Page 92 of Twilight Tactics

“Okay. And?” Maya asked.

“LaVoy Hawthorne. He’s a prepper—or I suppose I should say former prepper—and also Bellini’s cousin. He has connections to the prepper community, so when Bellini wanted Ollie silenced before she could testify, LaVoy contacted his resources at the compound, and they were all in. Lots of money. He says he has no idea about how Elena is connected or why someone would try to grab her.”

Gideon shook his head. “Any word on Hannah?”

“Amato confirmed they have her, but he doesn’t knowwhere. The FBI’s putting together a task force. What about the signal jammers?” Sully asked.

“We found three so far,” David said. “Military grade. Someone spent serious money on this operation.”

“Cell service is still spotty,” Maya added. “Works in some areas, dead in others. Your FBI buddies are out looking for them with their special equipment. And once the batteries start dying, the signal will return as well.”

“Where’s Elena?” Sully scanned the yard again.

David frowned. “I haven’t seen her in a while.”

“I left her here when I went to interrogate Amato.” A knot formed in Sully’s stomach.

“I saw her for a short time after you got back from rescuing Ollie, but it’s been a couple of hours,” Gideon said.

Sully turned toward the gate. “Let me check with the officer on duty.”

The officer looked up at his approach. “Agent Sullivan.”

“Have you seen Elena Thompson?”

“Yes, sir. A young girl came to see her earlier. Brought her a note.”

The knot in Sully’s stomach grew. “What girl?”

“Teenager. Maybe fifteen? Said she needed to speak with Miss Thompson specifically. I searched her and the horse. No weapons. Seemed harmless enough. I spotted Elena at the barn and waved her over.”

“What happened after?”

“They talked privately, then the girl left. Miss Thompson read the note and went toward the barn, then the main house. Haven’t seen her since.”

“Did you get the girl’s name?”

“No, sir. She didn’t offer, and even if she had, I have no way of knowing if it’s her real one. She didn’t have any ID on her.”

“What did the note say?”

“Don’t know. Elena put it in her pocket.”

“Thanks.” Sully jogged around the main house toward Elena’s entrance, the sense of dread building with each step.

The door was unlocked. Inside, everything looked normal. Her bed was made. Kitchen clean. No signs of struggle.Thank you for that, God.

Sully turned toward the counter and spotted a folded piece of paper. He snatched it up.

Gone to meet my father and Iris. They want out. Don’t worry, not going to the compound. Back after dark. Probably late. -E

“No, no, no.” Sully crumpled the note in his fist. After everything they’d learned, she’d gone alone? While she’d thought everything was related to her initially, after the attempt on Ollie’s life, Elena no doubt thought it was all over. In spite of not being able to explain someone trying to snatch her off her horse—or who the intruder was at the ranch.

He sprinted to the barn, nearly colliding with a ranch hand.

“Whoa, easy there,” the man said.

“Harley. Is Harley in his stall?”