Lazlo picked it up from the console, checking the number. “It’s Pete.” He held the phone toward Sam, saying, “Go ahead. Mr. Fargo’s here.”
Pete’s voice came out in a rush, saying, “They have Remi and some of the girls.”
“I know,” Sam said. “For ransom. The kidnappers called from Amal’s phone.”
“I’m so sorry. We didn’t see them coming until too late. Remi went back for the girls who didn’t make it into the tunnel.”
“Who, besides Remi?” Sam asked.
“Tambara, Maryam, Zara, Jol, and Amal. Everyone else made it. No cell reception or we would’ve called sooner.”
“Six?” Sam confirmed.
“Wait. Seven missing. Nasha. She wasn’t in the tunnel with us.”
“You’re sure she’s not somewhere on the grounds? What about the shed? She called me from Remi’s phone. I think it died on her—”
“No,” Pete said. “I haven’t seen her. If she was here, she’d find me, I’m sure.”
Sam, checking the clock on the dash, hoped she was hiding somewhere safe. “We’re almost two hours away. About how long ago did the kidnappers leave?”
“Less than fifteen minutes ago. Our supply truck’s gone, so I’m guessing they took that to move the hostages. I doubt they’ve made it down the hill yet. What do you want me to do until you get here?”
“Keep everyone in the tunnel. We’ll reevaluate once I get there.”
“Will do. Yaro and I are going to hole up on the roof to watch in case they come back.”
“Pete …”
“Yes, Mr. Fargo?”
“Be careful.”
“I will be.”
The phone beeped as the call ended. Sam glanced at the other phone that Lazlo held. “You catch all that, Selma?”
“I did.”
“Good. When Rube gets back to you, have him call me on Lazlo’s phone. I want mine open in case Remi or the kidnappers call.”
A little over an hour later, Sam reached the edge of Okoro’s farm, seeing lights in the distance. He let his foot off the gas, trying to get a better look.
“Something wrong?” Lazlo asked, following the direction of his gaze.
“I’m not sure. That farm belongs to the man Selma’s been trying to reach. So why isn’t he answering his phone?”
“Maybe it died.”
“He’s got power. He’d certainly be able to charge it.”
Sam slowed as they passed the long drive. Instead of heading left up toward the school, he continued on the main road until he passed the stand of eucalyptus trees, then parked out of sight. He grabbed his gear bag from the back.
Lazlo strapped on a holster. “You’re sure this is a good use of our time? The school—”
“Pete and Yaro are there. They’ll call. But something’s wrong.” He lifted the night vision binoculars, saw several figures moving around the grounds. “Not a good sign,” he said, handing the glasses to Lazlo.
The professor focused them. “Exactly what am I looking at?”