The last was spoken as the helicopter began its final plunge to the surface of the blue water below them.
Parker, with the mass of fabric clutched firmly in both hands, threw himself flat on the floor.
The 'copter hit with a terrific thud. An instant later, Parker was on his feet. The life raft was under one hand. With the other hand, he was reaching for the handle that opened the cabin door.
"We've got to get out of here. This ship will go the bottom like a rock."
Behind him, Mercedes and Retch were struggling to their feet. Parker yanked on the handle that opened the cabin door.
The handle did not budge.
The heavy jolt the craft had taken when it struck the surface had twisted the whole frame.
"Get that door open!" Retch moaned. "We'll be drowned like rats."
"Hell, I'm trying!" Parker answered. He yanked upward with all his strength.
The door still did not budge.