Page 44 of Once Hidden
“No, it wasn’t.A driver named Corey McLaughlin managed to escape.He was making deliveries when someone—presumably a man named Tony Bartlett—attacked him.McLaughlin escaped, but the attacker left another code in McLaughlin’s truck.”She glanced down at her notes, then read clearly: “CG, LB-BG-ND-KA, HG, TA-ZF-YE-KG.”
Timothy didn’t reach for paper or make any visible calculations.His eyes simply unfocused slightly as he processed the information internally, his mind performing computations that few people could do quickly.
“37.2741 degrees North, 80.0657 degrees West,” he said after barely fifteen seconds.
Riley blinked.“That was fast.”
“The algorithm is elegant,” Timothy replied with an unmistakable note of admiration.“Once you understand its architecture, the solution presents itself rather quickly.But I do have a question for you.You say you know the killer’s identity—his name is Tony, I believe you said.Why don’t you just arrest him?”
“We have no idea where he is.”
“Ah.A pity.”
Timothy tilted his head, a slight smile visible now.“Tell me, Agent Paige—do you still harbor suspicions about my involvement in these crimes?”
The question caught Riley off guard.She studied his expression through the screen, searching for any hint of deception or manipulation.After a moment, she decided on honesty.
“No, I don’t.”
“Well, that’s a relief,” Timothy replied with exaggerated cheerfulness.“Prison time is tedious enough without being suspected of additional murders.”
Riley didn’t smile at his attempt at humor.“I assume we have the prison’s security system to thank for your airtight alibi.”
“Among other things.”Timothy’s expression shifted, becoming more businesslike.“I believe I’ve fulfilled my mathematical obligation for the day.If you’ll excuse me—”
“Wait,” Riley said quickly.“I want to ask you something first.”
Timothy paused, curiosity flaring in his eyes.“Yes?”
Riley hesitated.What she was about to ask crossed a line—not procedurally, perhaps, but ethically.Seeking one killer’s insights into another felt like opening a door that should remain firmly shut.But Tony Bartlett had already killed two people and tried to kill a third, and she needed every advantage she could get.
“I’d like your assessment of this killer,” she said finally.“Given the...similarities in your crimes.”
Timothy didn’t immediately respond.A pleased look spread across his features as though he’d just been offered an unexpected gift.
“My assessment,” he repeated, savoring the words.“Where shall I begin?”
Riley waited, watching as Timothy gathered his thoughts.
“First and foremost, he’s a chess player.”
Riley wasn’t particularly surprised by that insight.Bob Montgomery’s words about the Bartlett twins came back to her instantly:“They’d bring a miniature chess set, and we’d play each other.They always beat me.”
“Chess isn’t just a game for minds like ours, Agent Paige,” Timothy added.“It’s a framework for understanding reality.Every move creates new possibilities while eliminating others.Each piece has defined capabilities and limitations.”
“And people become the pieces,” Riley said quietly.
“Precisely.”Timothy leaned closer to the camera.“Do you play chess, Agent Paige?”
“Some.Not especially well.”
“Then you should understand what you’re up against.A mediocre chess player might see two or three moves ahead.A good one, perhaps five or six.”Timothy paused.“But the truly dangerous players—the ones with mathematical minds like Tony’s—we see dozens of potential futures branching from each decision.We calculate probabilities, anticipate responses, and guide the game toward an inevitable conclusion that only we can see.”
“You’re suggesting he’s already planned his endgame.”
“Oh, most certainly.But don’t expect him to follow a predictable pattern.He’ll be looking for ways to surprise you.
“But he didn’t anticipate McLaughlin getting away.”
