The Annihilation Code

Chapter Fifteen ✰ Chase Huxley ✰

Stealing a boat is a lot easier than you'd think. We hid out by the marina and waited for the guards to change shifts, then we made our move. We opted for the cheapest-looking speed boat in the harbor, hoping to draw as little attention as possible.

Katrina used her crowbar to pry open the boat's lock, and we were off. It was that easy.

I would've turned to a life of crime way sooner if I'd known it was this easy.

Atlas claimed the captain's seat, and I called shotgun. Katrina hopped onto the seat behind us, and Marisa begrudgingly plopped down in the farthest possible seat from us, with her arms folded.

Whatever, Little Miss Grumpy Pants, we're completing our quest whether you like it or not. Buckle up and enjoy the ride, sister.

As we sail away from Ikigai II, all I can hear is the faint vibration of the engine and the sound of lapping waves. The boat bounced in and out of waves as we skimmed across the water. A silver gull flew overhead and let out a high-pitched caw. The bird looked just like the one painted on my arm. Atlas really captured its likeness. Usually, being on a tiny boat in the middle of the vast ocean would terrify me, but right now, I felt calm.

I looked at Atlas. He looked right at home steering the boat. A warm smile spread across his lips as the breeze ruffled his hair. All he needed was a hat and a few wrinkles, and he'd look like one of the old sea captains you hear about in stories.

I rested my elbows on the dashboard and leaned towards Atlas. "So, where'd you learn to sail?"

Atlas briefly removed his hands from the wheel to sign. "This is my first time."

"Please tell me you're joking."

A smirk spread across his lips as he shook his head.

"But you looked like a real sea captain with the wind blowing in your hair and stuff!" I clutched onto the seat for dear life. I can't believe I got on a boat with an inexperienced captain!

Atlas raised his shoulders in a halfhearted shrug. "I'm used to improvising."

I sat on the edge of my seat, anxiously waiting for the boat to capsize or crash into a lighthouse or some other ghastly fate, but after an hour of sailing, we arrived in Sydney harbor. It was remarkable how fast the tiny speedboat could travel in comparison to the metal behemoth, Ikigai II.

We opted to sneak past Sydney Harbor security. It was too risky to try to talk to them while we were still coated in Harv's blood. We wanted as little attention as possible until we got the chance to shower.

Luckily, Marjorie's mansion was right on the coast, so we didn't have to walk far. We kept to the shadows and acted as inconspicuously as two guys drenched in guts could until we reached the estate.

We gazed up at the thirteen-foot-tall wrought iron fence surrounding the property.

"How are we supposed to get in?" Katrina asked.

I tugged at the front gate, trying to pry it open. It wouldn't budge.

"Oh well, it looks like no one's home. I guess we have to head home and regroup." Marisa spun around and began walking in the direction we came from.

"No, we don't." Atlas lifted her by the scruff like a little kitten and brought her back.

She tried to wriggle free, but her attempts were fruitless.

"Follow my lead." Atlas signed. He hoisted himself up and effortlessly climbed over the barrier, landing on the other side.

"Wait for me!" Katrina raced up the fence with tremendous speed, like a jaguar scaling a tree. She jumped from the top of the fence and struck a pose when she stuck a flawless landing. Katrina did cartwheels in the grass while she waited for us. "The grass is so soft here, guys! You have to feel it for yourselves."