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“A federal agent?” Agent Marquez asks from the doorway.
She has returned from the interview room without Marcus Bell.
Thomas looks at her.
“That was what we believed.”
“Name.”
“Special Agent Charles Kessler.”
Marquez stops walking.
Keating notices. “You know him?”
“I know the name.”
“What agency?” Ben asks.
“Customs Service at the time,” Thomas replies. “Kessler investigated cargo theft, false salvage claims and smuggling along the Pacific Coast.”
Marquez takes out her phone.
“Did Daniel contact Kessler directly?”
“No. I did.”
I stare at Thomas. “Why you?”
“Because Kessler had worked with your grandfather.”
“Grandpa knew him?”
“They met after a Sinclair cargo vessel disappeared near Hawaii. James believed the ship had been taken rather than sunk. Kessler investigated, but the wreckage was never found.”
“Was that connected to Blackwater?” Storm asks.
“We suspected it was.”
Marquez holds up one hand as someone answers her call.
“This is Special Agent Elena Marquez. I need a full history on Charles Kessler, formerly with the United States Customs Service. Include assignments, disciplinary reviews and current status.”
She listens.
“Send it to my secure account.”
When she ends the call, I move closer to Thomas.
“What happened at Lands End?”
He looks at Mom.
“Daniel knew men had followed him from Blackwater. He refused to risk meeting Kessler alone.”
“Then why bring us?” Willow asks.
“Because the family outing gave him a reason to be there. Elanore and the girls stayed near the trail while Daniel walked toward the overlook. I was already waiting for him.”
