It was an analog satellite phone, free of any modern tracking software.

I watched him dial a number from memory, his face illuminated by the green glow of the small screen.

“Marco,” Ryker said into the receiver.

I stood near the cot, keeping my eyes on the children while listening to his side of the conversation.

“The cabin is secure,” Ryker said.

He paused, listening to the voice on the other end.

His brow furrowed, and his mouth tightened into a grim line.

“How did they get the bypass codes?” Ryker asked, his tone dropping to a dangerous whisper.

He listened for another long moment, his chest rising and falling slowly.

“Are you sure?” Ryker asked.

The silence in the cabin stretched out, heavy and cold.

“Do not let them leave the property,” Ryker said.

He hung up the phone and stared at the dark screen.

“What is it?” I asked, stepping closer to him.

“Marco found a signal tap on the main server in the Chicago office,” Ryker said.

“It was installed three days ago.”

“By whom?” I asked.