“Little Creek.”
Apodaca nodded. “My husband is retired Team 3, BUD/s 242.”
Duncan nodded politely, but didn’t share his particulars. “I’m on active duty, ma’am. And I’m the chief’s brother.”
Wahlman finally joined the party. It had taken him several minutes to walk across the dock.
“We meet again, Chief.”
The congressman was pasty and sweaty. He didn’t look well.
Wahlman sneered at Clancy. “Well, where are they? Let’s get this over with. Chop-chop.”
Apodaca rolled her eyes before she addressed Clancy. “We’re here to take Evelyn McGuinness into custody and return the child to her court-appointed custodial parent.” The tone of her voice made it clear she wasn’t thrilled to be Wahlman’s champion. “Regretfully, you will need to come along for questioning, Chief Flynn. Hope you got a good lawyer.”
Wahlman grew impatient. “Where the hell is my daughter?”
“I’m afraid there’s been some confusion, Congressman.” Clancy took a step toward him, and noticed a greenish tint to Wahlman’s skin. “You won’t be raising Christina as your daughter, because you’ll be in prison or at least on house arrest awaiting trial.”
Wahlman laughed. “Are you insane?”
Apodaca stepped between the men and pulled Clancy aside. “Something you’d like to share, Chief?”
“Yes. This evening, the Justice Department was presented with evidence that Wahlman bribed a court official. He used his political connections to win custody of Christina McGuinness.”
Apodaca closed her eyes for a moment.
“And Wahlman’s wife and chief of staff were deposed today in Washington. They won immunity and then threw the good congressman under the bus for a whole range of offenses. The case is expected to go to the grand jury.”
Apodaca glared at him. “And just how in the hell do you know all this when I don’t?”
“I wish I could tell you, but it’s classified.”
She tipped her head back and laughed, glancing around at the paper lanterns, fairy lights, and decorations. “You know what, Chief? This is a very pretty little island, but it’s kind of like a New England Twilight Zone. You got naked people, crazy people, naked and crazy people playing tennis, people dressed up like fairies and mermaids and starfish. You’ve got kidnappers and Navy SEALs and now you’ve got sources for classified intel? Seriously, this place cracks my ass up.”
Duncan chuckled.
“Check it out for yourself,” Clancy said. “Make a few calls to your superiors. See if I’m right.”
“Dammit!” The agent’s eyes flashed over to where Evie and Christina sat. She barked orders as she jogged off toward the helicopter. “Make sure the suspect stays put. Keep the police chief and Evelyn McGuinness separate.”
Just then, Clancy noticed that Wahlman had wandered over to the bench. Evie stood when he approached, and though they kept their distance, they began to talk. Clancy saw Evie’s face and shoulders tighten as Wahlman reached out for Christina. The little girl turned away and buried her face in Evie’s neck.
That’s when Clancy saw Heather crouched behind another bench about twenty feet away from Evie and Wahlman, her camera light on. It hardly mattered. It wasn’t as if her footage would be seen by millions on 60 Minutes, right?
* * *