Page 89 of Deep Tide

“What if that was a decoy?”

Moore just stared at him.

“Maybe he figured out he’s under surveillance and he wanted to lure us off the island so the handoff could go down while he was gone.” The knot in Sean’s stomach tightened as he said the words out load. “If that was his plan, then it worked perfectly.”

Moore shook his head. “I don’t think that was it.”

“No?”

“No. In fact, I’m sure of it. Based on his history, we believe that he intends to personally take possession of this shipment. That’s why he’s here. And the intel we have on the container ship is solid. They haven’t off-loaded anything yet, and we’ve been watching.”

“Okay, what about the rest of our intel?” Sean asked. “How solid is that?”

Moore frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Well, do we have an inside guy working with Saledo? Or with this rancher, Tillman?”

“No.”

“Are you sure?” Sean asked.

“I’m sure.”

“What about ICE or DEA or ATF?”

“We don’t have any undercover agents with Saledo or Tillman. I would know about it. Anyway, why are you asking?”

“Just wondering.”

“What’s with the paranoia?”

“Nothing,” Sean said. “I’m just being cautious.”

Moore watched him skeptically.

And he was right. Sean was paranoid. There wasn’t one specific reason he could pinpoint. It was more a cluster of small things—none of which he was ready to disclose to anyone, even Moore. Not that Sean didn’t trust him. Moore was a straight arrow, and Sean didn’t have even the smallest doubt about his integrity. But Sean had felt edgy for days now, and his feeling was only heightened after last night’s little field trip.

“If you know something I don’t, let’s hear it,” Moore said.

“I don’t. Yet.”

Moore gave him a long, hard look. “Keep me informed. I can’t have your back if I don’t know what’s going on.”

“I will.”

Moore checked his watch. “I need to go.” He nodded at the map. “You keep that. I’ve got another one back at the office.”

Great. One more thing to keep out of Leyla’s sight if she ever came over again. Which would obviously be a bad idea, for many reasons.

“We’re going to keep watching and listening,” Moore said. “Hopefully, something will pop soon. Keep your phone charged and be ready to execute the plan as soon as it’s a go.”

“I will.”

“Cheer up.” Moore slapped him on the shoulder. “This thing’s moving faster than we thought. With any luck, we’ll get this thing wrapped and be out of here soon.”

CHAPTER

SEVENTEEN

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