McDade turned her tablet to show Spiker the photos of the items police found in the wash cloth in Spiker’s pocket.

“Why do you have Samantha Moore’s bracelet?” McDade said.

“Did you abduct her, Spiker?” Noble asked.

“No.”

“You and Cass were among the last people to see her, and now we find her bracelet with you,” Noble said.

Spiker was silent.

“You have a history of violence against women and taking what doesn’t belong to you,” Noble said.

Spiker said nothing.

“You went to prison for attacking a woman and stealing her car,” McDade said.

“We want the truth,” Noble said. “Are you involved in Samantha’s Moore’s disappearance?”

“No.”

“Stop this bull—how come you have her bracelet?” Noble said.

Spiker looked again at the photos of it. “I found that.”

“You found it?” McDade said.

“I hunt for treasure with my metal detector. It’s in the truck. It’s the truth.”

“Where did you find it?” she asked.

“In Lucifer’s Notch, by Gallows Creek along the old cemetery trail.”

The area was not far from where Moore had traveled with her boyfriend before they ran out of gas.

Noble exchanged a quick glance with McDade. “I’ll be right back.”

He returned with a map of the area encompassing Lucifer’s Notch, and flattened it on the table.

“You show us where you found the bracelet.”

Spiker took in the map, touched his forefinger to it, tracing it beyond Gallows Creek, beyond the old cemetery trail. He stopped and tapped his finger on the area near the long-abandoned copper mine settlement.

CHAPTER 56

Somewhere in the Northeast Kingdom, Vermont

Byyle’s stomach rose and fell.

Where is she?

His body tightened with rage and fear as he looked near and far.

Only butterflies skimming the tall grass.

He turned full circle, finding nothing but the hills, forest lines, and emptiness.

This can’t be! None of them ever escaped!

Blood rushed to his ears, his pulse pounding in alarm.

He climbed up on the rock and looked again.

No sign of the girl.

Concern burned through him.

Which way would she have gone? How long had it been since she was here at this spot? Long enough to get far enough away to make contact with others? How long before authorities descended upon the property—looking for him?

Panic rose before he corralled it.

Keep your head and think.

He could invest time in searching, but with no guarantee of recapturing her. That was one option. He had few others.

Think! She hasn’t seen me. She can’t identify me.

The house was far from the mine shafts, but close enough to be damning. They’d eventually find other evidence.

But she’d be in a weakened state, and disoriented, not knowing where she was or which direction to go. It gave him a chance to take action. He’d prepared for this very contingency.

Stay calm. You have a plan.