Page 122 of See How They Hide

The second half of the road was property of Havenwood, blocked by a gate with cameras. Ryder was analyzing the cameras now using a drone.

George Stewart from the Denver office, who’d been their local agent from the beginning of the case, was outside under a heated tent with Denver SWAT. They were on standby and the goal was not to use them. If necessary, they would access Havenwood by the narrow main road, cut the chain to the gate once cameras were down. But the road was too narrow for tactical trucks. The SUVs would work, but they would have to drive slow because of the sharp turns in the road. It would be nearly impossible to traverse the road at night.

The rest of the team was headed down the fire road on the northern edge of Havenwood. Even though Riley said no one in Havenwood knew about the cabin she and Thalia had used as a way station, that was nearly four years ago. It could now be guarded. It could be occupied. They didn’t know what they would face.

Catherine agreed with Dean’s assessment that when the meet was scheduled, Calliope would dispatch several people—likely Anton and Ginger, who were involved in Matt’s abduction—to ensure that there was no trap. They also concurred that they might send the FBI on a scavenger hunt, to go from place to place to ensure no one was following them.

Catherine had also warned Riley that Calliope might want to talk to her. Riley seemed to be okay with talking to her mother, but there was a lot of history between them and family was always complicated. Catherine knew that from experience.

But Catherine wouldn’t allow Calliope to talk to her daughter until she had proof that Matt was alive.

She glanced at Riley. The young woman was sitting in the corner sketching, her legs crossed in front of her. She seemed oddly at peace.

“A call is coming in from the hotel in South Fork,” Ryder said. He answered, then said to Catherine, “It’s the security chief. A caller has asked to speak with the FBI.”

They had arranged with the lodge in South Fork to conference any call into the mobile unit set up at the rangers’ station.

“Put the call through,” Catherine said.

She glanced at Riley. The girl was nervous, but she was holding her own, and that impressed Catherine. She motioned for the room to be quiet, then nodded to Ryder to put the call on speaker.

“This is senior special agent Catherine Jones. To whom am I speaking?”

“Catherine,” a female voice purred, “this is Calliope, of Havenwood. How are you?”

“I would be better if my colleague was with us.”

“Right to the point, aren’t you?”

“I’ve always felt it was best to speak succinctly.”

“This entire affair has been a misunderstanding. I would like my family together again. Before I tell you where you can find Mathias, I need to speak to my daughter.”

“I can arrange that,” Catherine said, “but while you tell me that Mathias is well, I need to hear his voice and confirm his health.”

“That will not happen,” Calliope said, “until I know my daughter is with you.”

Catherine didn’t want to do it, but she wasn’t actually trading Riley. And Catherine needed to draw out the call to give her team time to get into position and down to the valley.

“Is Mathias there with you?” Catherine said. Since Calliope was using Matt’s full name—likely because she’d seen it on his identification—Catherine used it.

“No. But I can get to him in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. Riley. Please, Agent Jones.”

Catherine motioned to Riley. She hesitated, pale, hands shaking. Riley hadn’t spoken of physical abuse, but she was scared. This reaction was difficult to fake.

“It’s me,” Riley said, her voice a whisper.

“Speak up, Riley.”

“What do you want from me?” Riley said.

“Your love and loyalty, as always. You betrayed me—you pretended to die. There is a grave with your name on it.”

Was that a threat? Catherine suspected it was, and she wanted to end this call, but Riley didn’t give up the phone.

“I had to,” Riley said. “How did you find out?”

“Evan saw you, sweetheart. He didn’t believe at first, but he saw you and promised to bring you home to us. I have missed you so much.”

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