Page 4 of Building Courage
Ahmad nodded his head. “Since you injured it, did the other sharks come after it?”
“I don’t know. We didn’t stick around to find out.”
Ahmad looked a little disappointed at that and then said, “It seems your work here is done now.”
“Yes. The shipping route is clear. Captain Abboud’s sonar sweep several hours after the charges were blown showed no debris left behind. The trawler broke into several pieces and tumbled to the bottom of the trench into deeper water.”
“I’m sure our government will be very pleased.”
“I suppose so. At least they won’t have to worry about an oil spill.”
“And the repercussion from it,” Ahmad added. “That will save the beaches, the fishing industry, and the tourism.”
The way he worded things piqued Tucker’s curiosity. “Where did you learn to speak English, Ahmad?”
“I went to school in America for a time. My parents worked for the ambassador in Washington for five years. When my parents moved back to Riyadh, I had no choice but to return with them.”
“Perhaps you’ll find a way back to the States if that’s what you want.”
“That is indeed my hope, sir.”
“Since you speak English so well, you could work as a translator, and perhaps that could pave the way.”
“That is my purpose here on this ship, sir. My boss volunteered my services during your stay here.”
“Who is your boss? If you’re allowed to tell me.”
“He is involved with one of the oil corporations.”
Great.
The team was always careful about what they said and did during deployment when hanging close to the locals. Ahmad had been there listening to every word. Even so, he couldn’t think of anything they’d discussed about the work or home that would be an issue.
“Do you need some medication for pain, Mr. Giles?”
“No thanks. I took some before coming up on deck.”
“Then I will say good night.”
“Good night, Ahmad.”
Tucker rested his uninjured hip against the metal railing surrounding the deck and looked out over the ink-black water while he finished his soft drink.
Even though the job was finished, there was no guarantee they’d be going home. The Saudis might demand something else. But damn, he could use some R&R. They all could.
He limped back down the steps to the galley, threw the can away, then moved on to the cabin. He hiked himself up on the bunk and breathed a sigh as he settled in.
He’d get past the shark thing and be back to his old self by the time they moved on to the next mission.
Chapter 2
‡
“If you can take pictures on land, you can do it underwater, Brynn. We all know what a wonder you are with a camera,” Natalie gushed.
The lapels on Natalie’s deep red suit were as sharp as a knife. Her short blond hair had been highlighted and styled into an asymmetrical swoop to one side, while the hair on the opposite side was almost shaved. Her make-up looked flawless and had to be airbrushed.
Standing with her, Brynn was very aware of her bare face and faded jeans. Her only redeeming poke at fashion was the pastel multi-colored tee that peaked from beneath the neckline of the oversized pink scoop-necked summer-weight sweater.