Mr. Perfect (Sinister in Savannah #2) - Aimee Nicole Walker Page 0,50
in position,” Avery replied.
Up ahead, Avery pulled out of the truck stop and eased into traffic a few car lengths behind Skeet. Felix checked his mirror to see if the left lane was empty, then merged over. He drove past Avery and the hauler so he could get into position at the port when Skeet drove in. Avery’s only job was to make sure the hauler continued toward the port. If not, he’d continue tailing it until the rest of them could relieve him.
The port was a vast expanse of commerce stretching along the Savannah River, which was deep enough and wide enough to allow ships on both sides. Huge corporate conglomerates vied for space among the global shipping and logistics companies. With its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and access to major highways and railways, the Port of Savannah had become the fastest-growing container terminal in the US.
Felix would’ve felt overwhelmed by all the cargo ships, cranes, and heavy equipment if they hadn’t spent hours researching and looking at aerial maps to formulate a plan. One of the other puzzle pieces Marla the Magnificent found was Jack Mercy’s connection to a few companies who operated at the port. He wasn’t listed as an owner or financial backer, but he sat on the board of these companies, which meant he’d potentially have access to the ships anchored along Berth Road.
Georgia Ports Authority operated several gated checkpoints and restricted access to some areas more stringently than others. Rocky had produced barcode stickers for their windshields to grant them access when he handed out the electronic surveillance gear.
“Where’d you get those?” Felix had asked.
“I called in some favors,” Rocky had replied slyly. “People don’t forget when you save them from paying out millions of dollars in a divorce settlement by proving their spouse broke clauses in their prenup.”
“Ah,” Felix had said.
As they’d discussed, Felix chose one of the “employee only” entrances that used an electronic scanner instead of one operated by a person who might ask questions or demand to see additional credentials. He pulled up to the stop sign and held his breath while a blue laser scanned the windshield sticker. The red light above the gate turned green, and the arm swung up, granting him entrance.
“I’m in,” Felix said.
Rocky, Jonah, and now Felix were all at the port. His partners were at the opposite ends, and he’d hidden in the middle. Each of them had a good view of one of the potential companies Mercy could be using to move drugs or guns. Or people.
Please don’t let it be people.
If their information was wrong or insufficient, they’d possibly lose Skeet and not know which ship he delivered the cars to. Their mission needed a little bit of luck to go with their skills and Rocky’s connections.
“Got eyes on the hauler,” Rocky said. “He’s heading your way, Felix.”
Nervous energy flowed through him, and Felix bounced his knees as he waited impatiently as the minutes ticked by. Skeet could’ve stopped anywhere along the immense expanse between Rocky and Felix. He contemplated getting out of the van and walking in Rocky’s direction. With his dark gray coveralls, he’d fit right in with one of the other workers. No one would question his presence. Unless he was stupid enough to run into good ole Skeet, who would definitely recognize Felix. The voice of reason won out over impatience, and Felix stayed put.
“Do you see him yet?” Jonah asked.
“Not yet,” Felix replied.
“Stay cool, everyone,” Rocky cautioned.
Lady Luck must’ve been smiling down on them because Skeet eased past Felix a few moments later and stopped in front of the loading dock near him. “Got eyes on the hauler,” Felix said, sinking lower in his seat.
The parts of the port buzzing with activity were well lit, but there were pockets of pitch black in the areas where crews had finished for the day. He’d backed into an opening in a darker spot, so it wasn’t likely Skeet saw him behind the wheel.
“What’s happening?” Jonah asked.
Felix watched through the NVGs as Skeet climbed out of the truck and strolled toward an office that wasn’t much bigger than a shed. The sign above the door identified it as JWM Logistics, one of the companies they traced to Mercy. He relayed the information to the gang, and followed it up with, “Sure would love to know what’s in those vehicles.”