15

After leaving Lennie, Declan and Lexi had walked the neighborhood, checked in with a few business owners, and then grabbed a couple dogs from G&A. Declan’s cell rang as they climbed into his Suburban, Lexi slipping her sunglasses on and her blazer off.

“Grey,” Declan said, answering the call while also shrugging out of his blazer.

“Agent Grey, it’s Bob Matthews.”

Bob Matthews was head of Maryland Port Authority. An odd person to get a call from.

“Hey, Bob. What can I do for you?”

“We’ve got a situation down here at MPA Terminal Six. We could use your help.”

“No offense, but isn’t the harbor yours and the Coast Guard’s area?”

“I called your director. He told me to call you and your partner. I’ll call Agent Kadyrov next.”

“No need. She’s right here with me.”

Lexi looked over with arched brow.

“How can we help you, Bob?” FBI didn’t typically have jurisdiction at the docks.

Bob? Lexi mouthed.

Matthews, Declan mouthed back.

“We’ve got smuggled refugees, a dead first mate, and a dead federal agent.”

Shock surged through Declan, and he swallowed hard. “We’ll be there in twenty.”

“What’s up?” Lexi asked.

Declan explained the situation as they headed for the port.

Twenty minutes later they arrived to a mirage of swirling red patrol lights dancing through the parking lot as MPA police cordoned off the area.

Parker and Avery approached Megan Kent’s home. The exterior was a combination of brick and tan siding. A carport stood at the end of the short drive, lining up with the house’s side door.

For some reason it wasn’t what Parker had anticipated, but he wasn’t sure why exactly. It looked too domestic, he supposed, like a home a family shared. And from what he knew of Sebastian, based almost solely on Skylar’s portrait, he did not seem a settled or happy man.

Parker knocked on the storm door while Avery stood beside him, scoping out the neighborhood. It was quiet. No kids playing. The only other person he spotted was an elderly man mowing his lawn.

A young lady opened the door. She was about five-three, as Sebastian’s neighbor had described. Slender. Mousy brown hair and light brown eyes—the color of amber. “Hi, we’re looking for Sebastian Chadwyck.”

She rolled her eyes. “Aren’t we all.”

“Excuse me?” Parker asked.

“I haven’t seen Sebastian.”

“Since . . . ?” Avery asked.

“Last night.”

“Are you Megan?”

“Yeah.” She looked directly at Avery. “Who are you?”

“Avery Tate, and this is Parker Mitchell. Can we ask you a few questions about Sebastian?”

“What’s this about?”

Parker explained they were looking into the disappearance of a young woman Sebastian had recently photographed.

Megan frowned, her eyes narrowing. “Who?”

“Skylar Pierce.”

Anger burned in her eyes. “He photographed her?”

“Yes. Apparently shortly before she disappeared.”

“You’re certain?”

“That’s what we’ve been told, but we need to talk to Sebastian to be positive.”

“Where’s the photograph?” she asked, irritation streaked across her freckled face.

“We have it,” Avery said.

“Before we talk anymore, I want to see it.”

“It’s evidence in a criminal investigation. We can’t just bring it.”

Megan linked her arms across her chest. “Then I’m not talking.”

“What if we took a picture on my cell of it?” Avery asked, praying it would suffice.

Her jaw shifted. “Fine. Bring me the picture of it, and then I’ll talk.” Megan slammed the door.