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Hidden Tide

Page 170

by Susie McIver

“No,” Ben says.

Keating stops.

“If Simon sees the Coast Guard, he’ll move them again.”

“We can’t leave two hostages inside that warehouse.”

“We don’t know they’re there.”

Marquez looks between them. “But you think they are.”

Ben points toward the route.

“The van didn’t disappear under that overpass by accident. Simon used the same pattern at Ivy’s studio. He gave us an obvious escape route while preparing another one nearby.”

“The loading dock,” Ivy says. “Peter was taken through it.”

“Because Simon’s people are comfortable moving victims through industrial buildings,” Ben replies. “The ferry warehouse gives them road and water access.”

Ward, who has remained beside Storm, approaches the map.

“What does this have to do with Hazel’s trunk?”

Ben looks toward him.

“We don’t transport it from her apartment.”

“Then Simon won’t send anyone.”

“Yes, he will.”

Ben points to the abandoned warehouse.

“We leak that the trunk is being transferred by Coast Guard vessel.”

A slow smile appears on Piers’s face.

“Simon will believe we’re bringing it to the secure evidence facility here.”

“And he’ll use one of his boats to intercept it,” Mark says.

Marquez nods as the plan takes shape.

“We place a decoy trunk aboard a patrol boat.”

“No visible tactical team,” Ben says. “Two Coast Guard officers on deck. Federal agents concealed below.”

“And your team?” I ask.

“Watching the route Simon’s people use to reach the water.”

Marquez holds up one hand.

“You will not make arrests.”

“We don’t want to,” Ben says. “Your agents can have everyone Simon sends for the trunk.”

“What do you want?”