Chapter 15 - Into the Abyss
The roar of the heavy military helicopter overhead whipped the water of the cove into a violent frenzy, spraying mist across the deck. Through the blinding glare of the searchlight, a black rope ladder dropped from the aircraft's open hatch, swinging wildly in the wind. Armed operatives began to descend down the ladder, their weapons aimed directly at the boat. Ryan raised his pistol, preparing to return fire, but Ethan grabbed his arm. ""Don't! There are too many of them!"" Ethan shouted over the deafening roar of the engines. Claire pulled the baby tightly against her chest, tears streaming down her face as she looked up at the descending figures. Ethan turned to the helm, but before he could restart the engine, a sniper bullet pierced the hull inches from his foot, splintering the wood. As the helicopter hovered lower, casting long, menacing shadows across the water, the cabin door of the aircraft slid fully open, revealing a familiar face leaning out—the man who had funded the entire project, smiling coldly down at them as the final trap snapped shut."
