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confirm that he was tortured first. He has marks on his body indicative of someone trying to extract information—or induce pain. The medical examiner is working on the details.”
    â€œWhat kind of marks?”
    â€œIt’s a key part of the ongoing investigation and a detail we’re keeping to ourselves.”
    â€œWe know they were hijacked at sea,” Donovan said. “Any luck with the images from the
Triton
security cameras?”
    â€œWe’re running what little we have through our database. It may take a while.”
    â€œI want to see them,” Donovan said.
    â€œJust so we’re clear, this is the FBI’s investigation. For the record, the only reason you’re here is because Eco-Watch has some political influence, and I was ordered to read you in, but the second you become a hindrance, or start playing vigilante, you’ll be arrested. Off the record, the word I got from the top is that you and your group are reckless. I hate reckless, and as far as evidence, including images from an active crime scene, it will be shared when it’s deemed appropriate by the FBI.”
    â€œWe’re here to cooperate,” William said. “But we do expect to be kept in the loop and we’d appreciate that at your earliest convenience you’d issue a statement to the press that the
evidence
points toward the fact that Eco-Watch is in no way involved with recent events and is cooperating fully with the investigation.”
    Donovan smiled inwardly at how William slowly and succinctlypronounced the word evidence, as if it were a sharp stick used to prod Agent Hudson. From past experience, Donovan could have easily predicted that both sides would stake out their territory early. At least that part was out of the way.
    â€œA press release to that effect is in the works and will be released from FBI Headquarters within the hour.”
    â€œI’d like to go out to where the ship ran aground,” Donovan asked. “Is that possible?”
    â€œAs far as the FBI is concerned, we’re done processing the scene. The salvage team is on site preparing to pull the boat off the beach at high tide so I’m not sure how much you’ll actually see.”
    â€œJust the same,” William said, “it’s where I’d like to go as well.”
    â€œIt’ll be good to have eyes on what’s going on out there,” Buck said and motioned for the helicopter pilot to spool up the engine. “Agent Hudson, are there still police out at the
Triton?”
    â€œYes, they were going to maintain a presence until the ship is off the beach and back out to sea.”
    â€œGood, can you let them know that Mr. Nash and Mr. VanGelder are en route via helicopter and ask them if they’d provide security for my people?”
    â€œI can do that, but the beach is pretty secluded. I wouldn’t think there’s any risk,” Hudson replied.
    â€œI’ll help Michael finish up here and then he and I will go to the hotel so he can get some rest,” Buck said. “You two call me when you’re coming back in, and I’ll pick you up.”
    Donovan nodded, and then he and William headed toward the helicopter. With William leading the way, Donovan put his head down against the rotor wash as they walked toward the idling machine. The Hughes 500D was a compact machine, sleek and fast, the single distinguishing feature of this particular helicopter was the fact that all of its doors had been removed. The pilot introduced himself as Glen, handed them each a headset, and asked them to take their seats. Donovan and William strapped in behind the pilot. The helicopter lifted off, flying low toward the west.
    Donovan wasn’t particularly fond of helicopters, too manymoving parts for his taste. The lack of doors only added to his dislike. At least the
Triton
wasn’t out at sea. It was a poorly kept secret that the director of operations of