Chapter 8: The Cage and the Key
Darkness. The heavy scent of rust and seawater. The low thrum of the ship’s engines vibrating through the metal floor.
Jasper Hawke sat against the cold steel wall of the cargo hold, wrists bound in thick zip ties, his body aching from the earlier struggle. Across from him, Evelyn was in a similar state, her lip split, but her eyes still burning with defiance.
They weren’t dead.
Yet.
Jasper flexed his fingers, testing the restraints. Kane wasn’t the type to make mistakes. If he had kept them alive, there was a reason.
Evelyn let out a slow breath. “I’m assuming this isn’t your first time tied up on a hostile vessel.”
Jasper smirked, keeping his movements subtle as he worked his wrists against the zip tie’s edge. “Let’s just say I’ve been in worse situations.”
Evelyn leaned back against the wall. “And how many of those have you walked away from?”
Jasper met her gaze. “All of them.”
A flicker of something—amusement, maybe trust—crossed her face before she glanced toward the heavy door sealing them in. “We need to move fast. Whatever Kane is planning, we don’t have time to sit here.”
Jasper nodded, eyes scanning the dim cargo hold. Metal crates stacked high, a few rusted chains hanging from the ceiling, old ropes coiled in a corner. Then he spotted it—an exposed bolt on the floor, sharp-edged and worn.
Perfect.
He shifted, maneuvering his wrists toward it. The zip tie scraped against the jagged metal, sawing little by little.
Evelyn caught on immediately. “Think you can cut it before they check on us?”
Jasper gritted his teeth, working faster. “Let’s find out.”
The Leak in the Ship
Minutes passed. The dull roar of the ship’s engines remained steady. Footsteps occasionally echoed from above, but no one came.
Finally, the zip tie snapped.
Jasper flexed his freed hands, ignoring the sting of raw skin. He moved to Evelyn, slicing through hers with a flick of his knife—the one he had palmed earlier when Kane’s men frisked him.
Evelyn gave him a look. “You had a knife this whole time?”
Jasper smirked. “Always have a backup plan.”
She shook her head, rubbing her wrists. “Next time, maybe mention that.”
Jasper turned his focus to the door. Heavy. Reinforced. But not impossible. He moved to a nearby crate, prying it open. Inside, ammunition. No weapons, but it confirmed what he suspected—this wasn’t just a smuggling operation. This was an arms shipment.
And it wasn’t just for local buyers.
Evelyn looked over his shoulder. “These aren’t standard-grade.”
Jasper lifted a round, examining the markings. “High-end military stock. American.” His jaw tightened. “This goes deeper than just arms dealers.”
A new voice interrupted them.
“You’re right about that.”
Jasper and Evelyn spun, weapons raised.
Idris.
He stood in the open doorway, hands raised in surrender. His expression was tight, nervous.
Evelyn’s gun didn’t waver. “You sold us out.”
Idris swallowed hard. “You think I had a choice?” He glanced toward the stairs leading up. “Kane’s men were onto me the second we boarded the freighter. He gave me an option—cooperate or end up overboard.”
Jasper studied him. The fear was real. So was the guilt.
“Why are you here now?” Jasper asked.
Idris hesitated. “Because Kane’s changing the plan.” He stepped inside, voice lower. “He’s not taking you to a buyer. He’s taking you to be executed.”
Jasper’s eyes narrowed. “When?”
Idris exhaled. “As soon as we reach international waters. No jurisdiction. No evidence.”
Evelyn glanced at Jasper. “Then we don’t let them get that far.”
Jasper nodded. “You in, Idris?”
The younger man hesitated. Then he sighed. “If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be here.”
Jasper clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Then let’s sink this operation before it sinks us.”
Storm on the Horizon
They moved fast.
Idris led them through the narrow corridors of the ship, avoiding patrols. The vessel wasn’t just carrying weapons—it was an entire floating operation, with enough firepower to arm a small army.
Jasper could feel the pieces coming together. Kane wasn’t just smuggling weapons—he was supplying rogue factions, destabilizing regions. And someone in power was letting it happen.
That meant Kane wasn’t the endgame.
He was just another player.
The ship rocked slightly. Outside, the wind had picked up. A storm was brewing on the horizon.
Perfect cover.
Jasper grabbed a radio from a passing crate, tuning into the bridge’s frequency. Kane’s voice crackled through.
“Stay on course. We’ll handle the loose ends soon.”
Jasper exchanged a look with Evelyn.
Not if we handle you first.
The Takeover
They reached the armory. Locked.
Jasper knelt, pulling a small tool from his belt. The lock wasn’t complicated—military-grade, but outdated. Within moments, it clicked open.
Inside, rifles, explosives, and gear. Enough to turn the ship into a warzone.
Evelyn grabbed an assault rifle, checking the magazine. “Time to take control.”
Jasper nodded. “We cut off communication first. No reinforcements. Then we secure the bridge.”
Idris swallowed. “And Kane?”
Jasper’s expression hardened. “I’ll handle Kane.”
Lightning flashed outside, illuminating the dark sea. The storm was rolling in fast.
A perfect night for a mutiny.
Jasper chambered a round, eyes cold.
“Let’s end this.”
