Inside was a heavy military satellite phone, its long black antenna folded flat against the molded plastic shell.

“What sort of equipment is that?” William asked, staring into the open drawer.

“Is that live government hardware?”

“It’s an encrypted communications unit,” Richard said.

He reached into the thick foam lining and lifted the satellite receiver out into the light.

The dark battery slot on the back was completely empty.

“Where’s the battery pack?” William asked, looking over his shoulder at the open slot.

Richard didn’t answer him.