The attacks kept coming. Each time the pirate boats swerved close, their hulls smacking against Aurora’s Wake, driving her farther from the coordinates Ethan had given over the radio. The Coast Guard would be searching empty water now, chasing shadows while the sailboat was shoved deeper into isolation.
Liam clutched the rail with white knuckles, teeth rattling with every impact. “They’re steering us like cattle!” “That’s exactly what they’re doing,” Ethan growled, trying to coax every ounce of strength from the sputtering motor. For a time, it looked like they might break free. One of the pirate boats suddenly slowed, falling behind, its engine coughing smoke.