Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 1066

Parker squinted, gauging the distance between the little boat he had commandeered and the massive cruise ship looming ahead.

At least five hundred yards, he guessed.

Rowing there by hand, especially fighting against the sea breeze, would take him a good few minutes.

If Bryce was here, then the "mystery man" must be on that cruise ship!

He was so close to uncovering the truth.

Parker's brow furrowed with impatience as he recalled the gunshots he heard earlier. He reached for his waistband only to realize he had forgotten to bring his gun in the haste of pursuit.

"Damn."

As he bent down to row, the gunfire from the cruise ship abruptly ceased, and soon the sounds of fighting faded as well.

Clutching the oars tightly, Parker's hawk-like eyes tried to pierce the night, but he couldn't make out what was happening on the ship. Gritting his teeth, he rowed harder, pushing through the waves with determination.

Inside the grand lounge of the cruise ship—

The floor was drenched in blood.

Bryce's crew, outnumbering the black-clad assassins, swiftly wiped them out.

Parisa was pulled from the clutches of the assailants.

Florence, still trembling with fear, cried with gratitude, “Mr. Lutz, thank goodness for you, thank goodness!”

She watched as Parisa’s deep, contemplative eyes stayed fixed on Bryce, seemingly trying to piece together tonight’s chaos: first a group of assassins came after her, then Bryce appeared out of nowhere. How did he know they had changed their landing spot?

Parisa shifted her gaze to Florence.

Florence's voice wavered as she hesitated to explain to Parisa, “Mom, I didn’t mean to tell Mr. Lutz about our change in plans. He had no idea you were coming back.