Tapestry of Fear Read Online Free Page B

depths. Another wave crashed over my head, beating the breath from my body as I struggled for air. Then I saw it and hope failed.
    Around the headland came the powerful hum of a speedboat, its searchlight sweeping the glittering, living surface of the sea. It was bearing straight towards the waiting boat and in another few moments, the cruel shaft of light would catch us in its glare. Jose dived away, heading directly back to the beach. My heart beating painfully I put my head down and followed. The vibration of the engines surrounded us, drawing nearer and nearer. Then there was sudden silence as the motor cut and all that could be heard was the suck and slap of water against wood and metal. The line of foam on the shore was luminous and distant, the black expanse in between colossal. Summoning up all my reserves of energy I fought to keep abreast with Jose. He was treading water again, shaking the spray from his eyes. Behind us the small boat was clearly visible as the police shone lights on her deck and began to board her.
    â€œCome on,” Jose gasped painfully. “ They’ll be searching the water next.”
    Once more we turned our faces towards land, swimming with fresh urgency. The wind caught the voices from the boat, carrying the abrupt questions and the gutteral replies of the Germans. This time I could feel the rush and force of the water lifting me onwards, bearing me towards the shore, the relief I felt as I allowed myself to go with it vanished as the searchlight skimmed our heads and the motors revved once more.
    They were right behind us, it was impossible that they should miss us. I wondered vainly which was preferable. Death by drowning or death by shooting.… The wash from the boat slapped over my head, swamping me in black water. The prow cleaved the sea, veering to the left, the blinding light sweeping the coastline. The black silhouette of two figures were pinned down in the glaring circle of light that pierced the darkness of the shore. Helplessly I cried out as the boat, its light blinding its intended victims, skimmed the sea, closing in.
    I heard Jose shout and then saw, between the foam and the flying clouds of spray, the two helpless figures turn and run.… Terror engulfed me as I heard a shout of command from the speedboat and heard the rifle crack whistling shorewards.
    â€œBastards!” Jose was gasping. “ The bastards!” Then he dived away to the right, swimming towards the rocks. Other shouts followed but I could no longer see, fearfully I swam in Jose’s wake, my strength failing rapidly, the sea pulling insistently on my legs, weighing me down, sucking me under.
    The cliffs stood out against the white gleam of breaking waves, then my eyes were blinded, the spray flying in my face. I could sense the nearness of the rocks but could not see them. Helplessly I floundered, swallowing water, coughing and spluttering as I struggled for air. Desperately I clawed out, reaching for a handhold, a foothold.… The next wave lifted me high and I gripped slippery rock, hauling myself painfully from the surging depths.
    Jose was still struggling in the roaring water and I leant forward trying to grasp his arm. Our hands met, then he was swept from my hold, submerged in the mass of foam and spray. Sobbing, I saw his head disappear and then nothing but the waves crashing against the rocks in a mass of white surf.
    â€œ Jose! Jose! ”
    The pale white of his face bobbed through the swirling water, one arm reaching outwards. I leaned forward, slipping on the treacherous rocks, stretching my arm out to his. Gasping and panting I dragged him up beside me, then, shivering and sick, strained my eyes to see what was happening on the beach. The speedboat was rocking at anchor a short way from the shore, the enormous lights stabbing down onto the pale sand. Dark figures were running up onto the turf towards the road. Of Luis and Miss Daventry there was no sign.
    â€œWe