Page 75 of The Catcher
Curiosity piqued, Noah clicked on the “see details” button and was taken to a page featuring a photo of the museum’s exterior, surrounded by flags fluttering in the wind. A brief description of the location accompanied the image and a distance indicator. However, what caught Noah’s attention was the greyed-out and inactive “ANSWER” button at the bottom of the page.
Above it, fine print instructed him to get closer to the location to unlock and answer the challenge question.
The Olympic Museum displays flags from the countries thatparticipated in the 1980 Olympic Games. They are shown outside the museum, representing the nations that took part. These are a significant part of the overall legacy of the 1980 Winter Olympics and the rich history associated with High Peaks.
As Noah moved toward the flagpoles, he noticed the distance indicator on his phone decreasing steadily. Clicking on the compass button at the top right of the screen, he gained a clearer view of his proximity to the target and the direction he needed to head. “It’s northeast,” he noted, guiding their path.
With each step closer, Noah felt a vibration in his hand, signaling they were nearing the challenge question. Glancing down at his phone, he saw that the answer button had become active, indicating they were within range. With anticipation, he clicked on it and read the question aloud to Callie.
“How many flags are there?” Noah repeated, his gaze scanning the rows of flags surrounding the museum.
Noah and Callie stepped back slightly, their eyes sweeping over the array of flags as they began to count. Working their way methodically around the museum, it took a little while for them to reach a consensus. Noah entered the answer of 37 into the field provided before submitting it with a press of the button.
Noah’s anticipation grew as he was immediately taken to a completion screen, displaying a close-up of the flags they had just counted. A large “CONTINUE” button beckoned at the bottom of the screen, and Noah clicked it without hesitation.
The map reappeared, and the second red dot was highlighted, indicating their next destination: High Peaks Cemetery, located 1.1 miles south. Noah studied the directions provided, his mind racing with thoughts of what awaited them at their next stop.
The Jeep’sengine growled as the speedometer ticked up. Noah was on the phone to McKenzie. “Yes. Just go to the location. It will unlock with a question once you get there. Use the GPS.”
“Aye, I can barely make sense of phones at the best of times,” McKenzie replied with a hint of frustration.
“Just do it, McKenzie. Contact us and let us know what you find and what the question and answer were,” Noah instructed before hanging up, his heart pounding with anticipation.
Callie glanced over at him, her brow furrowed with confusion. “I don’t get it. Why would our perp make it this easy at the end?”
“Maybe because it is the end,” Noah mused, his thoughts racing.
“What?” Callie pressed for clarification.
Noah made another phone call, this time to Natalie Ashford, but it went straight to voicemail. Frustration crept into his voice as he tried again, leaving an urgent message for her to call him back as soon as possible.
“Natalie, please call me as soon as you get this. I need you to contact your nephew.”
He sighed, disconnecting.
“Why are you calling her?” Callie inquired.
“To get the number for Tyler Ashford. He was the only other friend of Landry’s that my daughter mentioned. Everyone else is either dead or in critical condition,” Noah explained, his mind racing with possibilities. They couldn’t have known what would happen to the others. Although the families of Pete Landry’s friends were aware of the unfolding situation, there had been no indication that the perp was going after specific individuals.
“Just look it up. How many Ashfords in High Peaks can there be?” Callie suggested pragmatically.
He didn’t answer.
“Noah.”
Noah hesitated, realizing the simplicity of the solution. “I don’t know her brother’s name.”
“So ask Luther,” Callie urged, her voice steady with determination.
He squeezed his eyes tight.
“Noah. This is bigger than whatever personal issues you have with them.”
Noah paused, grappling with his emotions, before finally relenting and dialing Luther’s number. He was connected to the secretary.
“Hi, this is Noah Sutherland, BCI investigator from State Police. I need to speak with Luther.”
“I’m afraid he’s away from his desk right now.”
