“I went to Dover this morning. While I was there, I spoke with Harvey. He said he got a tip that Graham’s boat is scheduled to leave tonight for France. I’m going to meet Harvey and his men at the docks tonight. Do you want to join me?”
“Me?” Heath said. “Why would you want me to come? I won’t be much use with this cane.”
“You don’t have to chase anyone, but you have military experience, and you can shoot a gun. Hopefully, it won’t come to that, but I’m sure Harvey would appreciate the extra hands.”
Kane wanted him to come, to make Heath realize he wasn’t useless. He had skills which could come in handy in an operation like this. Even though Harvey had worked in London, Heath had knowledge, military tactics which might prove beneficial.
“All right. I’ll come.”
Kane kissed him one more time. As they sat together, Kane told Heath about the rest of his discussion with Caroline, except the part where she’d said he was in love with Heath. It didn’t feel like the right time to bear his soul. They had a job to do, and they needed to focus. With any luck, tonight they would apprehend the fiends who were behind the girls’ abductions.
* * *
At the appointed hour, Kane and Heath met up with Harvey and the other officers. After quick introductions, they got down to business.
“Graham’s boat is at the end of the dock.” Harvey told them.
“Easier to make a speedy exit,” Kane said, glancing at Harvey, who nodded.
“Is there a plan in case the boat gets away with Graham on it?” Heath asked.
The detective turned to him. “There are men standing by in the boat docked next to Graham’s. I also have several agents positioned up and down the docks.”
“You need a boat in the water. If he gets spooked, he might try to make a run for it. Can you get a small vessel in the water in time?”
Kane was right. Heath was useful. His skills from the Navy would come in handy.
“What are we talking about? How big a boat?”
Heath looked around. They still had an hour before Graham was scheduled to leave. The detective and his men had already searched the area and the boat captain was not in sight. They had not searched Graham’s boat, wanting to catch the man red-handed.
“Leave it to me,” Heath said. “Give me five of your men and I’ll see that we cover the harbor.”
“Very well.” Harvey called over the officers and gave instructions they were to follow Heath’s orders.
Heath went to leave, but Kane stopped him. “Be careful.”
With a cocky grin, Heath replied, “Don’t worry. I’ve done this before.”
The group of men vanished into the night. Kane knew he shouldn’t worry, but he couldn’t help himself. He had been the one to offer for Heath to come. If something happened, Kane would never forgive himself.
The rest of the men hunkered down to wait. A little before eleven, Graham and another gentleman boarded the boat. Kane wasn’t certain who the mystery man was, but he had a similar build to Duvall.
Blood pounded in Kane’s ears, the suspense worrying the edges of his nerves. He’d never been a part of something like this. Is this what Heath had felt each time he went into battle? Kane didn’t think he could have handled this pressure for years on end. It gave him a newfound respect for Heath and all the men who were in the military.
The sound of a boat motor brought him back to the present. Graham was getting ready to leave. They had to act now. Kane glanced at Harvey, who motioned for them to hold back. What was he waiting for? If they waited much longer, they would lose their chance. All of Kane’s muscles were taut, ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice.
Graham released the ropes securing the boat to the dock. Kane looked again at the detective, who nodded.
“Stop police!” Harvey yelled as they came up to the boat.
The two men onboard froze for an instant before springing into action. Graham put the steam-powered boat in reverse while his partner opened the sails. Probably hoping to use the wind to help speed their getaway. Harvey yelled again, but Graham kept maneuvering the boat out of the docks.
Harvey gave a warning shot with his gun. In response, Graham returned gunfire. Now things had escalated. Kane withdrew his gun, ready to fire if needed.
“Don’t shoot them. We need them for questioning,” Harvey yelled to those who could hear him.
The officers on the neighboring boat opened fire on Graham’s vessel, but the boat was almost out of the harbor. They were going to lose him. Kane was right beside Harvey, shooting warning shots, hoping Graham and his accomplice would change their mind.