Chapter 78
The Mercy
The Mercy waited beyond the old marina.
It was a white research vessel with no registration number. Its windows were black. A single light burned above the bridge.
Claire used June's key on the side hatch.
Inside, the boat smelled of salt, oil, and cedar.
The first room contained medical chairs. The second contained filing cabinets. The third contained a nursery with no toys.
Ada stopped at the nursery door.
“I remember this.”
Rowan stood beside her. “So do I.”
Claire found a wall of names. Each child had two records: body and witness.
At the bottom, one name remained blank.
LENA ROWAN.
The boat engine started.
June locked the hatch. “Someone is taking us offshore.”
Mara walked toward the bridge. “The captain is a model.”
Claire followed.
The captain turned.
He had Owen Bell's face.
“Welcome home,” he said.
The Mercy left the harbor.