Page 270 of Hidden Depths

"They're not leaving," Ben said quietly.

"They're observing."

Nathan's voice crackled softly through Ward's radio.

"Back side is clear."

A pause.

"Too clear."

Ward understood immediately.

"So did Scott."

I didn't.

"What does that mean?"

Ward finally looked at me.

"It means they're trying to make us believe the danger is over."

Before I could answer⁠—

Nathan spoke again.

"I've got fresh tire tracks."

"One vehicle."

"They pulled in..."

"...then backed out."

"They never got out."

Ben lowered the binoculars.

"So the truck that came here wasn't the attack."

Ward slowly shook his head.

"It was reconnaissance."

Thomas closed his eyes.

"They know."

Ward looked at him.

"They know what?"

"They know I came back."

Silence settled over the room.

Thomas took a slow breath.