“An archive that was sealed.”
“It was supposed to be.”
The Mercer investigation had ended my career.
A federal procurement officer named Charles Mercer had been suspected of leaking facility plans and security schedules. Our unit traced the leaks through shell companies, consulting firms, and private contractors. Before charges could be filed, Mercer disappeared.
Two weeks later, evidence suggested he had died in a boating accident, though his body was never recovered.
The case was abruptly closed.
I resigned six months afterward, exhausted by secrecy and newly determined to become someone Christine could build a life with.
I had never told her the full story.
Not because she was untrustworthy.
Because I wanted that world to remain behind me.
Daniel looked toward Jake’s room.
“Did Mercer ever meet Warren Hale?”
“Not that I knew.”
“Then someone may be exploiting a weak connection to make it look stronger.”
“Who?”
“That’s the useful question.”
