Page 42 of Once Hidden
“The place that we saw today doesn’t fit that category,” Chief Peckham acknowledged.
“That’s right,” Riley agreed.“It’s significant that the grave was neatly dug and not disguised in any way.Because some killers choose to leave a body in a way or a place that means something to them or to their victims.The grave near the old church seems like that type to me.A deliberate choice.Personal.”
What she couldn’t tell them was how she’d sensed an emotional resonance at the burial site, the wordless suggestion that the killer had chosen it not just as a disposal site, but because it was a place that mattered.A place that held memories.
“And you expect to find something similar where Chief Rawley is checking things out now?”Hodge asked skeptically.
“I do,” Riley admitted.
Peckham looked skeptical.“With all due respect, Agent Paige, the fact that the Bartlett twins lived in both towns at some point seems circumstantial at best.Are we going to look into everybody that might have lived in both places, or visited back and forth?Starting with kids?”
Riley’s frustration simmered just below the surface.The familiar wall was building between them—the barrier that always formed when Riley ‘s insights ran ahead of the tangible evidence.She’d faced it countless times before with local law enforcement, with superiors at the Bureau, and even with partners other than Bill and Ann Marie.
Ann Marie looked up suddenly from her tablet, her expression bright with discovery.
“I might have something,” she said, turning the screen toward them.“Remember, Bob Montgomery told us that Jay Bartlett died in a climbing accident five years ago, but he didn’t know where.I’ve found the report of his death.He died at Raven’s Leap Cliff near Hartsfield.”
Riley leaned forward.“What happened?”
“According to the news report, he was free soloing—climbing without ropes.Experienced climber, but something went wrong.”
“And Tony?”Riley asked, feeling the pieces begin to click together.
Ann Marie scrolled further.“That’s the thing.After his brother’s death, Tony Bartlett seems to have dropped off the map entirely.No social media, no credit history, no employment records I can find after 2021.It’s like he disappeared.”
Riley felt a cool certainty settle over her.“Or he’s been living under the radar, nursing a grief that turned to rage.”
Hodge frowned.“It’s still thin, Agent Paige.Brothers who lived in both towns where victims were taken, one dies, one disappears...it’s unusual, but not conclusive.”
Riley was about to respond when her phone rang.She glanced at the screen and saw that the caller was Chief Rawley, returning her previous phone call.She quickly tapped the speaker button, placing it in the center of the table.
“Chief Rawley, I’m here with Captain Hodge, Chief Peckham, and Agent Esmer.You’re on speaker.”
“Agent Paige.”Linda Rawley’s voice was clear and firm through the phone.“We went to those coordinates you sent.37.6985° North, 79.5152° West.”
Riley felt the room grow still, all eyes on the phone.
“And?”she prompted.
“You were right.There’s a shallow grave here.Can’t confirm identity without exhumation, but given the timeline and the fresh dirt...I’d bet my badge it’s Amanda Lindeen.”
Hodge leaned toward the phone.“Chief Rawley, this is Captain Hodge.I’ll send the forensics team your way to handle the exhumation and identification.”
“Appreciated,” Rawley replied.“We’ve secured the site and called in the county ME.”
Riley caught Hodge’s eye, saw his expression shifting from doubt toward grudging respect.But she needed more.
“Chief Rawley,” she said, “I have another question.Does that location have any significance in relation to the Bartlett family?Tony and Jay Bartlett, specifically.”
There was a brief silence on the line.Then, “Actually, yes.That spot is on the bend of the Talomaska River.Local fishing hole.I remember seeing Carl Bartlett—that was their father—taking the boys there on weekends.They’d camp sometimes, right near where we found the...where we found her.”
Riley felt the familiar chill that came with confirmation, with knowing she’d been right.She saw it register on Peckham’s and Hodge’s faces too—the moment when coincidence began to look like pattern.
“Thank you, Chief.That’s extremely helpful,” Riley said.
After a few more details about coordinating the forensics team, they ended the call.The room fell silent for a long moment.
Hodge was the first to speak.“Okay, I’ll admit it.That’s more than coincidence.”
