The two started walking down the path, studying the woods for the opening. “I kind of work with my brother, if you must know, but what’s more relevant, what you really want to know is this—I went straight into the army out of high school. I used to be a Green Beret with Fifth Special Forces Group. Two tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq sort of soured me. I left that life for a different one and became a US Marshal, of all things.”

“But you don’t do that anymore? How old are you? You look young—very young,” Sam emphasized.

“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind the next time I’m looking to date college girls.”

Sam laughed softly. “That’s not what I meant.”

“I know. I’ve been getting it my whole short life. I’m actually twenty-nine, the younger of the Chambers brothers.”

A dark hole suddenly appeared along the path, beckoning them to enter. “Here we go,” Sam said, and stepped off the main path. She felt like she was running in circles, although she knew she was moving forward, always forward, like her track coach repeatedly ground into her head.

“When we get there, you’re staying in the woods while I take care of the guard. Is that clear?”

Sam had no desire to face down any more gunmen. “You got it, Younger Mr. C.”

Nick was about to remark on the nickname when the push-to-talk radios they held beeped. Both turned down the volume to a barely audible level, and the incessant beeping ended. A voice thick with cold menace said, “Deputy Director—or should I just say Mr. Brandon Harper—how are you this fine evening? I believe you have something that belongs to me. You know what? Before we go any further, tonight is no night for formalities. I think I’ll just call you ‘boss’ for old times’ sake. You have a lovely neighborhood, and unless you do exactly what I say, it’s all about to burn.”

The sound of the man’s voice set Sam on edge for reasons she couldn’t explain, like an “irrational” fear of a boogeyman that turned out to exist.

“Do you know who that is?” Nick asked, concern in his voice.

Sam shook her head, as she hadn’t heard that voice on the handheld radio until now.

Nick nodded. “I don’t like the sound of him, and whatever’s happening, it’s going to happen fast. We need to move. Like I said, when we get close, I’ll motion for you to stop and remain in place, and I’ll do what needs to be done. Are we clear?” There was no humor in Nick’s voice. It was all business, which Sam found both comforting and disconcerting.