Page 53 of Riptide

“Welcome to the ranch,” the stranger greeted them. He spoke with a slight southern drawl.

“I don’t see any cows.” Seth swiveled his head, scanning his surroundings for danger. “You got coyotes up in these hills. Maybe a mountain lion. You see any?”

“A few coyotes every now and then. Seen a bobcat once but no mountain lions. They’re smart enough to stay away.” He closed the distance between them and extended a hand to Seth. “Marcus Preston. FBI.”

“Seth Tremaine.” He gave a firm handshake and then opened the car door. “This is Kaimana—"

“Kaimana Keahi,” she interjected as she stood to greet him, but didn’t move to offer her hand. Instead, she simply stared at him, her emotions hidden behind her cool eyes.

“We should get inside.” He gestured toward the home. “This way.”

As they passed through the doorway, Seth scanned the room. Contrary to the home’s dilapidated exterior, its interior appeared newly renovated in a modern décor. With its floor to ceiling windows wide open, a cool sea breeze flowed freely into the home.

“Nice view,” Seth commented.

“It’s breathtaking, isn’t it? The US government is getting its money’s worth on this property though. Nice neighborhood. Too bad the renovations have been going on for years.”

“Doesn’t look like much is going on in here? The floors are cool.” Seth glanced to the white porcelain. “Imported?”

“Italy, of course,” he responded without missing a beat. “Our owners want nothing but the best on this project.”

“Ah, yes, of course.” Seth grinned at Kaimana, and she responded with a cool nod. “Nothin’ but the best.”

“It’s an investment. We focus mostly on the outside of the house. The owners are traveling Europe while renovations are completed. Many people are in and out of the property. Different faces. A year or two of cover and it’ll get flipped. We’ll move to another location. You’re welcome to stay the night. It’s safe.”

“We won’t be staying long. Decided to catch a flight after we’re done tonight,” Seth told him.

“So I hear.” He gestured to a large white linen sectional that faced the ocean. “Drink?”

“No.” Seth shook his head.

Kaimana remained silent.

“Very well then. Please take a seat.” Marcus sat down first and waited for them to get comfortable. “We’ve got a lot to talk about.”

“Yes, we do.” He glanced at Kaimana who took a seat across from the agent. Seth sat down next to her.

“First, I want to make it clear that the government doesn’t acknowledge that Evan Tredioux works with us.”

“I wouldn’t have led with that, but okay…yeah, neither do we.” Seth shrugged.

Marcus’ deadpan expression remained unchanged as he continued. “We have suspected Dom Marretta was involved with trafficking for a while. He’s got his fingers in quite a few things. Drugs. Guns. Black-market data. Government secrets. Sound familiar?”

“Yeah, yeah it does. I guess Garrett already told you what’s going on.” Seth wouldn’t offer him information without assessing how much information his friend had already disclosed.

“He told me about Selby. The worm. Beckett. Giordano. Dr. Braelynn Rollins’ uncle. They’re all bad actors. All tied back to Dom Marretta. We haven’t had any new information about the trafficking…until you.” Marcus’ gaze settled on Kaimana.

“What’s the endgame?” Kaimana asked, changing the subject, her expression cold.

“How do you mean?” Marcus raised a questioning eyebrow.

“Just as I said. What is your endgame? Are you committed to going to Hawaiʻi to stop the auction? Find Evan?”

“Evan.” Marcus shook his head. “I can’t say I believe you a hundred percent but if he’s alive, I’ll try my damnedest to find him. He was my friend, and I’d like to think if there’s even a chance, then I’m all in.”

“You knew Evan?” Kaimana’s tone softened.

“Yeah, I did.”