"That drive contains evidence of a crime," I said. "By withholding it, you're committing obstruction."
Silas laughed. "You have no idea what's on the drive.”
"I know exactly what's on the drive," Paige said.
"Then use her sworn statement and get a warrant," Silas said to me. "Let me know how that works out for you."
He knew we didn’t have enough probable cause. By the time we went through the motions, that drive would be long gone.
"Maybe you don't understand the magnitude of the situation," I said. "Tonya is going to die."
He gave me a blank look and shrugged. "And that's my problem, how?"
Paige’s eyes narrowed, and she snarled at him. "You're such an asshole!"
Silas smiled. "Thank you. I try.”
"No, you don't. It comes naturally.”
The sun dipped below the horizon, and the sky turned to lavender.
“Please carry out your inspection, then get the fuck off my boat,” Silas said in a polite voice.
I wanted to punch the guy, but I restrained myself.
Jack tied off at the stern and boarded the sportfish. I told Paige to stay in the cockpit and stay out of trouble.
46
Everything was in order. We had no reason to further harass Silas, unfortunately.
"I'm going to give you an opportunity to do the right thing," I said to him.
He looked at me like I was crazy and laughed. "I think your idea of what the right thing to do is, and my idea of what the right thing to do is, are very different."
I glared at him. "I have no doubt about that.”
"We've got company," the musclehead said as he looked out the window.
The howl of outboards drew near. A boat approached.
I moved to the window to get a better look.
Five guys dressed in black tactical gear with assault rifles in a RHIB boat closed in.
This couldn't be good.
"If you will excuse me, gentlemen, I’ve got business to transact,” Silas said.
"You're going to do this right here in front of two law enforcement officers?" I said.
Silas gave me a confused look. "Do what? I'm merely engaging in a business transaction. I'm selling data, and they're transferring funds into my account. I see nothing illegal about that. It's all legitimate.”
I glared at him, but there was nothing I could do.
Silas stepped into the cockpit with a smile. He waved at the incoming crew, and Dex joined him.
I moved aft and peered into the cockpit through the window.
