Another piece of the puzzle. “What’s his company’s name?”

“Energy something… systems, maybe.”

“Energy Solutions, Incorporated?”

“Yes, that’s it.”

Nathan looked at Harv. It was the company Holly mentioned, the same company Arthur Kramer had worked for before Montez sliced him up and dumped him in Lake Powell.

“Does he have an office somewhere?”

“I don’t know. He works out of his home back east, but he’s not there much. He hardly ever sees the girls.”

“My next question might seem a little insulting. I’m sorry for asking, but could Duane be involved with anything illegal? Drugs or smuggling, anything like that?”

“No way, not Duane.”

“What makes you so sure?”

“He hates drug dealers more than anything. His cousin died from an overdose when he was in high school.”

“What did your husband do before he owned the construction management firm?”

“He was an Air Force officer.”

“Was he a pilot?”

“No. He worked at NORAD. Something to do with satellites and thermal imaging.”

He looked at Harv and received a slight nod.

Harv stepped forward. “Ms. Dalton, you’re one of the bravest women I’ve ever met. I mean it. I’m not just saying it to patronize you.”

“I don’t feel very brave right now. I’m scared for my girls.”

“We’re going to find them. Do you know if Duane was in Washington when your kidnapper forced you to contact him?”

“No, he was in Eastern Europe, at one of his job sites. I don’t know exactly where.”

“How long ago did you make that call?”

“I think around three days. I’m not sure how long I’ve been here. They kept me in there the entire time except to use the bathroom.”

“Have you been in contact with Duane since?”

“No. But he talked to the girls. I heard them talking through the ceiling. They sounded really scared.”

“When was that?”

“Yesterday sometime.”

“Was that the last time you saw your kidnapper or your girls?”

“Yes.”

“Did the man say anything about where he was going next?”

“No, but I overheard bits and pieces of their conversation. I’m sure I heard San Diego a few times. Is any of this going to help you find them?”

“Yes, absolutely.” Harv paused to think for a moment. “I have one more question about your ex-husband. You said he only saw his daughters on occasion. Did he ever come out here to see them?”

“A few times.”

“Okay, now do you have any idea where Duane usually stayed when he came to San Diego?”

Nichole thought for a moment. “He stays in a really big house in the Lomas Santa Fe area. I think it’s a friend’s.”

“Have you ever been there?” Harv asked.

“Three or four times. Just to drop off or pick up the girls. Never inside.”

“Can you tell us where it is?”