Page 59 of Once Hidden
“That works in our favor,” Ann Marie noted.“I’ll have better mobility if I’m not trapped behind a locked door.”
Sheriff Rich had stepped aside to make a call.He rejoined them as Sandra was demonstrating how to use the electronic scanner for package tracking.
“My deputy is set in an unmarked car,” he reported.“He’ll maintain visual contact with the truck throughout the route, staying far enough back to avoid detection.”
“We need to establish radio contact,” Riley said.“Sheriff, can we get earpieces that would allow continuous communication without being obvious?”
“I’ll get them ready,” Sheriff Rich said.
They spent the next forty minutes drilling on procedures—how to scan packages, operate the truck’s systems, follow the electronic delivery instructions.Riley practiced entering and exiting the vehicle the way Dana would, mimicking her posture and movements based on Sandra’s descriptions.
Ann Marie explored the cargo area, finding optimal hiding positions that would allow her to observe through the small window connecting to the cab while remaining hidden from outside view.She tested sightlines and identified the fastest ways to move from concealment to action if needed.
At 11:15, Sandra brought them Dana’s official uniform—a fresh set rather than the one Dana had provided.The brown shorts and shirt fit Riley better than expected.The cap pulled low obscured much of her face.
“How do I look?”Riley asked, turning to Ann Marie.
“Like you’ve been delivering packages for years,” her partner replied.“Though maybe try to look a little less like you’re calculating the most efficient way to incapacitate someone.”
Riley consciously relaxed her stance, softening her usually alert posture to match Dana’s more casual bearing.“Better?”
“Much.”
Workers began bringing in carts loaded with packages for Route 17.Sandra supervised as they loaded the truck, explaining to Riley which addresses might require signatures and which were simple drop-offs.
“Here’s Dana’s ID badge,” Sandra said, handing Riley a plastic card on a lanyard.“You probably won’t need it, but better to have it.”
Sheriff Rich returned from his car with the communication equipment—discrete earpieces that would allow Riley and Ann Marie to stay in contact with each other and with the deputy following in the unmarked car.
As noon approached, Riley felt the familiar calm settling over her, the clarity that always came before an operation.She checked her concealed weapon one last time, ensuring it was secure but accessible beneath the uniform shirt.
Ann Marie caught her eye.They’d been in more dangerous situations than this, but the stakes felt different somehow.This killer had been planning for years, nurturing his vengeance like a precious thing.He wouldn’t be easily deterred.
“Ready?”Sheriff Rich asked, checking his watch.
Riley adjusted her cap one final time and climbed into the driver’s seat of the delivery truck.“Let’s go catch ourselves a killer.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Riley smoothed the delivery uniform over her hips, the fabric stiff and foreign against her skin.As she pinned on Dana Beaufort’s name badge, it felt strange to be wearing another woman’s identity.She adjusted the cap, pulling the brim lower to shadow her face, and caught her reflection in the small wall mirror.
Just enough resemblance to pass, if Tony Bartlett was watching from a distance.And Riley knew he would be watching.
“How’s the fit?”Ann Marie asked, entering the room with an equipment bag slung over her shoulder.
“Close enough,” Riley replied.“He won’t be looking for the details.Just the uniform and the silhouette.”
Ann Marie unzipped the bag and laying out their gear on the table.“Earpieces are encrypted, range-tested to three miles.”She handed Riley a flesh-colored device barely larger than a pencil eraser.“Clear signal, continuous open mic.The sheriff and I will hear everything.”
Riley slipped the earpiece in, adjusting it until it sat comfortably.“And the vest?”
“Level IIIA, thin profile.Shouldn’t be visible under the uniform.”Ann Marie pulled out a lightweight bulletproof vest.Riley stripped off the uniform shirt and pulled on the protective gear.The familiar weight settled across her shoulders and chest—a comforting presence despite what it represented.She put the shirt back on, checking her movement.Not ideal, but manageable.
“Have you got your sidearm ready?”Ann Marie asked.
Riley pulled up her pants leg to show Ann Marie her Glock 19.“Ankle holster.Dana’s records show she doesn’t carry, so we can’t risk anything visible.”
The door swung open, and Sheriff Walter Rich entered with his deputy, a tall man with a military bearing.
