Cargo Ship Encounters Pirates – But What the Ship's Cook Does Next Stuns Them All!

"Manny," Joel's frantic, trembling whisper came through the speaker. "Are you okay? Where are they?" Manny kept his eyes on the blank wall, keeping his voice light as if comforting an anxious spouse. "Yes, sweetheart, I know. I've been taking these four big pills every day for a while now," Manny said smoothly, chuckling softly for Dahir's benefit as he signaled the head count.

"Four of them?" Joel caught on instantly, his breathing sharpening over the speaker. "Manny, we're locked in the safe room. Captain Holm is contacting the navy frigate; they say a helicopter team is an hour and a half away, but they can't storm the deck if you're held hostage. Can you get away?" Manny took a deep breath and said "Yeah, I'll go and sit down soon," smiling at Dahir. "Might just lock myself in my cold room and listen to music until I feel better."

"Cold room... okay, got it," Joel whispered, catching the hidden signal instantly. "We'll stay locked inside. Be careful." Manny chuckled, "Yeah, love you too," he said and hung up the phone. He turned around with a calm shrug. "She always gets dramatic about my blood pressure pills." Dahir's expression remained dark. "Long call," he said. "Now you show us the ship. You walk first."