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“Say my name like you’re about to tell me something I won’t want to hear.”

“I’m trying to decide how much I’m authorized to share.”

That stopped me.

This wasn’t Ben hiding something because he wanted to protect me. This was part of an official investigation.

“Is the Coast Guard still in charge?”

“Yes. They’ve secured the cove and doubled the offshore patrol. No one enters Blackwater without the commander’s authorization. Federal agents are flying in from Honolulu tonight.”

“Why federal agents?”

“The chamber may be connected to Ross’s smuggling operation.”

That made sense.

It also meant the authorities were taking the discovery seriously.

“Are you going back inside?”

“Not tonight.”

“That wasn’t an answer.”

“No. It wasn’t.”

“Ben.”

“If the Coast Guard asks me to accompany the investigative team, I’ll go.”

My fingers tightened around the phone.

“But you won’t go alone.”

“No.”

“And Ward will know?”

“Yes.”

“And you’ll tell me before you leave?”

This time, the pause lasted longer.

“Ben.”

“I’ll tell you.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

Some of the tension left my shoulders.

Ben didn’t make promises lightly.

“Now tell me why you called.”