It was early morning, the temperature in the low seventies, but the sun was rising and there would be little shade up on the ridge. Harley fetched a water bottle from her car, hoping it would be enough to keep her from shriveling up like a prune.

Harley studied Callaway as she caught up with him. He walked with long, deliberate strides, his head turning side to side as he kept track of his surroundings.

You a hunter? she asked.

Why do you ask?

Something about the way you move. You seem like youd have the patience for it.

Ive hunted antelope, sure, he answered, sidestepping a cactus. Javelinas, too. It takes patience, but also readinessa readiness to move quickly at the decisive moment.

Harley had a difficult time imagining Callaway moving quickly under any circumstances. Then again, he wouldnt have the job if he couldnt snap into action when circumstances required it.

Used to be a linebacker in college, he added.

Offensive or defensive?

Defensive. Its the same as an investigation: You set your feet, study your opponent. Then, when you hear the snap count, you go at em like the hounds of hell are behind you.

Were you any good?

He stopped and turned around, raising an eyebrow at her. Good enough to go pro, if Id wanted to.

What happened? Did you get injured?

He turned around and kept hiking. Something like that. A childhood friend went hitchhiking across the state and got picked up by the wrong stranger.

Im sorry to hear that, Harley murmured, thinking how many agents joined the Bureau because of personal stories just like this one.

Anyway, he continued, I decided I wasnt ready to leave it up to some NFL scouts to decide where I was going to live the next few years of my life, so I chose to stay here and help my community.

Admirable, Harley agreed, feeling a new sense of respect for Callaway. I couldnt do it, but its admirable nonetheless.

What about you? Whats your story?

Harley stared at the ground as she climbed the path. Similar to yourssomething happened to a friend. It was strange, how easily the lie came outjust like she had lied to Rob about her reason for coming home. It was, she realized, one of the most effective ways of protecting herself: by shrouding herself in misinformation. It was also why she had worked so hard to hide her life from her fathers prying eyes.

Callaway murmured sympathetically, and they made the rest of the climb in silence. As they reached the entrance of the mine again, Harley paused to take a long drink of water.

Callaway unfolded a small square of paper he had pulled from his pocket.

Whats that? Harley asked.

A satellite image. He pointed to a red circle drawn in ink. This is where we are now. A team of investigators combed the area but couldnt find another entrance.

Maybe there isnt one.