Chapter 9 - The Rescue
A massive, blinding spotlight hit the slanted deck of the sinking yacht.
The deafening sound of a Coast Guard rescue helicopter filled the stormy air.
A bright yellow rescue basket was lowered down through the torrential rain.
I grabbed Jim by the soaked collar of his shirt and shoved him toward the basket.
"Take Lily and get in!" I ordered him over the roaring coastal wind.
Jim grabbed my terrified daughter and climbed awkwardly into the metal cage.
They were immediately hoisted up into the safety of the hovering chopper.
The boat shifted violently again, and the stern slipped entirely beneath the massive waves.
I grabbed onto the metal railing to keep from sliding backward into the dark ocean.
The yellow basket came hurtling down a second time for the remaining passengers.
Bruce ran toward it and tried to climb inside before I even had a chance to move.
"Ladies first, buddy," a loud, authoritative voice boomed from a megaphone above.
A Coast Guard rescue swimmer had dropped from a cable onto the sinking deck.
He grabbed Bruce by the shoulder, pulled him back, and helped me secure myself into the basket.
As I was lifted into the cold air, I looked down at my frantic husband.
He was screaming angry words at me, but the helicopter blades stole his voice completely.
The rescue swimmer strapped a heavy safety harness onto Bruce's chest.
They were lifted up together into the sky just as the yacht completely submerged beneath the sea.
We were all pulled securely into the warm, dry cabin of the large aircraft.
I grabbed Lily from Jim and held her so tightly I thought she might complain.
We were finally safe from the freezing water and the ruthless cartel members.
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But as the helicopter turned its nose toward the mainland, my relief suddenly vanished.
The senior Coast Guard officer stepped forward and pulled out a pair of steel handcuffs.
