“One Tap”

The light blinks across the water.

One blink. Two blinks. One blink. — I’m here.

I glance behind me. Rory is snoring lightly, nestled beside Mallory. On the other side of the cabin, Nick’s still sitting upright, his hand resting on his shotgun as his head slumps to the side.

The light catches my eye again.

Two blinks. — Is it safe?

I suck in a breath, throw another glance behind me, and tap my response.

One tap. — Yes.

Two blinks. One blink. Two blinks. Three blinks. — Do you have it?

Nick shifts and the chair creaks beneath him. My hand shakes.

One tap. — Yes.

Three blinks. Two blinks. One blink. Three blinks. — Tomorrow. 2 o’clock. Confirm.

My stomach twists and I swallow the bile rising in my throat. I raise a finger and seal my fate.

One tap.