Hijack by Chris Bradford

Author:Chris Bradford
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: 2017-04-05T10:14:42+00:00

26

“When it comes to maritime security matters, this isn’t just the same as land that’s blue,” said Brad, indicating the turquoise sea lapping around them. “You need to acquire special skills and adopt a completely different mind-set.”

Connor and Ling listened as they ate their breakfast in the sky lounge. The chef, a jolly man with a reassuringly large belly, had prepared them a delicious platter of watermelon, pineapple, kiwi and strawberries, along with honeyed Greek yogurt, granola and freshly squeezed orange juice.

The morning sun, shimmering in a cloudless sky, was wonderfully warming on Connor’s back, and he felt more at ease than he had for a long while. Perhaps it was the combination of a good night’s sleep, the idyllic surroundings and Brad’s easy confidence that reassured him the operation would go smoothly.

Ling appeared even more laid-back and at one with the yachting lifestyle. Wearing her sunglasses, a bikini top and shorts, she looked ready for a day of sunbathing on the beach. But any sense of vacation spirit was soon quashed by the training itinerary laid out by Brad on the table.

“We have only a week before Mr. Sterling’s arrival. So we have a lot to cover in very little time,” he explained, pointing to the first day of the schedule. “You need to be able to handle the powerboat, read radar, understand charts, learn open-water survival techniques, be familiar with the ship security plan, operate the VHF radio—”

“We know how to do that already,” said Ling, popping a fresh strawberry into her mouth.

“Stellar!” he said, grinning. “Then you can show me later, Lightning Ling.”

Ling sat up. “How do you know my nickname?”

Brad tapped his nose confidentially with his index finger. “I do my research. Now finish your brekkie and follow me.”

Leading them up to the sundeck, he stood by the gleaming rail and with a wide sweep of his arm gestured at the almost 360-degree outlook. Connor was once again struck by the majestic beauty of the island: all lush, forested slopes, coconut palms and colorful tropical birds, their gleeful chatter filling the scented air. And, judging by the number of other yachts and sailboats moored in the harbor, this slice of Eden attracted the super-rich like bees to a pot of honey.

“Vigilance is the key to protection on board a boat,” Brad explained. “A constant watch is needed, both at sea and in anchorage. Don’t rely on the crew to do any security detail; they’re fully engaged in their normal crew duties.”

Leaning against the rail, he pointed down at one of the deckhands, a lanky South African named Jordan, who was mopping the main deck while listening to music on his headphones.

“When in safe harbor, the crew are generally relaxed and unobservant, but we can’t afford to be.” He jerked his chin in the direction of a rubber dinghy buzzing by. “Small craft like that tender are scooting around all the time, so the approach of a suspect boat can go unnoticed. In a popular harbor like

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