Blind date turned proposal (Josie and Dexter) novel Chapter 1186

Josie simply fixed her gaze upon him, a mix of determination and concern etched on her face. “This is far too risky, Dexter. You shouldn't have to shoulder this burden for me,” she asserted, her voice laced with worry.

Dexter gently lifted her hand, the one still gripping the firearm, which was noticeably shaking from the tension. “Were you injured?”

She gave her head a slight shake, dismissing his worry. “But those two who were patrolling earlier haven't come back yet. It's only a matter of time before they notice we're here,” she cautioned, the urgency in her voice growing.

Suddenly, another series of knocks echoed at the door, followed by a call, “Joshua, is everything okay in there? We're all waiting on you.”

Dexter's expression tightened with resolve as he carefully pinned his badge onto his disguise. In his haste to board the ship, he had incapacitated a guard and assumed his identity to blend in seamlessly.

“Just a moment,” he called out, his voice steady.

As he adjusted his mask and lowered his hat to obscure his face further, he turned toward Josie. “I'll remain on the ship tonight. Take this—it's a signal transmitter. Should anything happen, use it to alert me immediately,” he instructed, placing the sturdy device in her hand.

However, Josie's anxiety did not wane; instead, she swiftly caught hold of Dexter's arm, her concern evident in her eyes. “Are you certain this is the best course of action?” she pressed for reassurance.

Dexter maintained his composure, though a trace of unease flickered through his stoic façade. “I have to do this, so, Jo, I need your assistance,” he explained, not commanding her help but rather requesting it.

This subtle distinction made Josie feel like she was more than just a bystander in these events.

A realization struck her just as Dexter was stepping out the door, which he closed gently behind him.

He had deliberately chosen not to have Justin accompany him, suggesting that he had been prepared to face this ordeal alone from the start.

As the sound of Dexter's convivial chatter with the crew outside dwindled, Josie found herself momentarily frozen, unable to act. She knew she had to distance herself from this precarious situation.

The time for departure had arrived. Arnold stood on the deck, his actions decisive as he cut the mooring rope. The ship sprung to life, its lights illuminating the darkness, a horn sounding off into the night as it embarked on its voyage.

Josie scrambled to find a secure spot to conceal her cash, but every potential hiding place was under strict surveillance. It seemed there was no safe refuge for her here.

After what felt like an eternity, a message from Dexter arrived: Vipera and Mr. Dalton have departed on a smaller vessel; the cargo we sought isn't aboard this ship.