Chapter 21 - Three Flashes Across the Water
The three brief flashes disappeared as suddenly as they had appeared, leaving only darkness over the lake.
Nobody spoke.
The rescue team leader slowly lowered his binoculars.
"That wasn't a random light."
Elias nodded.
"It was a signal."
"To whom?"
Elias looked toward the opposite shoreline.
"Someone who already knew we'd play the tape."
A cold silence settled inside the mobile command vehicle.
The sheriff glanced toward the lake before clearing his throat.
"It could've been campers."
"No," Elias answered calmly. "Campers don't use coded signals."
The sheriff didn't reply.
Outside, several rescuers quietly prepared two patrol boats while others loaded powerful spotlights and emergency equipment. Nobody wanted to admit it aloud, but everyone felt the same thing.
Someone else had been waiting for Jacob's recording to surface.
Someone who had remained hidden for more than twenty years.
The rescue team leader unfolded an updated map of the lake.
"The second cache could be anywhere."
Elias studied it carefully before placing one finger near the northern shoreline.
"No."
Everyone looked at him.
"They want us searching the water."
"You think Jacob hid it on land?"
May you like
Elias slowly smiled.
"I think Jacob wanted them to believe he hid it in the lake."
