Page 126 of Hidden Tide
Before he can speak, the secured door opens.
A Coast Guard lieutenant steps inside.
“Commander, the federal transport has arrived.”
“What transport?”
The lieutenant looks confused.
“The team from the Pacific Maritime Interagency Task Force. They have orders to take custody of Donald Cross, Marcus Bell and all evidence connected to Blackwater.”
No one moves.
Marquez lowers her phone.
“Who signed the transfer order?”
The lieutenant checks the document in his hand.
“Deputy Director Charles Kessler.”
Ben steps in front of me.
Keating draws his weapon.
From the corridor beyond the secured door comes the sound of approaching footsteps.
14
CALLE
“Authority deserves respect only until it asks an honest person to serve a dishonest purpose.”
—James Sinclair
The footsteps stop outside the secured door.
Ben moves in front of me.
I catch the back of his shirt and pull him aside.
“We talked about this.”
“There are armed federal agents in the hallway.”
“And armed Coast Guard officers in here.”
“That doesn’t make me feel better.”
“I’m not standing behind you.”
“Then stand beside me.”
I move into the space next to him.
His hand closes around mine.
Commander Keating motions to the Coast Guard lieutenant.
