Two minutes after their meeting started, Richardson, a short, wiry young man with a full beard, joined them. Some things never changed. As a student, Richardson had arrived late to class; but contrary to most tardy individuals, he stayed long after, earning a place in Gilmont’s inner circle.

“Anyone else joining us, Lauren?” Gilmont asked.

“Unfortunately, no. Jonas is on duty at the hospital, and Silas is in Macedonia at a nanomaterials and biomaterials convention.”

“A shame,” Gilmont said. “Two more would have helped considerably. No doubt Lauren has updated each of you that Agent Taylor evaded me earlier this afternoon. We believe she entered the Tay Forest Park on foot. Will you join me to hunt the woman who sent me to prison and destroyed my family?”

“Of course, Professor.” Hicks laid his arm across the back of his sofa. “But the Tay Forest Park is a massive area with six separate locations. How do you wish us to proceed? It’s too windy for a drone.”

“We’ll divide up and cover all the hiking trails within each section of the park. Each of you received an electronic flyer with Agent Taylor’s picture on it. Make copies and hand them out to everyone you meet. A fair number of people visit the Tay Forest Park each day. Ask them questions. Someone must have seen her. Danny’s burner number is listed on the bottom. If anyone rings him, he’ll pass on the information.”

Gilmont looked at each of their faces, trying to read their expressions. “If you locate Agent Taylor, keep her healthy. I wish to deal with her personally.”

“Sounds easy enough.” Hicks rubbed a hand through his hair.

“Each of you will take one of the four southern parks and divide them into quadrants for your search,” Gilmont said. “Since the two northern parks are less traversable, I’ll handle those by air. We start at dawn; send me updates every two hours.”

Thank goodness twilight lingered in the Highlands. Harry pulled onto a B-road layby just north of Perth and texted Nigel in the waning light.

Any news? When should I expect company?

Harry’s personal mobile rang less than six seconds later.

“Agent Sharidon will arrive in the vicinity no later than dawn,” Nigel said without a proper greeting. “We located Agent Taylor’s abandoned 4x4 in the Hermitage car park. You’re not far from there yourself, Benson.”

Of course Nigel was tracking him. The man never missed a piece of intel.

“The Hermitage is fairly popular, isn’t it?” Harry asked, his eyes on the mobile map.

“Yes. Lots of visitors. Food and souvenir stands . . .”

“Why would Elise leave her car in such a public place?” Harry mused out loud. “Initially, she planned to ditch Sammy before she entered the Big Tree Country. Something must have gone wrong, because no one’s rung me about having Sammy in their care.”