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“That probably seemed safer.”

“It wasn’t.”

“No. He didn’t know who he could trust.”

I glance at him. “You’re not going to tell me I’m exactly like him?”

“I enjoy living.”

Despite everything, a laugh escapes me.

“That’s smart.”

“I have rare moments.”

Keating’s officer lowers his radio.

“Commander, the federal team entered through the main security checkpoint. Their credentials were verified. The transport order had already been entered into the federal system.”

“Kessler didn’t simply send a document,” Marquez says. “He created an official operation.”

“Can he erase the record afterward?” I ask.

“Not all of it.”

She takes photographs of every page on her secure phone.

“Too many systems recorded their arrival. The Coast Guard has security footage. The transfer order was opened on Keating’s network. Price’s team logged their weapons and vehicle.”

Keating looks at her. “Kessler made a mistake.”

“He expected us to obey before we started asking questions.”

A phone rings in the hallway.

Price answers.

We hear only his side of the conversation.

“Yes, sir.”

A pause.

“No. Agent Marquez has refused to release custody.”

Another pause follows.

“We have not attempted entry.”

His voice changes.

“I understand the order, sir.”

Ben’s hand tightens around mine.

Price is talking to Kessler.

“Agent Marquez claims there is a jurisdictional conflict.”