Chapter 13
"Andrew’s dead?" Mark Weaver said with surprise when we broke the news to him.
We sat across the desk from him in his office.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a nice view of the ocean.
As CEO of the company, he had the best office in the building.
It wasn't as lavish as some of the tech companies we had visited in the past, but it was nice, understated elegance.
A large flatscreen display hung on the wall, along with pictures of Mark at sea on research vessels. A man of action.
Mark shook his head and frowned in dismay. "It's hard to believe. What exactly happened?"
I told him.
"A shark?"
"It appears that way.”
He took a moment to process. After a deep breath, he said, "The last time I talked to Andrew, he was going out to recover a tag that had popped off one of the sharks. Happens all the time. Those tags aren’t cheap either.
Perhaps he fell overboard trying to recover the device.
” He shook his head in dismay. “It's unusual for a shark to attack unprovoked, but accidents do happen.”
“When was that?”
“Friday afternoon.”
"You know specifically where he was going?”
"He didn't say, but I can get the data and get back to you.”
"I’d appreciate that,” I said. “Did he take his own boat or one that belongs to the institute?”
“You know, I can’t be sure, but he probably took his own. Andrew was pretty particular about things. He liked everything just so.”
“Do you happen to know the name of his boat and where he kept it?”
“He usually kept the Calypso in the marina here. Free. Why not? You’re more than welcome to look.”
“Thank you. What exactly do you do here at Aqus?”
Mark smiled. "We have created the largest database of marine life in existence. With proprietary software and advanced algorithms, we track and collect data on the movements of a variety of aquatic life, sharks included. We study trends and see how different factors are affecting the habitat and how the marine life responds. The oceans are the key to life on the planet. We must be responsible stewards.”
"So you just gather observational data.”
"Yes, then we use that data to model behavior and predict future patterns. That data guides us in our conservation efforts.” He smiled with enthusiasm.
“Our mission here is to build resilient ecosystems through research, restoration, and re-establishment. Every dollar of funding we get goes toward that effort.”
“Have you noticed anything unusual in the shark population lately?” I asked.
“Well, two great white attacks in a week is unusual.”
“We’re not entirely sure it was a great white.”
Mark’s brow knitted with confusion. “Really? They said on the news—”
“We don’t have confirmation yet.”
I dug into my pocket and handed him a card. “If you come across anything unusual in the shark population, give me a call.”
“You keep using the term unusual.”
I shared a look with JD, then said to Mark. “We believe the shark may have a… mutation."
"Mutation?"
"Have you encountered any sharks with genetic anomalies?" I didn't want to come right out and say it.
Mark’s expression went blank, and he shook his head. "No. But if anything turns up, I will get in touch. I'd love to hear more about this.”
"We're waiting on DNA analysis to come back, but I’ll keep you in the loop.”
"I’d appreciate that.”
“You haven’t heard of anyone doing any gene editing, have you?”
His brow wrinkled. “You mean genetically modifying marine life?”
I nodded.
“No. That would be highly illegal.” He leaned in and spoke in a soft voice.
“That kind of thing may happen on the other side of the world, but not around here. I’d have heard something.
I’m pretty dialed in.” He paused. “Do you really think someone’s tampering with marine life?
” He thought about it. “I guess that wouldn’t surprise me.
Who knows what goes on in some of these labs.
” Then he muttered, “I’m just afraid that one of these days, they’re going to cook up something catastrophic. Something that can’t be contained.”
His concern wasn’t without merit.
“Look, Andrew Holt was a great guy,” Mark continued. “He devoted his life to the sea. This is a tragic loss for our community. Have you contacted his wife yet?"
"I haven’t been able to get in touch with her. From what I can tell, she is out of state.”
Mark snapped his fingers, and recognition flashed in his eyes. "That's right. I believe she went out to visit her sister. I remember Andrew saying something about that." Mark took a deep breath. "They were having a bit of trouble lately. I think she wanted a divorce. I don't mean to gossip, but…”
"How long had they been having issues?”
"I don't know. I don't really get involved.” He dismissed it. “After all, it's not like you're investigating a murder, right?” Mark frowned. "Well, if you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I should be getting back to work.”
I smiled. "Thank you for your time. My condolences again for your loss.”
JD and I pushed the chairs away from the desk and stood up. "By the way, what was Andrew working on?”
“Monitoring the shark population and their habitat. Evaluating the health of their ecosystem. I can put you in touch with his assistant. She worked with Andrew on a daily basis and would have more specific information if you need it.”
“That would be great.”
He picked up the phone and dialed his assistant. “Marguerite, can you track down Tess Fallon and have her come to my office? There are two deputies here who need to learn more about Andrew’s work. Certainly.” Mark disconnected, then paused. “Tell me, what are your plans for the offending shark?”