Honor Under Siege

to the right. Help me lower the life raft.

“Im coming with you. Donaldson can handle the

boat.

Renée nodded and between the two of them they unlashed the life

raft from its deck moorings, disengaged the lock on the pul ey,

and swung the small boat out over the water. Felicia hit the

switch for the motor and as the inflatable raft lowered

automatical y, she grabbed two PFDs from a nearby locker. She

tossed one to Renée and pul ed hers on.

“There are two more clipped inside the raft for them.

Felicia swung her leg up and over the railing. “Lets get them the

hell out of the water.

“Great idea, Renée shouted and fol owed her over the side

and down the ladder.

Felicia started the motor and propel ed the boat toward the area

of the last sighting. “Do you have them?

“No! Renée leaned as far over the front of the raft as she

dared, gripping the handholds. “Head further to your right.

There wait.

Yes! There!

“Be careful, Felicia shouted as Renée braced her legs against

the side of the raft, released the handholds, and leaned over the

side. Felicia set the motor to idle and clambered forward, joining

Renée. Together, they grabbed for Cam, whose head and

shoulders were just visible above the water next to the raft.

Even in the flickering red light from the scattered fires still

burning amongst the debris, her face looked deathly pale.

“Commander, Renée shouted as she reached down with

both arms. “Can you grab on to me?

“No, Cam gasped. She pushed Valerie forward. “Take her first.

Felicia and Renée grasped Valeries inert body under the arms

and

pulled her into the raft. She wasnt moving and appeared

unresponsive. When Renée looked back into the water she

saw Cam go under. She dove in, grabbed Cam around the

waist and pul ed her back to the surface. Shaking water from

her eyes, she saw Felicia leaning down and pushed Cam into her

arms. Then she fumbled for the rope around the edge of the

raft and final y managed to hold onto it. Together she and

Felicia pushed and pul ed Cam into the raft. Final y, Felicia

grabbed Renées arm and Renée managed to lever herself up

and onto the floor of the life raft.

“Commander, Renée gasped. Cam lay curled up against

the opposite side of the raft. Valerie was stretched out between

them.

“The commanders conscious, but I dont think Valeries

breathing, Felicia shouted, hurrying back to rev the engine. “We

need to get them to the boat.

Renée scarcely noticed as the smal , crowded raft tossed and

spun from crest to trough and back up again. Kneeling beside

Valerie, she opened her blouse and pressed an ear to Valeries

breast. She heard a distant heartbeat but she couldnt detect any

movement of her chest. Cupping Valeries chin, she tilted her head

back, covered her nose with her opposite hand, and sealed her

mouth to Valeries. As she blew into her lungs, all she could think

was that Valerie was cold. Cold as ice. Cold as death.

“Come on, Valerie. Come on. Renée blew another

breath. “Breathe. Goddamn it. Breathe. She felt the barest

flicker as Valeries chest rose beneath her hand and she hurriedly

pressed her cheek to Valeries breast again. This time the

heartbeat was slow and even fainter than before. Far slower

than it should be. Frantical y, she yel ed over her shoulder,

“Shes breathing, but Im not sure for how long. Hurry up or were

going to lose her!

* * * * *

“This is Staff Sergeant Donaldson reporting, Donaldsons

voice announced through the speakers.

Paula straightened up abruptly. “Where is everyone

else?

“The agents are engaged with resuscitation efforts, maam. I

have the conn, and we are returning to base.

“Status? Paula snapped.

“Two casualties.

“Put that launch right up on the beach below our location. Do

you copy?

“Loud and clear.

Paula signaled to Mac as she spoke and he nodded, murmuring

instructions into his radio. “DonaldsonETA?

“Ten minutes.

“How badly are they hurt? Blair said, standing so close to

Stark she could hear her rapid breathing. “Are they burned?

Behind her, she heard Diane groan softly.

“Whats their condition? Paula asked.

“Major hypothermia. Thats all I can tell you, maam.

“Roger that. Bring them home, Donaldson.

“Yes maam. Ill be pleased to do

that.

As Paula instructed Mac to call the marina for

additional resuscitation equipment, Blair grabbed Dianes arm and

dragged her toward the door. “Come on. We need to get fires

going in the bedrooms and fill the bathtubs. Were going to

have to get them warmed up.

“Shouldnt we call for an ambulance or something? Diane

asked, hurrying along beside Blair.

“No time, Blair said, taking the stairs to the second floor on