Chapter 12
Gabe studied the photo Russell Jameson handed him. He glanced at Caleb before giving him the image. “This was taken three days ago.”
Caleb’s jaw clenched. “He must have been standing in the trees beside the house.”
The photo had been taken on the day they’d hiked to the cave. They were walking across the pasture, each wearing a backpack of supplies.
Russell handed Gabe another photo. “The latest telephoto lens can take images from a quarter mile away. The chance of you seeing Chapman was slim at best.” He looked at Caleb. “Has your security system picked up anything over the last few days?”
Caleb shook his head. “Nothing that concerned me. I’ve got motion detection cameras on the driveway and around the buildings. The property is too big to secure the entire perimeter.”
The alarm on Caleb’s cell phone beeped. He looked at the screen, then at Gabe. “The front door alarm has been activated.”
Gabe’s stomach tightened. “Natalie told us she wouldn’t go outside.”
“It’s probably nothing, but I’ll check the security cameras, anyway.” Caleb opened his laptop.
The first images of the barn and house were clear. “There.” Gabe pointed to Sherlock. He was standing in front of the veranda.
Russell walked around the table and studied the live feed. “He’s waiting for something.”
Gabe’s cell phone beeped. He read the message, then quickly typed a reply. “Natalie’s going outside. She thinks Sherlock wants to go to the bathroom, but he won’t leave without her. I’ve told her to stay inside.”
His heart leaped as he watched what was happening.
Caleb leaned forward. “What’s she doing?”
Gabe grabbed his hat. “She’s going with Sherlock. We have to get back to the house.”
“Wait,” Caleb said. “There’s no point rushing home. Natalie could be back before we start the truck.”
Gabe took a deep breath. Everything inside him was screaming to leave, but Caleb was right. “Okay. She gets five minutes. If she’s not back by then, we leave.”
Russell picked up the phone on his desk. “While we’re waiting, I’ll see if we have any highway patrol units out that way.”
While Russell was on the phone, Gabe silently watched the monitors. After what seemed like an eternity, he picked up his phone. “This is crazy. I’m calling her.”
Caleb looked up from his computer. “Call the satellite phone. She’ll have limited cell phone coverage.”
Gabe paced backward and forward as he listened to the ring tone. “Come on, Natalie,” he muttered. “Answer the phone.”
A cell phone beeped.
Gabe’s gaze shot to Caleb.
“It’s not Natalie.” Caleb rapidly typed something onto his keyboard. “A white SUV has driven through the main gates.” He turned the computer toward Russell. “Here’s the license plate. I don’t recognize the vehicle.”
“Give the troopers my cell phone number,” Gabe said as he opened the office door. “Tell them to call me when they’re close to Caleb’s property.”
Russell was already dialing a number on his phone. “Shall do. Be careful.”
As they tore down the corridor, Gabe tried to think rationally. But a nagging fear deep in his gut made him break into a cold sweat.
He hadn’t listened to that feeling once before, and it had cost Michelle her life.
* * *
Gabe endedthe call from Russell. “The closest highway patrol vehicle is still ten minutes away from Natalie.”
