Chapter 13 - THE BRIDGE
"Nobody touches a weapon," Ortega told the sailors gathered by the passageway.
Naomi moved among them, repeating what had happened at the rail. "You don't have to take my word for it," she said. "Protect the recordings. Let investigators do their jobs."
On the bridge, Finch stepped between Ward and the communications panel. "Captain, you're risking every person aboard."
"Get out of my way."
"The Sentinel is flying the correct signals. The order is authentic."
Ward grabbed Finch's collar. "You think they'll thank you for turning on me? They'll blame you for the altered log. I made sure your access code is on it."
Finch swallowed. Then he pulled his hands away from the captain's sleeves. "They can read my statement."
A sailor at the helm looked toward Ortega, who had entered the bridge behind them. "Senior Chief?"
"Hold a safe heading," Ortega said. "No more sudden turns."
Ward spun. "That is mutiny!"
"No, sir," Ortega answered, his voice steady. "It's a lawful order from the fleet, and your command has been suspended."
A security officer stepped forward, uncertain. Ward reached toward the guarded switch for the bridge communications system, then stopped when every pair of eyes in the room fixed on his hand.
For the first time, the room no longer belonged to him.
The Sentinel sent an unarmed relief team across by launch once both vessels were steady. An NCIS agent joined them and placed Ward under temporary custody. Finch handed over the sealed recorder with its serial number visible. Naomi gave her statement before the ship reached harbor.
Ward passed her in the corridor. He leaned close, just once.
"You'll lose everything for this," he whispered.
Naomi met his eyes. "You already tried to take the one thing I couldn't replace."
A sailor approached holding a printed signal from shore. "Petty Officer Bell? It's from your sister."
May you like
Naomi opened it with shaking fingers.
ELI IS SAFE. BUT A STRANGER IS WAITING OUTSIDE OUR HOUSE.
