The sea stretched endless around them, bright under the sun, mercilessly empty. Every second, the distance closed. The two boats trailed them steadily, black shapes knifing through the glittering sea. They weren’t close enough to board, but close enough for their intent to be clear. Every minute, the distance shrank.
Liam couldn’t keep still. He darted across the deck, eyes bouncing between the approaching vessels and the cases stacked neatly by the mast. “They’re going to take everything,” he blurted. His hands shook as he grabbed one of the smaller crates and tried to wedge it beneath a bench. “I can’t—these instruments cost more than—than—” His words tangled in panic.