Page 63 of Peak’s Code

“Mercer claimed that she’s in Maryland,” Warden said.

“That narrows it down,” Peak muttered.

“Near Cambridge,” Warden said.

Maeve’s gaze snapped toward him. “That’s close to the Grave Prowler’s territory.”

“Yeah, it’s close enough that Captain started asking questions,” Warden agreed.

“And then he disappeared,” Peak said. Silence settled over the room again. The pieces were beginning to form a shape Maeve didn’t like. The Director’s people had used Grave Prowler docks. An abandoned station on the Eastern Shore had been part of their network. Dr. Voss might be operating near Cambridge. Someone inside the club had leaked information. Captain had vanished after leaving the motel.

“This isn’t a coincidence,” she said.

Peak nodded slowly. “They’ve been rooted here for years.”

Warden folded his arms over his chest. “Captain always said no other club could operate this close without us knowing.”

“Maybe it isn’t another club,” Maeve said. The Iron Serpents were visible. They had territory and held grudges, but the Director’s organization worked differently. It lived beneath legitimate businesses like shipping companies, medical facilities, and government contracts. People who looked ordinary until someone peeled back the surface.

“What if the Iron Serpents were never the organization?” she asked. “What if they were only one piece of the puzzle?”

Peak’s eyes met hers. “Transportation or protection.”

“Recruitment,” Warden said. Maeve hated that word. Recruitment. As if kidnapped women had filled out applications. A bright flash of lightning illuminated the motel room, and seconds later, thunder shook the windows. The lights remained out.

Peak checked his watch. “We need to move before the storm breaks.”

Warden nodded. “I parked across the highway. We leave the Harley here.”

“No,” Peak said.

“The tracker is on it,” Warden reminded.

“I can remove the tracker,” Peak insisted.

“And if someone is watching the motel, they’ll know the second the bike moves.”

Peak glanced toward the covered window. “He’s right,” Maeve said.

Peak looked at her. “You trust him?”

“No,” she admitted.

Warden snorted. “Appreciate that.”

“But leaving the bike gives them something to watch,” Maeve said.

“We take my truck,” Warden said. “Switch vehicles ten miles east.”

Maeve studied him. “You planned this.”

“I plan everything,” Warden said.

Peak gave him a skeptical look. “You punched a man through a car window because he insulted your beard.”

“That was planned,” Warden insisted.

“It was not,” Peak grumbled.