Leave No Trace

Chapter 18

Danielson

Driving over, he kept shooting glances at Nolan. Her composure was cracking.

“Hey, Nolan, you okay?” he asked, nervous.

“We’re almost done.” She murmured.

“Something is bothering you.” He said gently. “What is it?”

“Austin’s heading to Norfolk in two days. They called for him early.”

“And that’s what’s wrong?”

“No, that isn’t it.” She shook her head as she said it, but her voice broke.

“Hey, Kate, what is it?” He asked.

“He wants me to give up my career and become a Navy wife, he doesn’t care at all about my being a detective, Mike. He just wants me to follow him to wherever he’s stationed.” She said, tears running down her face. “And on top of that, we still have to find Allison!”

“We will find her, Kate. And don’t worry about Austin. It’ll all work itself out.” He said, just as they pulled into the marina. There were a dozen cop cars, and anyone around would be instantly able to tell that something big was about to go down.

Their mobile communication unit, a black van, pulled up beside them. Mira and Derrick were in the back, along with their techs monitoring the situation.

A voice rang loud and clear in his ear. “Team Delta, this is Comm, heat signature is showing three people inside the Victory. Do you copy?”

“Yeah, we copy Comm. Any other information?”

“They are all in the same room on the boat, the signatures are located in the same location.”

“Roger that.” He muttered. “Thanks Comm.”

“I’ll give orders to teams Alpha, Bravo and Charlie.”

“Thanks Comm. Over and out.” He signed off, and turned back to Nolan, who was wiping her eyes. “You ready for this?”

“I have a feeling we’re going to see something horrible.” She admitted.

“I know.” He sighed. “I have a bad gut feeling about this. But we have to at least try, or we’re as cowardly as those who aren’t here.”

“At least we have Tim on our side.”

“You and him seemed pretty close.” He said cautiously. “What’s your history?”

“We were part of a group in our unit called the Famous Five.” She admitted. “We were ‘famous’ for doing crazy stunts, and lots of rumors were started. The people in the five were me, Tim, General Hamm, Lieutenant Burton and a young private, Private McDonald. We got up to some crazy stunts.” She chuckled at the memory of Tim getting drunk and dancing on a table with McDonald.

“You sound like you always had fun. And it was nice of him to come and help.” Danielson said.

Pete’s voice was in his ear. “We’ve got movement, Team Delta. Movement near the stern. Sending in Team Alpha. Do you copy?”

“Yeah, we copy.” He replied. Bates and Avery were in the car next to them, the other half of their rescue team of four.

They had a clear view of the Victory by then. He watched the first rescue team make their way onto the boat. Suddenly the team was thrown backwards by an explosion.

“Man down! Man down!” Pete yelled. “OPP officer down! Teams Charlie and Delta, go!”

Danielson nearly tripped opening the door, and they immediately pulled out their weapons, exchanging a look, joined by Bates and Avery, along with Lewis, Hart, Andrews and Piper. They ran towards the boat, climbing on board, with flashlights and guns drawn.