The Rachel Scott Adventures, Volume 1 by Traci Hohenstein Read Free Book Online Page B

and listened intently.
    “We have another piece of the puzzle,” he said, hanging up. “That was Phipps. The body recovered from the Coast Guard was not Josh McCain. Our dead guy is Danny Pezzini, according to his driver’s license that was found in his wallet.”
    “Who is Danny Pezzini?” Rachel asked.
    “Small-time criminal. Two convictions of drug possession with intent to distribute.”
    “How did he end up in the water?” Rachel asked.
    “Don’t know. Looks like he was a passenger on the SeaStar ,” Drake answered. “Phipps has a copy of the passenger manifest with Pezzini’s name on it.”
    “That’s odd. No one reported him missing?”
    “No. He was apparently traveling alone.”
    “Think he’s connected to Amber and Josh?”
    “Maybe so. I don’t believe in coincidences.”
    There was a knock on the door and one of the governor’s aides poked her head in.
    “Governor Knowles is on his way here. He’s ready to release a statement to the media.”

CHAPTER 14
     
    T he front of the hotel was packed with reporters when they stepped outside. Word had gotten out about the prominent governor’s daughter who had vanished from a cruise ship. Reporters threw out questions as they gathered before the podium microphones.
    “Do you believe that Amber fell overboard?”
    “Is the Coast Guard continuing their search for Amber?”
    “Have you found any evidence of foul play?”
    A pretty brunette reporter with CNN shouted loudest of all. “Is it true the Coast Guard found a body? Was it Amber?”
    The media crew quieted down when Drake raised his hand up. “The governor will make a short statement and then we’ll answer a few questions.”
    Governor John Knowles stepped forward and cleared his throat. He had changed into more casual attire with pressed khakis and a light-blue oxford shirt. Sarah was by his side and had changed into another sundress—this one of sunny yellow-and-white-striped seersucker fabric. She wore her blonde hair loose around her face. She stood ramrod straight and faced the camera with a somber look on her face.
    “We have reason to believe that our daughter, Amber Knowles, met with foul play sometime after midnight on the SeaStar cruise ship.” Governor Knowles spoke loudly and clearly. “The FBI, local law enforcement, and Florida Omni Search are working together to locate her. They are expending every effort and using every resource to bring her safely home. We also want to thank all the volunteers who have stepped up to help.”
    He paused for a second to gather his thoughts. “If anyone knows anything at all about Amber’s disappearance, please call the anonymous tip hotline. Amber’s mother and I are offering a reward of one million dollars for her safe return.”
    Governor Knowles turned to look at his wife before continuing. “We beg you, if you know anything, no matter how trivial it may seem, please call. It could be that one small thing that brings Amber back to us. Thank you.” He stepped back and turned the podium over to the FBI.
    The reporters went nuts, yelling out more questions as Drake stepped up. “Thank you, Governor Knowles and Mrs. Knowles.” He looked out at the crowd of media. “The governor is not taking questions. We ask that you please respect his family’s privacy during this difficult time. I can give you ten minutes.”
    The pretty brunette raised her hand and asked the same question again: “Was a body found?”
    “The Coast Guard found a male body about a mile offshore of Freeport. We have identified the victim. He’s an American citizen. We are not releasing his name pending notification of his next of kin. At this time we don’t know if he had anything to do with Amber’s disappearance.”
    “The governor mentioned foul play. Do you have any suspects?”
    “We’re still following leads. And that’s all I can tell you. Once we have other news, we’ll let you know. Thanks for your cooperation.”
    Drake stepped off the