Chapter 23 - THE TRAITOR AT THE TABLEMara built the operation around one assumption.
Black Tide knew everything she reported through official channels.
So she reported a lie.
She informed Naval Command that Keene's meeting would occur at Norfolk.
She requested tactical support.
She filed warrants.
She moved personnel.
Black Tide reacted exactly as expected.
Private aircraft left Baltimore.
Security convoys moved toward Norfolk.
Encrypted traffic tripled.
Keene believed Mara had taken the bait.
Meanwhile Mara, Reyes, Alvarez and Nathan entered Baltimore disguised as civilian salvage inspectors.
The retired carrier towered above them.
Rusting.
Silent.
Officially empty.
It was neither.
Twenty-seven armed guards were aboard.
Four helicopters waited on the flight deck.
Luxury vehicles were hidden inside the hangar.
This was not a secret meeting.
It was a transfer of power.
Eleanor met them below deck.
Mara aimed immediately.
Nathan stepped between them.
Eleanor said:
“Keene has Thomas.”
“Where?”
“Council chamber.”
“Why hasn't Keene killed him?”
“Because Thomas owns the original authorization keys.”
Mara understood.
Without Thomas, Keene could operate Black Tide.
But he could not transfer complete control.
Eleanor opened a maintenance hatch.
“One more thing.”
“What?”
“There is a traitor on your team.”
Mara looked at Reyes.
Then Alvarez.
Then Nathan.
Eleanor continued.
“I don't know which one.”
Mara lowered her weapon.
“Good.”
Eleanor frowned.
“Good?”
May you like
Mara looked toward the dark corridor.
“Because Keene doesn't know I already figured it out.”
