Hustle (Book 1 in The Hunted Hearts) - SYTYCW Winner #action #comedy #romance

Hustle | Chapter 17

Copyright 2013 - All Rights Reserved

Hustle By Claire Chilton

17

Survival Kit

Jacob knelt behind a large boulder on the outskirts of the jungle, hidden from the beach by ferns and craggy rocks. He stared down in disbelief at the contents of the bag that he'd tipped out onto the forest floor. Along with the phone and clothing he'd thrown into the bag, he inspected Ellie's version of survival supplies; a lighter with no gas in it, half a first aid kit, sun tan lotion, bug spray, a hair brush, a notebook and pen, and a fucking romance novel! Okay, there were a few more things, but why didn't she pack a rope or a knife?

This is a beach bag, not a survival kit!

He rubbed his brow and closed his eyes, shaking his head.

How is she still alive with this kind of planning?

He plucked a lacy bra between his thumb and forefinger, studying it. As it unfurled, a small case fell out of it. He dropped the bra back into the bag and picked up the case, expecting to find a manicure set.

He widened his eyes when he peered at the tools inside. It was a lock pick kit, containing pliers, pins and a variety of oddly shaped instruments.

Well, at least it's not another romance novel, but what lock is she expecting to pick on an uninhabited island?

A loud shout on the shore caused him to jump and drop the case on the jungle floor. He peered out through the ferns to see people sailing towards the beach on a small boat. He quickly stuffed all of the items back into the bag and zipped it up before taking a second look at the shore.

Coming from a large yacht that was anchored close the island, a smaller boat full of mercenaries arrived on the shore. There were seven of them, each one bulky with muscle and heavily armed with guns and knives. He recognized Meyer, too. The mob boss pulled on a camouflage bush hat before he turned and signaled to his yacht.

Jacob widened his eyes as a man carrying a rocket launcher appeared on the deck of the larger craft. His jaw dropped open as the man on the yacht turned to face the Celeste, aiming the large weapon at it.

Oh, no.

There was a loud crack in the air as the rocket was launched. It shot across the water and smashed into the side of the smaller craft. Jacob jumped as the ground shook beneath him when the Celeste exploded. Flames shot up into the air after a loud boom. Thick black smoke billowed into a cloud above the remains of the ship. Flaming debris fell into the water, pieces of the hull and the cabin sizzling when they hit the surface as the boat floated on the water like charred skeletal remains.

Jacob gulped. He'd expected this to be hard going, but it looked as if Meyer wanted a war.

He's making sure we can't get off this island. He just blew up our only escape route.

Jacob silently moved back while rising to his feet and gripping his bag.

I need to find Ellie before Meyer does. Then we need to find a place to hide.

***

Ellie wiped her brow. She'd been trekking through the humid jungle for a while now, trying to cover her tracks as she went.

She jumped when there was loud booming sound behind her. She peered back, trying to see what had caused the noise, but she could only see dense trees and bushes.