Chapter 5 - THE CONTRACT THAT WOULD DESTROY THE PORT
The November agreement was worth eighty million dollars.
On paper, it was a routine expansion of shipping operations between Baltimore and several Atlantic ports.
In reality, it would determine who controlled three major distribution terminals for the next decade.
Aurelio had spent eighteen months negotiating it.
If the agreement failed, hundreds of legitimate jobs could disappear.
If it succeeded, his company would become one of the largest private logistics operators on the East Coast.
Garrett had helped negotiate the earliest terms.
That was why he knew the signing date.
That was why he knew which executives would attend.
And that was why Aurelio had never considered him a threat.
Nell brought the first disturbing finding on Wednesday.
“Theodore Bell has been hired as a temporary driver by one of the subcontractors.”
Aurelio looked up.
“Which subcontractor?”
“Harborline Freight.”
“Who owns it?”
Nell hesitated.
“A holding company connected to Garrett's son-in-law.”
Aurelio leaned back.
“Show me.”
She placed the records on his desk.
The documents weren't proof of a crime.
But they showed a connection Garrett hadn't disclosed.
Aurelio stared at the names.
Then asked, “What does Teddy transport?”
“Equipment. Mostly.”
“Mostly?”
“Some routes don't match the invoices.”
Aurelio closed the folder.
“Get an independent audit.”
Meanwhile, at the Corrant, Pearl was becoming nervous.
She checked the back door twice before leaving.
She stopped taking her usual break outside.
And when Marin asked whether everything was okay, Pearl said she was simply tired.
On Friday evening, Marin found her crying in the supply closet.
“Pearl?”
The older woman wiped her face.
“I'm fine.”
“No, you're not.”
Pearl shook her head.
“Go back to work.”
Marin stepped closer.
“Is this about Teddy?”
Pearl went still.
Then she whispered, “He owes people money.”
Marin's stomach tightened.
“How much?”
“I don't know.”
“Who?”
Pearl shook her head.
“He won't tell me.”
Marin waited.
Pearl looked toward the door.
“He asked me to leave the back entrance unlocked next Thursday.”
Marin stopped breathing.
“Why?”
“He said he needed to pick something up.”
“What?”
Pearl's eyes filled.
“He wouldn't say.”
Marin took her hand.
“Don't do it.”
Pearl nodded quickly.
“I wasn't going to.”
Then she whispered, “He said if I didn't help, they'd hurt him.”
Marin felt the room tilt.
Now Garrett's words had a different shape.
Leave the dishwasher here and deal with her afterward.
She looked at Pearl.
“Listen to me. You're not staying late next Thursday.”
Pearl swallowed.
“What about Teddy?”
Marin thought of Aurelio.
Then said, “We're going to find someone who can help.”
Outside the closet, a shadow moved across the floor.
May you like
Someone had been standing near the door.
And Marin had no idea how long they'd been listening.
