Page 125 of Hidden Tide

“Then arrest him,” Storm says.

“We need evidence proving he committed a crime.”

“You have Thomas.”

“We have Thomas’s memory of a meeting thirteen years ago. Kessler will claim he was conducting a confidential investigation.”

“What about Lawrence Vail?” I ask. “He came to that meeting with a gun.”

“And he’s dead.”

“Marcus Bell knows what happened.”

“He asked for an attorney. We cannot question him again unless his attorney is present or he initiates contact.”

Keating studies Marquez’s face.

“There’s something else.”

She turns her phone toward us.

An official federal photograph fills the screen.

Charles Kessler is older now. His hair has gone gray at the temples, but I recognize the narrow face from Lands End.

My stomach turns.

Beside his photograph is his current assignment.

PACIFIC MARITIME INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

“What does that task force investigate?” Ward asks.

Marquez’s expression hardens.

“Illegal salvage operations, cargo theft, and maritime smuggling.”

Thomas sinks into his chair.

“He’s controlling the investigations.”

“For how long?” Ben asks.

“Almost six years.”

“Then every piece of evidence connected to Blackwater could have gone through him.”

“Not this evidence,” Marquez says. “I kept it outside the task force because I was concerned about the government signatures Thomas described.”

Her decision may be the only reason we’re still alive.

Keating looks at the officers near the entrance.

“Lock down this building. No one comes inside unless Marquez personally clears them.”

One officer reaches for his radio.