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He nodded. “We found three of them. All facing the pond.”

A shudder ran through her, and Ford squeezed her into a hug.

“Did you deactivate them?”

Her brother answered. “Not yet. We wanted to talk to you both so we can all decide together.”

She frowned. “I guess that depends on what we think the cameras are being used for.”

Knox nodded. “Exactly.”

She leaned into Ford. “Hunters obviously use them. We used them in school and on some projects I’ve done to observe wildlife without human interference. Photographers often use them to get wildlife photos and videos. A water source is an excellent place to get those images. How far in were the cameras?”

The men shared a look. “Not close enough for a photographer who wants close-up images of any animals using the water. More like the right distance to observe the overall activity at the pond. They’re positioned at shoulder height or higher in trees. High enough to see the pond over the brush.”

That wasn’t good. “You think they were looking for humans, not wildlife.”

They both nodded, and Ford spoke. “From the angles, we think they’re set up to watch specifically for human activity in the pond.”

“So you think Cyril was tossed in there to hide something, and that they’re watching it to protect it?”

Ford nodded. “We think that’s a distinct possibility.”

Her body shuddered. That was not good news.

Chapter15

Across The Pond

Ford hated scaring Jolie, but he couldn’t keep the truth from her. This was her family’s property, and she had a right to know.

The appearance of the ATV couldn’t possibly have been a coincidence, not once they’d found the cameras. Someone was watching the pond. More specifically, they were watching for someone to check out the middle of the pond.

Jolie had been working on the edges of the pond for days. That hadn’t triggered a reaction. Once Jolie had found Cyril, someone had arrived with an ATV. Had they retrieved the cylinder last night? If so, why hadn’t they removed the cameras?

Now the four of them had to figure out what steps to take. Removing the cameras would likely escalate things quickly, as the people who’d set them up would come to find out what had happened. Leaving them in place meant the people would observe their group working at the pond. If the watchers didn’t think the cameras had been spotted, it might be safer. It should give them time to explore and decide what to do. Of course, if Cyril was gone, it might all be moot.

He sighed. “We need to see if the cylinder is still there. See if we can get it out. The question is, do we do it with the cameras activated, or do we remove them first?”

Jolie frowned. “Both options tell whoever set up the cameras what we’re doing. Do we want to keep them from realizing we know they’re observing, or is it better to work in privacy?”

Everyone considered it. He and Ford exchanged a glance. After years of working together overseas, it was easy to know what the other was thinking. It was always a tactical advantage to know more than the enemy. After a nod, he spoke. “I think we approach it like we don’t have a clue. The cameras don’t look to be expensive ones with audio, and even if they are, they’re too far in the woods to pick up our words.”

Annie nodded. “Agreed. We act like we came to help Jolie clean the pond.”

Jolie frowned. “But that doesn’t help us get Cyril.”

Her brother smiled. “Maybe. You can go back in the canoe and continue your survey, check out the rest of the pond. Don’t look focused on the cylinder. Act like you’ve given up your attempts to retrieve it. Tell the rest of us how to help around the edges of the pond.”

Ford nodded. “You can find out if Cyril is there or if there are more containers down there without looking obvious.”

Knox nodded. “I think we should empty the ATV of the things we brought. Then I’ll run back to the farmhouse with it. I’ll bring some other equipment to help clean the space, and I’ll grab our weapons.”

“Good idea. You remember the code for my lockbox?”

Thea frowned. “If they’re watching, they’ll see the guns.”

Knox laughed and hugged her. “Not a chance. We’ll keep them out of sight, but I’ll feel better if we have them.”