The Lost Kingdom

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

The remainder of the night unfolded at a more reasonable pace as Drake and his teammates shot onto Awaji Island, cutting between high concrete reinforcements and then keeping the expanding sea view to their left. Their pursuers tried in vain to keep up, but Drake had chosen wisely with the four bikes. He half expected another seaplane to appear, or at least a chopper, but the Yakuza must not have been able to rustle anything up.

Probably all out moving their friggin’ contraband… among other things.

He recognized the hotel to his left from pictures and peeled through the entrance, switching his lights off and coasting down a sharp, twisting incline toward a long, wooden dock.

Two speedboats sat tied up, bobbing gently in the undulating swell.

Drake ditched the bike, taking care to conceal it before hurrying over to a waiting figure.

“Cheers for doing this.”

“No thanks required, man, so long as I get paid.”

“This guy’s our banker.” Drake pointed at Dahl. “Or something like that.”

The figure pulled a hood back to reveal young features set within a pockmarked, scarred face. He didn’t reveal his hands. “Don’t care how many of you there are. Pay up now or I start killing.”

Drake coughed in surprise. “Okay, pal, calm down, calm down.” He dug into his jacket, still sweating inside his mask and trying to adjust to life at less than one hundred and twenty miles per hour.

Mai squeezed past him. “Nice friend you got there.”

Drake paid and ensured they were all secure before casting his eyes back along what he could see of the highway. “Better without your running lights,” he told the youth. “At least for now.”

“I know how to smuggle,” came the reply. “You still aiming for HK?”

“Yep.”

“Cool. Get in.”

Drake noticed the only space left was one between Hibiki, Mai and Chika. Unconsciously, he winced. Outwardly, he gave the others an aggrieved stare. This was all he needed. What he actually wanted was to hold Mai, to share his relief and sheer pleasure at saving her life, but this sure as hell wasn’t the time. Not even close. Gingerly, he picked his way aboard the speedboat and took a pew next to Hibiki.

The boat powered up, stealthy at first, nudging out of the cover of the dock and over the rolling waves. The horizon opened up ahead, black and empty, and a sea breeze ruffled their clothing. Slowly, both speedboats ventured further out.

Drake gripped Hibiki’s shoulder. “Great job back there, pal. You guys really owned that lobby for a while.”

“I’m just happy everyone made it out alive,” Hibiki said, staring between Chika and Mai. “How’s the gunshot wound?”

Mai glared over. “Hurts like a bitch. How’s the face?”

Hibiki blinked, not understanding. “Okay, thanks. I didn’t—”

Mai leaned over and slapped him hard. “How about now?”

“Shit!” Drake couldn’t help himself. “We came here for you. Everyone’s here for you. Even bloody Alicia.”

“Don’t tempt me,” Mai snapped at him. “You brought Grace.”

“She wanted to come.” Drake knew the words were lame before he uttered them but his mouth ran away with itself. “To be fair the plan was that she stay back at the hotel.”

Mai shook her head, saying nothing and staring at the dark horizon. Chika chose that moment to smile at Hibiki, the gesture achingly sad through all the blood, cuts and bruises that covered her face.

Drake stared the other way as Hibiki and Chika embraced, whispering their gratitude and love for each other, alone now in the full boat. His eyes locked onto those of Alicia, who stared over at him.

Even the sprightly Englishwoman looked sad.