Drake Sisters 07 - Hidden Currents

each other. That’s why I never talk to him unless we’re here on this island. He’s a strong psychic, Sid, and he wants power. He hates that I’m accepted in the world and he’s chosen a life that keeps him on the outside. But he likes his image and the fear he instil s in everyone.â€
    Al the while he talked, Stavros gently stroked El e’s hair, his hands almost tender as they moved through the silken strands. Anyone looking at him, at the expression on his face, would have thought he was deeply in love with her.
    â€œGet rid of the body, Sid. I’l cal a doctor.†He kissed each temple and the corner of El e’s mouth. “Don’t worry, sweetness, I’l take care of you.†His fingers brushed at the tears sliding down her face. “It wil be al right. Leave everything to me.â€

    4
    THE large ship anchored a few miles out in the Aegean Sea. A smal bird—helicopter—sat on the pad waiting, sleek and black and very maneuverable.
    Men moved around, loading weapons in a quiet, control ed manner. A few smiled and made jokes, but most were silent, faces grim, dark stripes covering light skin, to match their dark clothing.
    Jonas glanced at his watch. “So far everything is running by the numbers. The first storm took out his power with a nicely aimed lightning strike, and just as expected, the backup generator kicked in. But for fifteen seconds, his psychic barrier was down. Ilya tested it. It came on as soon as the generator kicked in. We intercepted his cal for the electricians and our men wil be going in soon.†Jonas was proud of Hannah for that. She had created the storm and precisely aimed the bolt of lightning, scoring a hit first time out. That was his woman—deadly when needed.
    â€œThis is his home turf, his little empire, both on and off the island. Did he buy the excuse that the storm was too dangerous and the electricians would come at the first break?†Sarah asked. She leaned against the railing and looked out toward the island where her youngest sister was being held prisoner. Her hand gripped the railing hard enough to turn her knuckles white.
    Jonas wrapped his arm around her. “Hannah kept the lightning strikes close to his vil a. So, yes, he bought it. Don’t worry, honey, we’l get El e back. We know what we’re doing. Each man here is a good friend and trained in combat and rescue. We won’t leave any evidence behind that he—or anyone else—could trace back to us.â€
    â€œI know.†There was determination in Sarah’s voice.
    â€œThey’ve cal ed for the electricians and our first team wil make an entry in a few minutes. They’l go in and Gratsos wil have guards to take them to the east side of the island where the power plant is. Four divers wil move in with the boat, which wil give us seven men on the island. The main dock is to the south with a smal er one on the north side. We’re hoping to get lucky and have them direct our men to use the main dock. Our divers wil have to hump it through enemy territory a shorter distance.â€
    â€œCan we get the helicopter in the air to protect them?â€
    Jonas shook his head. “We can’t risk it. If they bought the weather reports and the lightning strike, then we’re good. And I don’t see why they wouldn’t.â€
    Sarah watched him closely. “Who are you sending in to protect them?â€
    He inwardly cursed. “Matt’s going.†Matt Granite was Kate Drake’s fiancé and hel on wheels in a fight. “He’s leading the second team in.â€
    Sarah laid her head on his shoulder for comfort, briefly closing her eyes. “I hate this. That everyone we love is at risk, but this is for El e. Has Jackson said anything at al to you?â€
    Jonas shook his head. “He won’t talk, but he’s back to the man he used to be before he came home with me. Colder. Edgier. Jackson is like Ilya, Sarah, and as much as I respect Ilya, he isn’t an easy man.â€
    â€œIf these men deal in human trafficking, I’m terrified to think what could have happened to her this last month.â€
    Jonas looked away. Jackson knew and his reaction had been scary. Sarah didn’t want to know on some level, it was just too painful. Deliberately he glanced toward the cabins. “Hannah was sick most of the