Page 52 (1/2)

Gaht up the structural drawings of the ship NUMA had downloaded them from the manufacturer It showed a storerooe at the top

“There’s a cradle in here,” Duke said “It’s fairly strong rigging Clearly designed to support soht door at the far end There’s soh to read it”

Still waiting for the silt in the main cabin to settle, Gamay switched to the video feed fro away as Duke used the thrusters to blast the sliht door he’d found

When he spun the camera back around and pointed it toward the door, Garay bulkhead of heavy steel Yellow chevrons cut across it like warning signs Beneath the chevrons were tords

“ ‘Survival Pod,’ ” Ga aloud “The ship has been modified since it left the builder”

“I’ve heard about those,” Elena said “Just like some celebrities have panic rooms where they can hide fros have outfitted their ships with ‘escape pods’ and ‘panic boats’ The owners cli ship”

“That explains the smooth outline of the hole,” Duke said “Looks like a panel was blown out with explosive bolts”

Gamay nodded “Once they’re free, the pod can either float or subh to keep them out of the reach of pirates or terrorists Or to ride out the worst storht have a week of supplies and at least a day or two of oxygen They call for help with the sa and either Coast Guard or contracted security companies come in and scoop them up”

Paul broke in “So if the yacht had one, why didn’t Westgate and his family use it?”

“Maybe he couldn’t get to it,” Duke suggested “Maybe the lower decks were flooded”

“Soot to it,” Gamay pointed out

“Maybe some other crew members”

“So where are they?” Elena asked

Ga on here after all”

“Hate to be a wet blanket,” Paul said, “but any nu a oes beyond a certain state, like being subet ourselves all worked up just yet”