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gentleman, we’ve done all we can with you here. It’s hot, and you must be worn out from the day’s events. Unfortunately, we still have need of your insights into this case, so we’re going to be transferring you to Browning, where we can conduct proper interviews. If everything goes as planned, you’ll stay the night in Browning, where we have secured a block of rooms, and in the morning we will arrange for your transportation home. I ask that you continue to remain silent about this case. There may be media in Browning, thanks to our thumb-happy journalist.” McCallum looked at Tara Sinclair. “I also ask that you refrain from discussing this situation among yourselves. Understood? Questions?”
    Tara put her hand up. “Under what authority are you holding us?”
    â€œYou are material witnesses in a murder investigation, and under US law we can transport you to a facility for questioning. Before further questioning, you’ll be read your Miranda warnings. You’ll each have the option of delaying your statements until we can bring in some lawyers from Choteau or Great Falls.”
    â€œWhat about our gear?” asked Derek.
    â€œYour personal items will be carefully packaged and transported to Browning. The FBI may remove some of these items for forensic testing at a facility of our choosing. You may take your phones with you. I’m sure some of you are anxious to reach your family members.”
    Cole Blackwater put up his hand, feeling very much like a fourth-grader. “What about Blake Foreman?”
    â€œWe have two teams of four search-and-rescue technicians currently at work. We also have teams working in Waterton Townsite, at Many Glacier, and at East Glacier. Now, we have the first Black Hawk inbound and it can take your entire complement plus two of our agents, so let’s get ready to fly, shall we?” Listening to the agent, Cole couldn’t help feeling like he was going on a sightseeing tour. A moment later, the heavy thock of the helicopter shook the earth and came into view.
    â€œAlright, keep your heads low,” shouted the agent as he led the group single file toward the Black Hawk. They piled in, Cole arriving last. He took another look back toward the camp where his brother and other law-enforcement officers huddled together.
    â€œAlright, I’ll be seeing some of you in Browning tonight,” said McCallum. “Agent Walker here will be your chaperone. He’ll see to your lodging and a meal and to the provision of a lawyer should any of you want it before making your statement.” With that McCallum smiled and slid the heavy door shut. The helicopter lifted off, and Cole pressed his face to the window to watch as the world below slowly receded. They circled the camp once, and Cole could see both the RCMP and FBI forensics teams beginning to work on the tents of the hiking party.
    Near the edge of the cliff, the RCMP had set up a portable tent, twelve feet by twelve feet. There was a diesel generator next to it. Cole guessed that the tent was there to keep the murder scene from being further eroded by the elements. He noticed that two agents were working their way backward from the tent to the campsite. One of the agents had a dog that was examining each rock.
    The Black Hawk started east, and Cole’s view of the camp vanished. Now he was looking out over the vast, flat expanse of the mountaintop, its long, wide ridge dropping steeply to the north and Crypt Lake. The FBI agent sitting with the hikers crowded into the back of the bird reached up and put on a headset that was hanging above him. Cole looked over his shoulder and saw another headset, and he casually reached up and put them on. He glanced at the agent, but he didn’t seem to be paying attention to Cole. Cole looked out the starboard window, watching the mountains slip past.
    Static filled the headset, and Cole winced. “Agent McCallum, this is S&R