Chapter 14 - The Annapolis Expedition
The rain battered against the windshield of the heavy black SUV as Vivian drove east toward the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis.
Arthur sat in the passenger seat, cleaning a sidearm while Harrison reviewed maritime land deeds on his laptop.
“The memorial monument sits on federal land near the waterfront,” Harrison reported.
“Vanguard Corp has three private security boats stationed in the bay right now,” he warned.
Vivian adjusted her rear-view mirror, seeing her daughters sleeping peacefully in their child seats.
“They won't touch federal soil while the Academy guards are on duty,” Vivian noted, turning into the Academy gates.
The guard at the gate recognized Vivian’s uniform, saluting sharply as he lifted the security barrier.
They parked near the granite obelisk overlooking the stormy waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
Vivian walked up to the base of the monument, pulling out her father’s brass officer key.
Hidden behind the bronze commemorative plaque was a small, ancient keyhole green with copper rust.
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She inserted the key, turning it firmly until a heavy iron mechanism clicked beneath the stone.
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