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have the local police not asked for outside law enforcement help; they clearly have no awareness that anything unusual might be happening there. The FBI can’t show up and launchan investigation without being asked, unless they have evidence a federal crime has been committed or the crimes have crossed state lines. So far, no evidence.”
    “So, it’s Haven. I look until I find something to convince the locals they have a problem serious enough to call in the feds, or else find something that makes it clear we have a federal crime on our hands.”
    “Exactly.”
    “Will I be working with Jessie?”
    Maggie didn’t hesitate. “No. Jessie needs to concentrate on what she went there to do—find out about and remember the trauma in her past. Unless and until either you or she finds a connection between that and this possible killer, I want you working separately. You’ve never met, right?”
    “Never, oddly enough. Every time I’ve come back to base, she’s been off on assignment.”
    “It’s not so unusual,” Maggie told him. “We have dozens of agents based in other states now. Since you live in Chicago, you’re only here briefly, just like many of our other operatives. Nathan, are you sure you want to go straight into another assignment?”
    “I’m sure.”
    Maggie studied him a moment longer, then nodded. “Okay. I’ve e-mailed what info I’ve got to your tablet. Also the dossier on who you’ll be in Baron Hollow.”
    “That’s the name of the town? Odd.”
    “Odder still, it used to be
Barren
Hollow.” She spelled it. “Apparently someone along the way decided that was redundant.”
    “Or just plain unsettling. I’m guessing the place has a history?”
    “Oh, yeah. I’ve also e-mailed you what background I have; you’ll have to dig for the rest yourself, on the way or once you’re there.”
    “Copy that. So who am I this time?”
    “You’ll be using your real name, so that’s a plus—unless Jessie happens to recognize it.”
    “And if she does?”
    “Play it by ear. Confide in her if you see the need. But I’m betting she’ll be preoccupied with her own concerns. If she doesn’t ask any questions, or you two don’t cross paths, keep your investigation separate until you have something worth sharing.”
    “Copy that,” he said again.
    “This time around, you’re a writer. Go start reading up on the file, in case you have questions. The jet’s standing by. Wheels up in three hours. That should put you in Baron Hollow late this afternoon, and you’re booked into Rayburn House for the next two weeks.”
    “Two summer weeks in the southern mountains looking for a killer. Just my idea of a good time.” He lifted his coffee cup in a rather mocking salute, then left the room.
    Almost immediately, Maggie picked up one of the office phones and hit a speed-dial number.
    “Bishop.”
    “Nathan will be on his way shortly,” Maggie said without preamble. “Listen, are you sure this is the way to go? Sending him in there without telling him about Emma Rayburn?”
    “I’m sure.”
    “And I don’t suppose it’ll do me any good to ask why?”
    “Some things have to happen just the way they happen.” Noah Bishop, an exceptionally powerful telepath and seer, possessed anormally cool and virtually always calm voice that gave away nothing he didn’t want it to. So, as usual, he gave away nothing. Especially when reciting what had become the SCU mantra.
    “Nathan’s going to be pissed when he finds out,” she said.
    “Oh, I think not,” Bishop replied. “In fact, I think that by the time he finds out about Emma, Navarro is going to have far too much on his mind to worry about…trifles.”
    “Trifles? Bishop, one of these days either one of your people or one of mine is going to stumble over one
trifle
too many and come after you with blood in their eye. Better watch your back.”
    “Oh, I do,” Bishop said. “I always do.”
    “SERIOUSLY, WHAT’S WITH us and the