The helicopter's rotors churned the morning air like the blades of a butcher's saw.
Elias threw himself flat on the deck of the lead inflatable, dragging Isaac down with him. The first burst of gunfire stitched across the water, shredding the sea into white froth. The second boat veered hard, nearly capsizing as Jesus grabbed the helm from Reyes.
"Everyone into the water!" Elias shouted. "Now!"
The children didn't hesitate. They rolled over the sides, splashing into the cold sea. Lyra pulled the smallest ones under the partial cover of the research vessel's shadow. Ava and Becky followed, dragging the last child with them.
Elias stayed on the boat, rifle raised. The helicopter banked, its searchlight blinding. He fired, the shots sparking off its armored belly. The aircraft returned fi
