like, Mr. Sheeran.”
    “Thanks, Staggs,” Nick said.
    “Will you be playing with us, Mr. Sheeran?” Niya asked.
    “No, no, not me,” Nick said. “I’m off the cards. Just think of me as your humble host for the week.”
    “Humble,” Lane snorted as he walked past Nick and slapped him on the back. “That is never a word I’d use to describe you, mate.”
    “You can say that twice,” Jessica said, following closely behind Lane.
    Nick just smiled as everyone filtered in through the hatch that led to the decks below. He stepped out of the way of the large men that trailed Tony, giving them all his best and most welcoming smile. The second they were gone the smile fell away and he turned to look at the thickening cloud bank that grew ever closer. He walked quickly over to the chopper and pulled open the pilot’s door.
    “This weather going to be a problem?” he asked.
    “Not if I can take off in the next fifteen minutes,” the pilot said. “I can’t get stuck here. I have another job tonight and two tomorrow morning.”
    “Okay. Great,” Nick said. “I’ll hurry the lugs along and get them back on your chopper before that.”
    “I’m not waiting,” the pilot said and pointed to a digital clock on his instrument panel. “Fifteen minutes and I’m gone. No warning.”
    “Right, sure, I get it,” Nick said. “Fifteen minutes.”
    Nick gave him a thumbs up then shut the door. He hurried to the hatch and yanked it open, sweat beading on his forehead