Page 59 of Code Name: Tank
We went through the remaining spaces, but didn’t find anything else.
We wereon our way to the command center when James appeared on the path, heading toward us.
“Tank, Dragon,” he said, approaching with purposeful strides. “Perfect timing. I was just coming to find you both.” His attention shifted to the devices in Tank’s hands. “Are those from Pierce’s quarters?”
“They are,” Tank replied. “We were bringing them to the team for analysis.”
Hartwell nodded, but his brow furrowed like it had earlier. “Treasury needs to process any electronic devices,” he explained.
I felt my tension increase. “Our clearances should be sufficient?—”
“I understand your concern, Piper,” Hartwell interrupted gently. “But rules are rules. K19 will receive copies of anything relevant,” he assured us. “I’ll coordinate directly.”
The explanation made sense, though I wished Alice could take a look at Flint’s devices first.
My jaw tightened, but I nodded. “How long before we get the results?”
“Soon.”
Tank handed over the laptop and phones, noting how Hartwell secured them in a briefcase he’d brought with him. Seconds later, we heard a helicopter approaching.
“I appreciate your cooperation,” James said, his smile warm as it focused on me. “I know this is frustrating, but we’ll have answers as quickly as we can. I promise.”
After Hartwell left, heading toward the helipad, Tank and I stood in silence for several moments.
“We should brief the team,” I finally said.
“Agreed. Admiral needs to know about the evidence transfer.”
“Yes,” I said, nodding slowly. When I stopped walking, Tank did too.
“What are you thinking?”
“That James suspects Flint is behind these thefts. At least a major player.”
“Makes sense. Why wouldn’t he just say that, though?”
“That’s what’s troubling me. I mean, if there’s significant risk, we should be made aware of it.”
Tank nodded. “Let’s go check in and see what he might’ve told Admiral.”
“Anything?” Admiral asked when we walked in.
“A laptop and a couple of burners.”
Admiral’s eyes scrunched, and Alice spun the rest of the way around in her chair.
“Where are they?” Atticus asked, noticing neither Tank nor I had them.
“Hartwell took them with him when he left.”
“What do you mean?” Admiral asked. “I knew transport was on the way, but he said nothing about removing evidence.” Admiral’s gaze met Alice’s.
“Did he say why he wasn’t leaving it with us?” Alice asked.
“Something about Treasury needing to process them,” I replied.
Alice nodded. “Wait. Did you say Treasury? That seems odd.”
