Chapter 26
Lana
We all gather around Julia, who’s crouching near a large, flat stone at the water’s edge. Her usual excitement has been replaced by a focused intensity that surprises me.
“Look at this,” she says, pointing to what appears to be a series of scratches on the rock’s surface. “It’s not natural erosion.”
I kneel beside her, studying the markings more closely. At first glance, they seem random—just the kind of weathering you’d expect on a rock constantly exposed to flowing water. But as I trace them with my fingers, I realize Julia’s right. There’s an intentional pattern here, almost like...
“A wolf,” I breathe, excitement bubbling up inside me. “It’s subtle, but if you look at it from this angle...” I shift position, and suddenly the scratches align to form the unmistakable silhouette of a wolf’s head in profile.
Richard hurries over, his notebook clutched in his hand. “Extraordinary,” he murmurs, carefully comparing the mark to a drawing in his notes. “It matches a symbol Thomas used in his later journal entries.”
Caleb kneels on my other side, his shoulder pressing against mine. “Good eye, Julia,” he says, genuine respect in his voice. “I would have missed this completely.”
Julia beams with pride. “I told you I’d be useful! I have an eye for patterns—it’s why I’m so good at ‘Find the Difference’ puzzles.”
Drake and Roadrunner exchange amused glances while Nightingale moves closer to examine our discovery, as Hawk keeps an eye out from higher ground.
“So this is where the light of the equinox needs to hit tomorrow,” I say, trying to visualize the sun’s path. “But from which direction? And at what time?”
Richard consults his notes again. “The spring equinox... equal day and night. The sun would rise due east and set due west.” He pulls a compass from his pocket, then looks up at the surrounding terrain, “If I’m right, we need to be here at sunrise tomorrow.
That’s when the light would strike this spot most directly from the east.”
“Sunrise it is,” Caleb agrees, standing and scanning our surroundings. “We should mark this location precisely and head back. I don’t want to draw attention by staying too long.”
As if on cue, Hawk’s voice comes through our earpieces. “Movement in the trees to the northwest. Two figures, moving slowly. Could be hikers, but probably trouble.”
A chill runs through me when I see Caleb’s expression turn instantly alert as he responds, “Copy that. Keep your eyes on them. Everyone else, pack up casually. Don’t look like you’re in a hurry.”
Julia, to her credit, doesn’t panic. She nods and begins gathering her things, though I notice her hands are trembling slightly.
“Are we in danger?” she whispers to me as I help her with her backpack.
“Just being careful,” I try to assure her, despite my racing heart. “Stay close to Drake. He’s built like a tank for a reason.”
Caleb is speaking quietly into his radio, coordinating with the security team. I catch fragments: “...maintain visual... no direct engagement unless... extraction route...”
Richard takes several quick photographs of the wolf mark and its surroundings before joining us. “We have what we need,” he says. “We can return tomorrow at dawn.”
“Let’s move,” Caleb orders, his voice calm but authoritative. “Normal pace, same formation as before. Act like ordinary hikers heading back.”
We fall into position, with Julia now sandwiched protectively between Drake and Roadrunner. I walk beside Caleb, trying to appear relaxed while my senses are on high alert.
“Hawk,” Caleb murmurs into his radio, “what’s their position now?”
“They’ve stopped about a hundred yards from the waterfall,” comes the quiet reply. “They’re watching through binoculars. Definitely not casual hikers.”
“Can you describe them?”
“Two males, dark clothing, professional gear. One has a sidearm visible under his jacket. The other is carrying something in a case—looks like it could be explosives.”
“NTM security,” Richard whispers, his face pale. “They must be monitoring all the significant locations on the property.”
“Keep moving,” Caleb instructs, his hand briefly touching the small of my back. “Hawk will join us once we’re out of sight.”
We continue through the forest, maintaining what I hope looks like a casual pace while my mind races with questions. How did NTM know to watch the waterfall, or were they just out on patrol? Are they aware of the wolf mark? Will they be there tomorrow at sunrise?
“How can they just come traipsing on Jake’s land? Can’t he have them arrested for trespassing?” Julia asks.
Caleb shook his head. “They likely would just get a warning.”
When we’re about halfway back to our vehicles, Hawk pops out of the trees to join us, moving with silent efficiency that would be unsettling if he weren’t on our side.
“They’re still at the waterfall,” he reports. “Examining the area where you were gathered.”
“Did they see the mark?” Richard asks anxiously.
Hawk shakes his head. “Hard to tell from my position. But they were definitely interested in that spot.”
“We need to change our approach for tomorrow,” Caleb says, clearly thinking of other options. “If they’re watching the waterfall, we can’t just walk in at dawn.”
“What do you suggest?” I ask.
“We go in tonight,” he replies. “Set up before sunrise, stay hidden. If they’re watching, let them think we gave up.”
Richard nods enthusiastically. “Yes! And the Equinox sunrise is at 6:37 AM tomorrow. We should be in position well before then.”
“That means camping overnight,” Drake points out.
Julia’s face lights up. “Camping? Like, in tents? With marshmallows?”
I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm despite the tension. “Maybe without the marshmallows this time.”
“Nightingale, Roadrunner,” Caleb says, “when we get back, I want you to gather overnight gear. Cold-weather sleeping bags, dry rations, and night-vision goggles, if Declan has any available. We’ll need to move in after dark and stay completely hidden until morning.”
Both men nod in agreement. As we continue toward our vehicles, I move closer to Caleb, keeping my voice low.
“Do you think they’ll be there tomorrow?” I ask.
“Count on it,” he replies grimly. “The question is whether they know what they’re looking for or if they’re just covering all bases.”
“Either way, we need to be ready for them,” I say, determination replacing my earlier fear.
He glances down at me, a hint of a smile playing on his lips despite the situation. “Scared?”
“Terrified,” I admit honestly. “But also excited. We’re so close, Caleb.”
His hand finds mine briefly, squeezing once before letting go. “We’ll find it,” he promises. “Together.”
When we reach the vehicles, Caleb quickly briefs everyone on the new plan. We’ll return to Jake’s, gather the necessary equipment, and then a smaller team will head back after nightfall to set up a hidden observation post near the waterfall.
“Smaller team?” Julia asks, clearly concerned about being left out.
“You, me, Lana, Richard, and two security personnel,” Caleb clarifies. “The others will camp far enough away not to look suspicious, and those still at the ranch, we will get them to create a diversion elsewhere on the property to draw attention away from our approach.”
Julia claps her hands together. “This is just like Ocean’s Eleven! I call being Brad Pitt.”
“I think you’re more of the Matt Damon type,” I tell her with a smile, grateful for her ability to lighten even the tensest situations.
As we load into the vehicles for the drive back, I find myself wondering what tomorrow will bring. Will the rising equinox sun reveal Thomas Wolf’s hidden treasure? Or are we walking into a trap set by people who’ve killed to protect their secrets?