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Charlie knew something about it.
    He climbed from his jeep, wondering if he should have worn his dress uniform, instead of casual jeans. Somehow he’d figured that the older man would respond better to less official clothing.
    The older man’s mostly bald head was covered in a dark knit cap. He popped up from below deck the moment Rafe’s foot hit the pier.
    â€œCharlie Turkow?” Rafe said, flashing a casual smile.
    â€œWho wants to know?” Charlie asked ungraciously.
    â€œMy name is Rafe DeSilva. I wanted to talk to you for a few minutes, if you don’t mind.”
    The older man’s eyes narrowed. “I’m busy.”
    â€œI understand, sir, but this won’t take long. I was wondering if you’d seen Bill Schroeder lately? Seems he’s been missing.” Rafe figured since Charlie was out on the water, he probably hadn’t heard the news.
    â€œNo.” Charlie Turkow turned his back, indicating the interview was over.
    Rafe figured he needed to get Turkow’s attention. “Bill Schroeder is dead. Murdered. Do you know who killed him?”
    Charlie’s head swiveled around, surprise clearly reflected in his blue eyes. “No. Who did you say you were again?”
    â€œRafe DeSilva. I’m with the ninth district coast guard. We’re investigating Schroeder’s death.”
    â€œThe coast guard?” Charlie’s expression went from mild disdain into a frank sneer. “Forget it. I have nothing to say to any Coasties. Do you hear me? Nothing!”

FIVE
    R afe stared after Charlie Turkow when the guy disappeared in the lower cabin of his boat. What was up with the old man? Most of the fishermen had some respect for the coast guard—after all, they were there if the weather changed or if someone needed help because of an engine breakdown. He’d personally helped perform many search and rescue missions for stranded boaters, most of them successful.
    Kayla’s husband was one of the rare exceptions.
    Mulling over this recent turn of events, he walked back toward his jeep. Why would Charlie carry a grudge against the coast guard? Because he was involved in the criminal smuggling activities? Or because he knew something about what was going on and was irritated that the coast guard hadn’t been able to stop it?
    But then, if Turkow did know something about the criminal smuggling ring, why wouldn’t he cooperate with the coast guard? Why shut them out and refuse to talk at all?
    When he reached his car, he gave Luke a call. “I didn’t get very far with Turkow. He wouldn’t talk to me,” he said to his commanding officer. “But I don’t thinkhe knew about Schroeder’s death. The surprise in his eyes when I sprung the news was real.”
    â€œSo why wouldn’t he talk?” Luke demanded.
    Rafe blew out a breath. “Apparently he doesn’t think very highly of the coast guard. I’m not sure why. Seems odd.”
    â€œDo you think he’s guilty?”
    â€œMaybe. Given the way he turned on me the minute I mentioned I was with the guard is suspicious enough. I realize some of his lengthy boat trips were to visit his daughter in Michigan, but that could also be a convenient cover, too. I don’t think we can take him off our suspect list. The guy is definitely acting strange.”
    â€œHrmph.” Luke didn’t sound happy. “Dig into Charlie’s background. Maybe he had a bad experience with us in the past. If he’s innocent, there has to be a reason for his hostility toward us.”
    â€œWill do.” Rafe hesitated and then asked, “Any word on Karl Yancy?”
    â€œNo. Apparently the guy has been holed up in his yacht for a while now. Evan’s bored.”
    Yeah, no kidding. But Rafe didn’t say anything against his partner. Their boss expected them to work together and that’s exactly what he’d do. “I’m sure if