Shipwreck Read online

  SHIPWRECK

  WILLIAM NIKKEL

  SUSPENSE PUBLISHING

  CONTENTS

  OTHER BOOKS BY WILLIAM NIKKEL

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  PRAISE FOR WILLIAM NIKKEL

  PROLOGUE

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  CHAPTER 12

  CHAPTER 13

  CHAPTER 14

  CHAPTER 15

  CHAPTER 16

  CHAPTER 17

  CHAPTER 18

  CHAPTER 19

  CHAPTER 20

  CHAPTER 21

  CHAPTER 22

  CHAPTER 23

  CHAPTER 24

  CHAPTER 25

  CHAPTER 26

  CHAPTER 27

  CHAPTER 28

  CHAPTER 29

  CHAPTER 30

  CHAPTER 31

  CHAPTER 32

  CHAPTER 33

  CHAPTER 34

  CHAPTER 35

  CHAPTER 36

  CHAPTER 37

  CHAPTER 38

  CHAPTER 39

  CHAPTER 40

  CHAPTER 41

  CHAPTER 42

  CHAPTER 43

  CHAPTER 44

  CHAPTER 45

  CHAPTER 46

  CHAPTER 47

  CHAPTER 48

  CHAPTER 49

  CHAPTER 50

  CHAPTER 51

  CHAPTER 52

  CHAPTER 53

  CHAPTER 54

  CHAPTER 55

  CHAPTER 56

  CHAPTER 57

  CHAPTER 58

  CHAPTER 59

  CHAPTER 60

  CHAPTER 61

  CHAPTER 62

  CHAPTER 63

  CHAPTER 64

  CHAPTER 65

  CHAPTER 66

  CHAPTER 67

  CHAPTER 68

  CHAPTER 69

  CHAPTER 70

  CHAPTER 71

  CHAPTER 72

  CHAPTER 73

  CHAPTER 74

  CHAPTER 75

  CHAPTER 76

  CHAPTER 77

  CHAPTER 78

  CHAPTER 79

  CHAPTER 80

  CHAPTER 81

  CHAPTER 82

  CHAPTER 83

  CHAPTER 84

  CHAPTER 85

  CHAPTER 86

  CHAPTER 87

  CHAPTER 88

  CHAPTER 89

  EPILOGUE

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  GLIMMER OF GOLD

  NIGHT MARCHERS

  CAVE DWELLER

  MURRIETA GOLD

  BLOOD GOLD

  TIBETAN GOLD

  OTHER BOOKS BY WILLIAM NIKKEL

  Jack Ferrell Series

  GLIMMER OF GOLD

  NIGHT MARCHERS

  CAVE DWELLER

  MURRIETTA GOLD

  BLOOD GOLD

  Max Traver Series

  DEVIL WIND

  DANCE WITH THE DEVIL

  Novellas

  TIBETAN GOLD

  SHIPWRECK

  By

  William Nikkel

  DIGITAL EDITION

  * * * * *

  PUBLISHED BY:

  Suspense Publishing

  Copyright 2016 by William Nikkel

  Cover Design: Shannon Raab

  Cover Photographer: iStockphoto.com/W6

  Cover Photographer: Shutterstock.com/Island Effects

  PUBLISHING HISTORY:

  Suspense Publishing, Print and Digital Copy, November 2016

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

  For my readers,

  Jack’s adventures continue.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  A completed novel is no one-person’s accomplishment. By the time the story is written, many hands have touched the pages. “Shipwreck” was no different. In this note, I’d like to thank my wife Karen and my brother Ray for their input. And the U.S. Coast Guard for the wonderful job they do for the citizens of our country. I’d also like to thank Gordon Kekahuna for his Hawaiian stories, and Loren Eib and Kelly Ford for their knowledge of the waters around Shipwreck Beach where parts of this story take place. And I especially thank Ruth Horne for her suggestions and edits. Then of course, no novel would be read without a publisher bringing the story to light. That said, thanks to Shannon Raab and her team at Suspense Publishing for the wonderful work they do. The words of Henry Scott Holland, Professor of Divinity at the University of Oxford, say it best: “. . . All is well.”

  “. . . What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?. . .”

  —Henry Scott Holland, Professor of Divinity at the University of Oxford

  PRAISE FOR WILLIAM NIKKEL

  “The tension ratchets up degree by degree in this smart and cleverly told adventure. William Nikkel definitely knows how to kick butt and take names. He’s a gifted storyteller.”

  —Steve Berry, New York Times Bestselling Author of “The 14th Colony”

  “…a wild adventure of the highest caliber.”

  — Grant Blackwood, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

  “ ‘Shipwreck’ is the perfect blend of mystery and adventure. An engaging, fast-paced thriller with a fascinating and fun hero.”

  —Allison Brennan, New York Times Bestselling Author of “Poisonous”

  “ ‘Shipwreck’ is the one you’ve been waiting for. Another terrific page-turner from Willie Nikkel, with great locations, riveting action, and best of all, the return of Jack Ferrell... Adventure that starts high and just keeps spiraling higher.”

  —William Martin, New York Times Bestselling Author of “Cape Cod” and “The Lincoln Letter”

  “After the ocean coughs up a corpse, Jack Ferrell discovers shipwrecks, stolen treasures, and a sinister plan by a stunning beauty that will lead him to heart-wrenching loss. ‘Shipwreck’ is another rare diamond of a gripping high-seas adventure for us fans of William Nikkel’s talent.”

  —Sandra Brannan, Author of the Liv Bergen Mystery Series

  “Willie Nikkel’s whiplash-paced thriller ‘Shipwreck’ hooks the reader from the first page and won’t let go. Adventurer Jack Ferrell faces his most deadly and personal peril yet, responding with his wits and fists in a style reminiscent of Hemingway’s best. The tension builds to a twist that will leave readers gasping—and wanting more. ‘Shipwreck’ belongs on every thriller fan’s must-read list this fall.”

  —KJ Howe, Author of “The Freedom Broker”

  SHIPWRECK

  William Nikkel

  PROLOGUE

  Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

  Chiharu Takahashi sat surprisingly composed in the coolness of her air-conditioned penthouse suite at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. She chose the location. Neutral ground. But the sharp edge of advantage was clearly hers.

  She’d made sure of that.

  Afternoon sunlight spilled through the broad window behind her. In spite of the chill in the room, she could feel the warmth of
the sun’s rays on her shoulders and imagined what the intense glare would be like for someone sitting across from her. The timing was perfect.

  Pleased with herself, she studied the impeccably dressed, middle-aged man from her lavish chair as he stepped into the room and stood before her. Two men, wearing black suits and military style haircuts, followed him inside and assumed positions a few feet back with their hands clasped in front of them. A fourth man, short, dark-rimmed glasses, also wearing a suit, entered behind them and stood just inside the doorway.

  She gave a satisfied nod.

  Bodyguards.

  It was no secret these men were armed. So were the two giants positioned beside her. As was her pretty young assistant who eased the entry door closed. Guns were a necessary precaution. A fact of doing business. The wealthy Korean’s reputation preceded him. There was no reason to believe he would do anything during this meeting to damage it.

  Neither would her people.

  For now . . .

  “Please sit.” She motioned at the silk sofa across from her. “Would you care for some tea, a drink possibly? My assistant will be happy to bring you whichever you desire.”

  “That will not be necessary, Madam Takahashi.” Gheewhan Horiguchi settled his athletic frame onto a plush cushion and removed his phone from inside his jacket. “If you have no objection, I would like to complete our transaction and be on my way as soon as possible.”

  Silence settled on the room.

  She felt her composure begin to slip.

  The uneasiness that rose inside her deepened. She wanted—more than that—she needed this transaction to go smoothly. Her plan depended on it.

  Horiguchi pushed to conclude the purchase. She didn’t want to appear too eager. Only her most trusted confidants knew her true reason for agreeing to the sale of her most prized possession after rejecting past offers. To rush the deal now might draw suspicion from him that would spoil the careful preparations already in place.

  “Believe me, Mister Horiguchi. I do not intend to change my mind.”

  He winced from the glare, but his gaze didn’t waver. “That was not my reason for wishing to conclude our business most expeditiously. It is only that I have other matters to attend to here and on Maui before I leave the islands.”

  “Aboard the Orochimaru?” Her plan hinged on him remaining aboard. He’d not be separated from his long-awaited prize once he possessed it.

  “You are familiar with my yacht?” Horiguchi seemed genuinely surprised.

  She nodded in polite acknowledgement. “It’s of Japanese design. I knew the man it was built for.”

  “Then you know I purchased the ship from his daughter when he died most unexpectedly. An impetuous indulgence on my part, I’m afraid.”

  “I make it a point to know many things.” She let the words sink in and smiled, having regained her self-control. “Especially when it comes to people I do business with.”

  He bowed his head, but only slightly. “To be expected.”

  Satisfied he was not wise to her true intentions, she said, “I have kept the Black Star of Africa hidden from public display for nearly forty years. Another few minutes will not matter.”

  “Perhaps not. But I have waited equally long to make the diamond my own.”

  “And now you shall have it.” She peered up at the big man standing next to her and nodded.

  The bodyguard acknowledged her silent request by turning and disappearing into the adjoining room.

  Horiguchi adjusted his position on the sofa cushion. His left eye twitched.

  But only for a moment.

  She enjoyed watching the effect the heightened expectation had on him. Much like a young boy waiting for his first dime to be pressed into his palm. She wished she could relish the moment a while longer.

  His gaze settled resolutely on hers. “I’m sure you understand I will need to verify the diamond’s authenticity.”

  The inflection indicated the remark was a statement, not a question. She was not surprised by his insistence. Nor did it cause her concern. Nothing in his tone sounded accusatory.

  Business. Not personal.

  “Take all the time you need. I assume you brought someone qualified to make such verification?”

  Horiguchi raised his hand and waved at the slim, spectacled man to step forward with no introduction.

  She expected nothing less.

  The tension that rippled in and out of their conversation a moment before, returned in the gleam in Horiguchi’s dark eyes. Anticipation not unlike her own. But of no real concern to her. He would find the 200 carat black diamond magnificent beyond belief. And once the jewel was authenticated, impossible for him to let go of at any price. As it once was for her.

  “Please make yourself comfortable. The wait will be but a minute or two longer.”

  “I assure you I am most comfortable. As you said earlier, another few minutes won’t matter. My only regret is having had to wait for so many years.”

  The bodyguard returned with a highly-polished, superbly crafted wooden box the size and thickness of a small laptop computer. The decorative case was fashioned from rare African Blackwood with ornate gold furnishings. She took it from his hands and set it on the glass-topped table between her and Horiguchi. The Korean’s eyes radiated with expectation.

  A desire that had consumed him for so long.

  Rapaciousness would be his undoing.

  “And now you shall have it.” She released the clasp and lifted the lid.

  His gaze transfixed on the necklace. The gleaming center stone sparkled dark and mysterious, like the heavens on a moonless night. With his eyes fixed on the jewel, he slid the padded case closer to him and stared down at the enormous diamond. His outstretched hand hovered inches away from the precious stone as if held poised there by its beauty.

  She drew in a breath, herself captivated. “Is the Black Star of Africa not even more magnificent than you imagined?”

  “It is exquisitely unique.”

  The truly remarkable gem enchanted him the way it did her. She smiled. “And it’s even more incredible that I offered this exceptional prize to you for the trifling sum of twenty-five million American dollars.”

  He brought his gaze up to meet hers. “Not so small a price. But it is the amount we agree on. The money will be transferred to your specified account when the diamond has been authenticated.”

  “Please.” She motioned to the box. “You’ll not be disappointed.”

  Without a word, the man in glasses stepped to the table and slipped on a pair of thin, white cotton gloves. Then he cautiously lifted the necklace from the box, held it to the light, and examined it with a jeweler’s loop. No emotion showed in his expression as he studied each polished facet.

  Horiguchi watched the appraiser’s movements.

  The man behind the glasses offered an almost imperceptible nod before carefully returning the necklace to the box. He removed an electronic device from his jacket pocket and touched two probes to the center stone to check conductivity. His gaze settled on the dial. Only then did he give a truly affirming nod.

  Chiharu noticed a smile curl Horiguchi’s tight lips. The hook was set. He’d not balk on the agreement now. The money was hers.

  And soon the necklace would be back in her hands where it belonged.

  A dangerous game.

  “I see you are satisfied with the diamond’s authenticity. You will of course have the money transferred to the designated account in the Cayman’s without delay?”

  “Arrangements have been made.” He turned his attention to the smartphone in his hand and, without hesitation, tapped the screen. “It’s done. You can confirm the transaction.”

  She looked to her bodyguard for the answer. He eyed the screen on his phone and nodded.

  “Very well.” She stood in front of her chair and offered a curt bow of respect, reverence she did not truly feel. “This concludes our business, Mr. Horiguchi. We will most likely not meet a
gain.”

  He closed the lid on the hardwood box, stood, and handed the case to the big man standing to his right. Redirecting his attention on Chiharu, he said, “One thing more. The propulsion engineer aboard my yacht has disappeared most unexpectedly. I’m quite familiar with your extensive connections here on Oahu and, since the Orochimaru is of Japanese design, I hoped you’d be able to recommend a qualified replacement.”

  She couldn’t keep from smiling. “I’ll have my assistant see to the arrangement at once.”

  CHAPTER 1

  Kaloi Channel, Hawaiian Islands, Two Days Later

  Jack Ferrell heaved back on the stiff fiberglass fishing rod and gained another eighteen inches of hundred and fifty-pound monofilament. He cranked the handle on the Penn International Big Game fishing reel and brought in the slack.

  Practiced motions done a hundred times.

  The tug at the other end did not feel right. No frantic kick of the tail; no violent thrashing of the head. None of what he’d expect from a big fish not wanting to be caught.

  And certainly not a shark.

  Tiger or Great White.

  Nor the highly sought-after black marlin Hawaiian waters were famous for.

  Even the initial hookup hadn’t been what he expected from a large megapredator. Or any fish big enough to take the oversized lure. Nothing was on the hook. In the next instant it was. Dead weight with no fight, taking out line like a drifting sea anchor each time the boat rode up and over a swell.

  Whatever it was he’d snagged, it was coming to the surface.

  But the thing was taking its time doing it.

  He braced his feet against the footrest on the fighting chair, seated the butt of the stiff yellow rod firmly in the leather holder belted around his waist, and once again hauled back.

  His biceps bulged.

  The sun burned into the muscles on his shoulders.

  Beads of sweat trickled into his eyes from his forehead. He blinked the sting away, not willing to let go of the rod.