Chapter 7 - THE WOMAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
Laurel contacted a maritime investigator.
Her name was Rebecca Shaw.
She had spent twenty years investigating shipping fraud and industrial accidents.
Rebecca reviewed the records carefully.
Then asked:
“Where did you get these?”
Laurel hesitated.
“From Weston Vale.”
Rebecca looked up.
“That's a dangerous name.”
“I know.”
Rebecca studied the manifest.
“These cargo descriptions don't match the inspection codes.”
Laurel frowned.
“What does that mean?”
“It could indicate misclassification. We need the original inspection records.”
Laurel nodded.
Rebecca continued.
“And your father's note suggests he suspected something.”
“Can we prove it?”
“Not yet.”
Laurel looked down.
She had spent years working in emergency medicine.
She understood evidence.
She understood the difference between suspicion and diagnosis.
But this was different.
This was her father.
And every unanswered question felt personal.
Rebecca placed a hand on the folder.
“Laurel, if we pursue this, we do it carefully.”
Laurel nodded.
“I understand.”
But she didn't.
May you like
Not yet.
Because someone else had already learned she was asking questions.
