Page 44 of Hidden Tide
Ben’s expression changed.
“Were they inside Blackwater?”
“For five days. They helped stabilize the loading harbor and remove fuel from the flooded compartments.”
“Did they install the eastern security camera?”
Morales looked at him.
“Yes.”
The room went quiet.
A company connected to Mariner’s Crown had worked inside Blackwater during the Coast Guard investigation.
Its employees knew where the cameras were positioned.
They knew the patrol schedule.
They knew which tunnels had been searched.
And they could’ve moved the missing fuel, generator, and supplies without raising suspicion.
Agent Morales called Commander Keating.
She stepped into the hallway while speaking.
Kim closed the photographs.
“What happens now?” I asked.
“We wait.”
I hated that answer.
Ben took my hand.
This time, I let him.
Ten minutes later, Morales returned.
“Pacific Beacon’s work crew has been ordered to report for questioning. The company’s owner is registered as Simon Vail.”
“Is he the silver-haired man?” I asked.
“We don’t know. The business records don’t include a photograph.”
“Can you show me his driver’s license?”
“Not until we confirm we have the correct person.”
Again, a careful answer.
A believable one.
Before I could ask another question, Commander Keating entered the evidence room.
His uniform was damp, and mud marked the bottom of his boots.
