She mustered enough strength to turn her head in the direction Dimitris was pointing. Either she was hallucinating, or the lights from the shore were moving in their direction. It was a moment before she realized that’s exactly what was happening. An entire flotilla of lights.
Dimitris started waving his hands, shouting in Greek, “Over here! Over here!”
Dozens of fishing boats and trawlers were heading their way. Spotlights swept across the surface, one finally landing on them as Dimitris continued waving.
Remi joined in, relief buoying her energy as the boats neared. Someone threw out a preserver. Dimitris swam to it, then brought it back to Remi.
Nikos motored up in the Asteri, hugging them both the moment they boarded. As Dimitris told his father about what they’d witnessed, Nikos’s expression turned grim. Even so, he radioed the others to start heading toward the Kyrils’ yacht.
Or rather, where it used to be.
It was long gone by the time they started searching.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The crash had been spectacular, although Sam regretted having to sacrifice the beautiful old boat.
But it had the desired effect. Kyril’s men decided to turn tail and run, rather than risk any inquiries from the unwanted attention that the explosion brought to the Mirage.
He hoped that meant Remi and Dimitris were safe. Much depended on whether or not they were picked up by one of Nikos’s friends or, since they were much closer when they’d jumped, managed to swim to shore.
Sam, on the other hand, was several miles from anywhere. He’d been swimming northeast for the past hour, not sure if he’d made much progress, trying to get to the flotilla of fishing boats heading to where the yacht had been.
Too far away to call out to them, he realized they’d be gone by the time he could get there. His only recourse was to stay put and hope that help came to him.
A good decision, it turned out.
As dawn crept in, one
of the fishermen spotted him.
Within minutes, he was pulled aboard and taken into the cabin. Someone got on the radio. A moment later, he recognized Nikos’s voice coming from it. “Fargo! We found them both. They’re fine.”
Someone led Sam to a seat, wrapped a blanket around him, brought him a hot cup of Greek coffee. It was extra strong, made with three teaspoons of sugar and two heaping teaspoons of coffee. The vary glykos warmed him immediately.
He held it between his hands, a mix of emotions coursing through him, and only one thought running through his mind.
Remi was safe.
* * *
—
Within a half hour, Sam rejoined Nikos on the Asteri, where Remi and Dimitris were waiting. Both had showered and were dressed in borrowed clothes from the crew, Remi’s far too large, the cuffs on her pants and shirt rolled up several times to accommodate her.
Though it was a far cry from the color-coordinated wardrobe he’d seen hanging in her closet, he thought she looked perfect. Even more so when she smiled, and gave him a hug. “Thank you,” she said. “I still can’t believe you’re here.”
“Remi, I told you the North Star will always lead me to you.”
She wrapped her arms around him and he drew her close. This time the kiss lingered, but ended far sooner than either of them would have liked.
Nikos held up a bottle of ouzo and four ice-filled glasses. “Sit, Fargo. It’s time to celebrate.” He poured the clear liquid into each glass, then took a small bottle of water, topping each. The moment the water hit the ouzo, it turned from clear to milky white. He lifted his glass in a toast. “Whatever the reason, I’m very glad you came. I thank you for my son’s life. For Remi’s life. For surviving, yourself.”
“Hear! Hear!” Dimitris and Remi joined in.
Sam sipped the alcohol, the taste of licorice heavy on his tongue as he set his glass on the table. As much as he wanted to relax, there were too many questions that needed answers. “I’m all for celebrating, but does anyone have any idea why they came after the two of you?”
“Not exactly,” Remi said. “Although they did mention something about killing us and not wanting to bring attention to the island. I gathered they’re looking for something.”