The Net Tightens
"He didn't commit fraud," Miller whispered, scanning the encrypted PDF ledger on his terminal. "Your father was the whistleblower. He built the entire trap thirty years ago and kept the keys hidden."
"Patrick thought he had leverage," Claire said, feeling an overwhelming surge of vindication and filial love. "He didn't realize he was holding a match to a bomb that will blow up his own syndicate."
"This changes everything," Miller said, grabbing his tactical radio. "Patrick doesn't just lose his leverage; these files link directly to the Vance Maritime holding network that owns The Albatross."
Miller turned to his tactical lead. "Alert the Coast Guard and the FBI Maritime Security Division. We have probable cause for an active international smuggling operation and racketeering conspiracy at Dock 14."
"What about sunrise?" Claire asked.
"We give Patrick exactly what he asked for," Miller said with a grim smile. "An arrival at Dock 14. But he won't be meeting a frightened mother. He’ll be meeting the United States Coast Guard."
May you like
Claire looked at Lily, who was still sleeping soundly on the cot. She gently restitched the seam of the plush rabbit with a needle and thread, placing Barnaby back under Lily’s arm.
"Wake up, sweetheart," Claire whispered, gently brushing the hair from her daughter's forehead. "The sun is coming up. It’s time to show Daddy that we aren't afraid of the dark anymore."
