The Collectors Book Six: Black Gold (The Collectors Series 6) Read Free

heeded the shouting first. “Lifeboat on my port bow. This is the Commanding Officer of HMS Decoy . I am sending a boat across.” He jumped to the hatch, shoved it open and waved at a Royal Navy destroyer less than one hundred metres away. A day-glo orange rigid raider dropped into the sea.
                  In seconds, its engine started and it sped towards the lifeboat. The coxswain came alongside in one swish movement as the huge outboard idled. “Want a lift?”
                  “I’ve a full house. Tow us to your ship’s side. My crew can climb your Jacob’s ladder.”
                  “No probs.”
                  The bow man hooked the raider’s stern line to the lifeboat. “Ready?” shouted the coxswain and without waiting he eased the throttle ahead.
                  As the grey hull of the warship loomed over them, Andy counted his crew out and climbed the ladder last.
                  On the main deck a lieutenant waited. As Andy clambered on board the officer asked, “Are you the ranking officer?”
                  Andy nodded. “I am, until you find the rest of the crew. Who’s asking?”
                  “Lieutenant Mainwaring. My captain wants a word.”
                  “These men need a good hot meal, a shower and clean clothes. Can that be arranged?”
                  Mainwaring beckoned to a petty officer. “Brooks, take these men to the junior rates dining room and ask the chief chef to feed them.” He turned to Andy. “Clean clothes are being organised and a shower can wait.”
                  “Any chance of hoisting our lifeboat inboard?”
                  Mainwaring grinned. “All arranged once we’re out of the way. Please follow me.”
                  Mainwaring and Andy took the fastest route to the bridge by climbing the external ladders.
                  Commander Christopher Combs stood with his hands behind his back and watched his men hoisting the lifeboat. He turned when Mainwaring’s head appeared.
                  “Their senior officer, sir.”
                  “Commander Combs.” He held out his hand which Andy grabbed and shook.
                  “Andy Young, Second Officer, MV Goliath.”
                  “Stupid question I know but why are you miles from anywhere in a lifeboat?”
                  “Pirates, sir.”
                  “Excuse me.” He turned. “Officer of the Watch. You have the ship, resume previous course and speed. I’ll be in my cabin. Fancy a coffee, Andy, or something a tad stronger?”
                  “Coffee will be fine. Thanks.” He followed Combs to the officers’ deck.
                  Five minutes later Combs returned to the bridge followed by his navigating officer, David Lawler. He ran his hand through his thinning hair and from a drawer removed a large scale chart. Keen eyes studied the sea area as he jabbed the chart with his finger. “David, according to their second officer their tanker headed west at five knots. They launched their boat twenty-six hours ago, but the engine didn’t operate. Work out their drift, add a dead reckoning and plot a course. Tell me when you’re done.” He turned. “Officer of the Watch, steer west, speed twenty-two knots.” He didn’t wait but returned to his cabin.
                  Andy glanced up as Combs entered.
                  “We’re on our way to find your ship. My navigator is working on his best guesstimate where it might be. Pity those bastards killed the lifeboat’s engine and radio.              Anyway, we’ll find them.”
                  Andy searched for somewhere to place his empty cup.
    “On my desk,” said Combs. “As a matter of etiquette, you’ll be dining