Greg smiled sympathetically at her. I know it wasnt easy, but Im glad you came, even if it didnt go the way you were hoping.

Harley nodded. The words didnt comfort her, however. I guess I just hoped he would be happy to see methat his eyes would light up, that he would want to know all about my new life.

Greg stepped forward and put his arms around her. How long you think youll be in town? he asked before pulling away.

She hadnt given it much thought. A few days, maybe.

He nodded. Meet me for dinner before you go? Rio Rojo is still open.

Harley hadnt heard that name in ages. They used to go there with the whole family before her mom passed. The name brought a smile to her lips.

Id love that, Greg.

Alright. Just let me know when.

Harley promised to do so, then took the elevator. Her phone vibrated just as she reached her car.

Hello?

Harley Cole? an unfamiliar voice said.

Speaking.

This is Alex Newbury. Im the director of the FBI office here in Santa FeI got your number from a friend at Quantico. I hope its okay Im contacting you. Theres an urgent matter Id like to discuss with you.

Harley leaned against the side of her car, enjoying the warmth of the sun-heated metal after the cool hospital. She thought of asking how hed known she was in the area, but decided not to bother. The Bureau was a tight-knit group, and after several fellow agents with the BAU had learned Harley was being put on leave and reached out to express their disbelief in this decision, she had mentioned flying to New Mexico to visit family. It was not difficult to imagine how Newbury might have gleaned this information from them.

Agent Newbury, she answered wearily, are you aware the Bureau put me on mandatory leave?

Actually, thats why Im calling you. Unlike your bosses back in Quantico, I very much admire the work you did on the Kavers case. I could really use your help.

Harley sighed. Agent Newbury, I dont think

Alex, call me Alex.

Alex, the whole reason Im out here is to get away from work. Im visiting family, actually.

He was silent for several moments. When he spoke, his tone was serious, without a hint of humor. A young girls body was just found in an abandoned mine. Given your history, I thought this case might be of interest to you. It could shed light on past events of…personal significance.

Harley swallowed hard. Her fathers words echoed in the back of her mind: She just wouldnt listen sometimes, no matter what I told her.

Okay, she said softly. How soon are you available to meet?

CHAPTER FOUR