Shadows of the deep, p.1
Shadows of the Deep, page 1
Shadows of
the Deep
David Evans
LOUDHAILER BOOKS
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © David Evans 2024
This first edition published in 2024 by:
Loudhailer Books
13 Lyminster Avenue
Brighton
BN1 8JL
www.loudhailerbooks.com
This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events, is purely coincidental.
Contents
Chapter 1: Blood on the Deck
Chapter 2: Twisted Path
Chapter 3: Breakfast in the Everglades
Chapter 4: A Pact Sealed in Grief
Chapter 5: Desert Showdown
Chapter 6: Man Down
Chapter 7: Hidden Agenda
Chapter 8: Calm before the Storm
Chapter 9: Path to Redemption
Chapter 10: Blood Sea
Chapter 11: Rumble in the Jungle
Chapter 12: Revelations
Chapter 13: The Hidden Alliance
Chapter 14: Twilight Ambush
Chapter 15: Showdown on the Open Sea
Chapter 16: Finding Guano
Chapter 17: Into the Abyss
Chapter 18: The Inner Circle
Chapter 19: Race Against Time
Chapter 20: Farewell to a Friend
Chapter 21: Promises and Vendettas
Chapter 22: Final Descent
Chapter 23: Downfall
Chapter 24: Wings on a Prayer
Chapter 25: The Final Countdown
Chapter 26: The Fallout
Chapter 27: Retribution
Chapter 1: Blood on the Deck
In the world of Robert Ford and Samantha Gooding, the contrasts between their backgrounds were not just a matter of wealth but also of experience. Robert, born into a family of affluence and privilege, had grown up surrounded by opulence. The Ford family estate was a sprawling mansion nestled amidst manicured gardens and rolling acres of land. It was a place where old money spoke volumes, and tradition was deeply ingrained.
From a young age, Robert had been groomed to take on the mantle of the Ford legacy. His father, Conrad Ford, had ensured that Robert received the finest education money could buy. He had attended prestigious schools and eventually Yale University, where he studied business and economics. But despite the privilege that came with his lineage, Robert had always yearned for a taste of adventure beyond the confines of boardrooms and corporate meetings.
Samantha, on the other hand, hailed from a world that was far removed from the polished halls of the Ford estate. Growing up in the bustling streets of Brooklyn, she had learned the value of hard work and determination from a young age. Her parents, both first-generation immigrants, had instilled in her the importance of education and the pursuit of her dreams.
After leaving college with a diploma in computer technology, Samantha had embarked on a career that seemed promising, but quickly proved unfulfilling. Her brief stint as a computer programmer in Hell’s Kitchen had left her craving more than the monotony of office life.
Buoyed by her initial success, Samantha had cast a wider net, creating a women’s support site that covered an array of topics. She had even ventured into the world of beauty and makeup, using her own experiences and learnings to create tutorials that resonated with her audience. In a few short years, Samantha had built an empire, employing a diverse team of talented individuals with varying levels of education, including a couple of PhDs.
It was Samantha’s drive, determination, and unwavering belief in herself that had drawn the attention of the wealthy and charming Robert Ford. The two had crossed paths in the bustling city of Seattle, where Samantha had set up her headquarters. It was a city that symbolized her journey from humble beginnings to remarkable success.
Their love story had blossomed amidst the backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, where rugged landscapes met the vibrant energy of the city. Samantha’s beauty, intelligence, and confidence had captivated Robert, who, despite his privileged background, found in her a sense of authenticity and adventure that had been missing from his life.
As they set sail on the Barracuda, their journey represented not only a voyage of exploration but also a merging of two worlds. Robert sought to share his world of luxury and tradition with Samantha, while Samantha, in turn, brought her entrepreneurial spirit and determination to the relationship. Little did they know that the adventure they had embarked upon would test their love and resilience in ways they could never have imagined.
Generations of Ford family members had upheld the legacy of Armitech, a name synonymous with weapons and arms. Conrad Ford’s father had expanded the business to encompass cutting-edge research and development of new weaponry. Under Conrad’s leadership, Armitech had soared to new heights, with substantial investments in weapon research and a global expansion of its market.
Conrad had taken a bold step to secure full ownership of the company by buying out the shareholders his father had relied on during expansion. For over two decades, Armitech had held a coveted position as one of the American government’s preferred weapons and arms suppliers. However, Conrad faced a moral dilemma inherited from his great-great-grandfather: the inclination towards double-dealing. Regardless of creed, race, or political persuasion, Conrad was known as an equal-opportunity weapon supplier, selling arms to anyone who could afford to pay.
In contrast to the complexities of the arms industry, Robert Ford, at the tender age of twenty-three, enjoyed a life of privilege and affluence. Educated with a trust fund that dwarfed the lifetime earnings of most bankers, Robert had begrudgingly completed the exams and internships expected of him. He possessed ample wealth, allowing him the luxury of never having to lift a finger for financial gain. In his eyes, the years spent studying had seemed unnecessary, given that he could have secured a seat on the company’s board regardless of his educational accomplishments.
Throughout Robert’s life, his mother, Emilia Conrad, had resorted to gifts and promises as a means to manipulate him into following his father’s wishes. For their engagement, Emilia had bestowed upon Robert and Samantha an extravagant gift—a five-star trip around the southern hemisphere. This voyage encompassed four months of sailing the world’s oceans before Robert would assume his role on the company’s board. However, there was a clandestine element to this journey, as Conrad Ford had entrusted Robert with a parcel that remained undeclared to Customs. Utilizing Armitech’s private jet offered them a cloak of reduced scrutiny compared to commercial airlines. Before setting sail, Robert discreetly delivered this mysterious package to the captain of a small freight ship named Lotus Leaf, seamlessly blending business with pleasure.
Their journey thus far had been a wondrous exploration for the deeply enamoured couple. They had revelled in a few spirited evenings at Clarke Quay, explored the Singapore Zoo under the stars during a night-time safari, and sought thrills at Universal Studios on Sentosa Island. All of this was but a prelude to the grand adventure that awaited them.
Their voyage led them to the Indonesian islands, where they immersed themselves in the local culture and replenished their supplies of fuel. Yet the pinnacle of their journey was anchored in the archipelago of the Lesser Sunda Islands, where they beheld the awe-inspiring Komodo dragons in their natural habitat—an island named after these colossal lizards, the largest on Earth.
As the yacht sliced through the tranquil sea, Robert beckoned Samantha to join him. The spray of the sea breeze offered respite from the sun’s warmth, and Samantha, adorned in a vibrant lime-green bikini, stood tall to witness a remarkable sight. A playful pod of dolphins frolicked in the wake of the boat, their sleek bodies dancing in the sea’s embrace.
Curiosity piqued, Samantha turned to Robert and enquired about their current location. Amidst the spectacle of the dolphins, she couldn’t help but wonder about their destination. Robert’s response came amidst the intermittent noise of the yacht’s motor, a reminder of their journey’s soundtrack.
“We’ve just entered the Badung Strait, off the Indonesian island of Bali,” Robert answered, a hint of excitement in his voice. “We’ll anchor off the coast, as the maritime information advised against night-time docking in Bali’s international marina.”
Samantha’s enthusiasm remained undiminished as she shouted back, “So, dinner on board again tonight?”
Robert grinned, his love for Samantha evident in his eyes. “Apologies, Sam,” he called out over the motor’s noise. “Tonight, it’ll be my turn to play chef. I’ll be cooking up some Aberdeen Angus steaks and lobster tails. The channel approach is tricky here, and those navigation lights aren’t the brightest. We’ll wait for a slack tide tomorrow when the waters are less turbulent.”
As the sun cast its golden hues across the sea, painting a serene backdrop for their journey, Robert and Samantha eagerly anticipated their next adventure in a land of beauty and mystery. Unbeknownst to them, the tides of fate were about to turn, and their idyllic voyage would soon face challenges they could never have foreseen.
The turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean stretched out before them, glistening under the radiant sun, as Robert Ford and Samantha Gooding sailed deeper into their voyage. The journey aboard the Barracuda had been nothing short of enchanting, a tapestry of experiences woven with the threads of love, adventure, and the promise of the unknown.
The Barracuda, with its sleek, pure white hull adorned by a silver streak, was a vessel of luxury and elegance. Its three opulent cabins on the lower decks were a sanctuary of comfort and indulgence. Each cabin boasted double-sized beds swathed in sumptuous, sparkling white high-end cotton duvets and satin scatter cushions. Above the cabins lay an open-air leisure deck, a pristine haven featuring a curved, soft white leather couch and an ornate side table, reminiscent of a seven-star hotel. A veranda, positioned just outside the lounge, served as the barbecue and dining area, its stylish furniture harmonizing flawlessly with the vivid colour of the hull. From this vantage point, a mere eight steps led down to a gently curving platform that served as a springboard into the inviting warmth of the sea.
Robert, at the helm on the open-top deck, took in the breathtaking vista around him. A fridge nearby held his favourite Tiger beers, while bottles of eight-year-old French Chablis awaited Samantha’s palate. The love they shared was palpable, and Robert was determined to make every moment of this journey memorable for the woman he adored.
Robert’s connection to the sea ran deep, a respite from the responsibilities that came with his family’s wealth and legacy. The Ford family had a long history dating back to the American Civil War when Robert’s great-great-grandfather, Alfred Ford, had established himself as an arms manufacturer in 1861. The Fords had supplied weaponry to both the North and the South during those tumultuous times, selling repeating carbines and revolver pistols to the highest bidders. It was a legacy that had shaped Robert’s life, leading him to attend Yale and ultimately secure a seat on the board of Armitech, the family-owned company.
Armitech had evolved over the generations. Conrad Ford, Robert’s father, had expanded the business into research and development of cutting-edge weapons, catapulting it to new heights. Under Conrad’s leadership, and beneath the veneer of success, there lingered a moral dilemma inherited from generations past— readiness to trade arms with any possessing the resources, irrespective of their belief system, ethnicity, or political connections.
In contrast to the weight of legacy that burdened Robert, Samantha was a beacon of fresh perspective. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, her journey had been a testament to her determination and ingenuity.
Her entrepreneurial spirit had led her to create a unique niche in the digital landscape. Starting with an advisory website for pet rabbit owners, she had stumbled upon a thriving online business model. Samantha’s innate talent for research, combined with her relentless drive, had resulted in monthly deposits of over $200,000 into her bank account. It was a taste of success that fuelled her ambitions.
She had expanded her digital empire further by creating a women’s support site, offering guidance on a wide array of topics. Samantha’s charisma and knack for teaching had prompted her to delve into the world of beauty, where she had taken makeup courses and shared her expertise through captivating tutorials.
It was Samantha’s meteoric rise that had captured Robert’s attention. Her beauty, intelligence, and entrepreneurial prowess had drawn him in, and their relationship had blossomed against the backdrop of Seattle, a city that symbolized Samantha’s journey from humble beginnings to remarkable success.
As they ventured forth on their grand voyage, their shared experiences had become the fabric of their love story.
But the true magic had unfolded as they explored the Indonesian islands. Here, amidst the rich tapestry of cultures, they had gathered provisions and immersed themselves in the beauty of the archipelago of the Lesser Sunda Islands. It was here, in this remote and untamed paradise, that they had marvelled at the ancient giants of the animal kingdom—the Komodo dragons, massive creatures that had roamed the earth for centuries.
As they sailed further into the Badung Strait, the allure of Bali beckoned. Samantha, her lime-green bikini a vibrant contrast to the sun-kissed sea, stood tall on the yacht’s deck. Her SPF 50 sunscreen ensured her fair skin remained untouched by the sun’s harsh rays. With a pod of dolphins playing in the boat’s wake, she couldn’t contain her excitement.
“Where are we now, Robert?” Samantha asked, her eyes sparkling with wonder.
Robert, enjoying the sight of the dolphins, couldn’t have been happier. “We’ve just entered the Badung Strait, off the Indonesian island of Bali,” he replied, his voice carrying the thrill of anticipation. “We’ll anchor off the coast, as the maritime information advised against night-time docking in Bali’s international marina.”
Their laughter and joy echoed across the sea as they continued their journey into the unknown. Samantha’s question about dinner was met with a promise of culinary delights from Robert’s capable hands. They sailed through the channel, guided by the dimly lit navigation markers. A tranquil sea beneath them, their love and excitement for the adventures ahead burned brighter than ever.
They had no clue. The trip had started as a perfect getaway, a chance to taste freedom and celebrate love, away from it all. But the world doesn’t always go the way you want it. Instead of open skies and smooth sailing, what lay ahead was a detour into a nightmare.
Robert carefully examined the navigational charts, ensuring they were safely positioned away from any shipping or ferry lanes. Content with their location, he decided it was time to anchor the Barracuda. He finished the last of his beer, the bottle momentarily capturing the glint of the setting sun, and then released the anchor overboard, allowing the fluke to bite securely into the seabed. With the anchor set, the yacht would gently rotate around it, a peaceful dance in the tranquil waters.
“Break out the barbecue!” Samantha’s voice carried an air of excitement as the day gracefully surrendered to the night. The shoreline’s distant lights, mere pinpricks on the horizon, competed with the emerging stars above, casting a magical glow over the scene. Robert, always eager to indulge Samantha’s wishes, retrieved the large gas barbecue and griddle from a storage locker on the deck. Meanwhile, Samantha descended into the galley, her mind set on selecting the perfect cuts of steak and lobster tails for their evening meal.
Within minutes, the fragrant scent of sizzling sirloins and paprika-infused lobster tails filled the air, an appetizing prelude to their feast. Samantha, her culinary skills as impressive as her beauty, prepared a refreshing salad while uncorking a bottle of fine red wine. As the deep ruby liquid flowed into a glass, her spirits soared, adding to the sense of joy that seemed to permeate every moment they spent together.
Robert manned the grill with precision, his attention dedicated to achieving the flawless medium-rare finish they loved on their steaks. Around him, the air filled with the hypnotic crackle and smoke, a sensory cloak that hid the silent encroachment of figures they hadn’t anticipated. It was the sizzle, that comforting, familiar sound, that doomed them, allowing the intruders to infiltrate undetected until their presence became undeniable and impossible to ignore.
At first, Samantha assumed that Robert had accidentally knocked over the portable barbecue, a possibility she entertained as she heard a muted thud from the deck above the galley. Concerned about her dinner, she shouted up the narrow stairwell, “That had better not be my dinner on the deck!” When Robert’s response didn’t come, she worried that perhaps the sizzle of the steaks had drowned out her voice.
The soft melody of Samantha’s humming was snatched away by the night wind as she emerged onto the deck, the salad bowl she carried now an afterthought. The scene before her yanked the comfort from under her feet. The serenity of the evening shattered, giving way to a pulse of fear that throbbed through the silence. Robert was gone, erased from the setting where he should’ve been, his absence a silent scream in her ears.
In his place, the deck had turned into a stage for an insidious pantomime. Four figures, shadow-drenched and dripping, were hunched in ‘kambens’, the traditional cloth sticking to their skins, betraying the contours of muscles and sinews underneath. The yacht’s gentle lighting cast an ominous glow, highlighting the strangers’ features in haunting clarity—local men, by their looks, but their eyes didn’t carry the familiar warmth of island hospitality.
Samantha’s heart pounded a brutal, frantic rhythm. The air was thick, charged with a foreboding that constricted her chest. The quiet surrounding them was deceptive, a predator lying in wait. These intruders, these harbingers of unknown intentions, had breached their haven of solitude.
