Nathanâs communication device was a specialized mobile phone equipped with advanced scientific research technology.
Upon connection, all information regarding the other partyâs mobile phone would be uploaded to the cloud database of the National Security Bureau.
It was a new technology, completely unfamiliar to Cory.
During their phone conversation, Nathan periodically glanced at Lonnie.
Lonnie remained focused on his computer screen, skillfully manipulating a series of intricate codes.
Cory persisted, âNathan, weâd been friends for years.
I can release your wife.
Just admit your mistakes and kneel before Nanetteâs tomb to apologize.
Guard it for three days and nights, and your wife will be safe.
â
Listening in, Lonnie emphatically shook his head at his boss.
.
.
Library
Cory had evaded capture for years, adeptly disguised with a profoundly duplicitous nature.
So much could happen in three days.
Who knew what might befall Lucinda? Moreover, Nathan had insisted heâd done nothing wrong.
Why should he apologize or tend to the tomb?
Nathan remained silent, lost in thought.
Cory refrained from pressing further.
âTake your time to consider.
If you havenât called me by this time tomorrow, youâll know the consequences.
â
Then the call abruptly ended.
It was hung up.
Lonnie leaned in, asking, âSir, whatâs our next move?â
Nathan, his eyes sharp, focused on the screen of code.
âHis words donât matter.
I need to regain control.
We still have 24 hours.
Iâll track him down.
â
âUnderstood.
â
Lonnie returned to his hacking task.
Later that afternoon, Lonnie successfully pinpointed Coryâs location using the mobile phone positioning system.
The tracking revealed he remained in Hilldale.
Nathan furrowed his brow, deep in thought.
Just days before, Nathan had led a thorough search of Hilldale, yet found no trace of Cory and Lucinda.
However, Cory hadnât left the area at allâ¦
Nathan reviewed all the events of that day in his mind and suddenly realized something with a frown.
âHeâs the old fisherman by the stream in Hilldale.
He disguised himself with a hunchback and masked his scent with salted fish.
â