ous customer left the repair bay.
wrench from his sack and crouched near the base of the lift. He worked fast, his fingers moving on autopilot, loosening just enough to ensure the damage wouldn’t happen now, but later—when someone unsuspecting started adjusting the mechanism. The steel groaned slightly, and the lift swayed.
"I’m working on a boat for a friend," he an- nounced, the lie sliding off his tongue easier than he liked. He gestured vaguely toward the back storage area. "Think you still have that old starter solenoid? I remember seeing one in your shop the last time I worked with you—figured I’d take it off your hands." Micky glanced up, grinning. "Yeah, I think I know what you’re talking about. Haven’t had much call for it, so it should still be back there. Just watch the bay for me, will ya? Be back in a few minutes." The trust in Micky’s voice made the man’s stomach twist. He forced a nod, clenching his jaw as Micky disappeared into the back. The bay was mostly empty, the mechanics tied up in their own work, their conversations blending with the hum of power tools and the distant clang of metal against metal.
His pulse hammered.
He wasn’t here to hurt anyone. Just to cause a problem. Just enough to push TE Marina and Repair Shop closer to failure.
Right?
Shoving the wrench back into his bag, he forced himself to breathe. His heart was still racing when he casually stepped back to the counter, feigning indifference. Just in time for Micky to return, carrying the dusty old solenoid. "Got it! Knew it was back there some- where." The man reached for his wallet, paid in cash, and nodded his thanks. Then he slipped out the door, the weight of guilt pressing heavy on his shoulders. Because no matter how hard he tried to jus- tify it… He knew he had just set up a man who had never done him wrong.
Now or never.
He strode toward the first lift—a 28-foot center console suspended above the ground, its hull gleaming under the fluorescent shop lights. The boat was stripped open, its en- gine undergoing repairs.
He hesitated.
Maybe this was a mistake.
But Mac had told him exactly what to do. Don’t take the bolts out completely—just loosen them.
...To be continued in further installments.
Make it look like an accident.
Copyright © 2026 Pamela S Kemper
Sweat slicked his palms as he pulled a
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