Chapter 91
The Warrant
The warrant listed Claire Rowan as the primary suspect in three disappearances.
It named Lucy Hart, Noah Hart, and Eli Hart as deceased. It named Ada as an unidentified woman. It did not mention Rowan.
Daniel read the document once.
“This was prepared before we left the courthouse.”
“They expected us to return,” Tess said.
The officer holding the warrant looked at the passengers on the dock.
“Everyone is to remain where they are.”
A woman beside him whispered, “That is my son.”
The officer did not look at her.
Claire stepped forward. “Read the names.”
“You are under arrest.”
“Read them.”
The passengers began speaking. One name, then another. The dock filled with voices.
The officer's radio cut in.
“The county has no record of these people.”
Daniel laughed without humor. “That is why we are here.”
The warrant began to change in the officer's hand. The list of deceased names blurred. The word suspect became witness.
The officer dropped it.
Beneath the paper was a second warrant.
It named Everett Bell as owner of the Mercy.
“He is not here,” the officer said.
The captain stepped onto the dock. His face settled into Everett's.
“I am.”
The crowd moved back.
Claire looked at him. “You are a model.”
“I am the continuity of the owner.”
“Then arrest the continuity.”
The officer raised his handcuffs.
The captain smiled.
“You cannot arrest a record.”
The harbor lights turned off.