The cash was all sealed in plastic, impervious to water, making things easy for them. They were all well-trained men, their actions swift and efficient. Alas, time was not on their side. The shift change approached, and a knock sounded on the door outside.
Everyone stilled.
“What’s going on? Why aren’t you guys coming out yet?” asked a bodyguard outside.
Dexter deepened his voice. “Oh, there’s an issue with the ship’s cabin pipeline. We’re working on it. Just give us a moment.”
“There’s an issue? How long will it take, and do you need any help?”
During the conversation, a few men had silently and seamlessly positioned themselves behind the door.
“We’re coming.” Dexter stepped forward and opened the door right away.
It was still three bodyguards this time. They were all dumbfounded at the sight of him. Just as they were about to react, the men in the warehouse made their move, swiftly pulling them in and pinning them to the ground.
Dexter immediately closed the door.
“So, this is where you’ve both been-”
With a swift backhand strike, the bodyguard who was speaking promptly passed out.
“Mr. Russell, this isn’t going to work. We have so much cash here. Without a ship to coordinate, it’ll be incredibly difficult to move it all.”
Naturally, Dexter had also realized that issue. Arnold’s men were constantly watching the sea. Manpower aside, lifeboats simply couldn’t approach.
He turned to Josie. “I’ll go out and distract them. As soon as the pipeline opens, go with them immediately. Understood?”
Josie parted her lips. Realizing his plan, she immediately shook her head. “No. If Arnold finds out it’s you, he will definitely-”
“I’ll cover my face and stay low.”
“No way. You can’t possibly defeat so many people alone. It’s only a matter of time before you’re discovered.”
Dexter lowered his head slightly, locking eyes with her. “I swear I will do my best. Right now, this is the only way.”
Josie grasped his hand, still shaking her head. “No way.”
She couldn’t pinpoint the reason she was so insistent. Her fear of something happening to him far outweighed that of the mission failing, yet she couldn’t voice it.
The men witnessing that scene grew increasingly anxious and tried to dissuade him. “Mr. Russell, you really shouldn’t go. It’s too dangerous. I’ll go instead.”
“I can go, too!”
“Me, too!”
Frowning, Dexter said somberly, “You all have a more important task at hand.”
At that, the men fell silent.
“Jo, go with them. Regardless of whether the cash can be moved, I must ensure your safety first.” Dexter suddenly called her by her nickname.
Josie parted her lips. “No. I’m the one Arnold is looking for, so no matter what, I need to stay here.”
The veins on the back of Dexter’s hand popped up, but before he could utter another word, Josie asserted, “I’ll go.”
He swiftly held her back. “I object!”
“Since I can’t leave the ship anyway, I might as well carry out the plan to the end. Dexter, listen to me. You’re not sacrificing me. Nor do you owe me anything. I will also do my best to buy you guys time. If you want to make it up to me, move all this cash!”
Dexter’s gaze was intense, and he remained noncommittal.
“The win-win solution is for me to go,” Josie said, pulling her hand away. “Get it together. I believe you can make the right decision.”
In reality, only a few seconds had passed, but time seemed to drag out endlessly in that moment. Dexter finally relented, “When the ship reaches shore, I want to see you.”
Josie’s lips curved into a smile. “Absolutely. I still have Grape. I won’t let anything happen to myself so easily.”
“Do you remember the flare gun I gave you? Use it at the critical juncture.”
Josie nodded in affirmation.
With time pressing, Josie swiftly took a stun baton from the bodyguard lying on the ground and tucked it away securely on her person before opening the door. She cast a glance back at Dexter, then quickly dashed out.
As Dexter watched her disappear, his heart began to pound wildly.
