Elizabeth Heiter - Seized

Danger is all around her...

What should have been a routine investigation for FBI profiler Evelyn Baine turns ominous when she’s kidnapped by a dangerous cult of survivalists. As her worst nightmares become a reality, she begins to question what she’s seeing. Because the longer she’s inside their compound, the more she realizes this group is not what it seems to be.

The next terrorist threat is right beside her...

As the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team closes in, Evelyn suspects she’s stumbled onto an emerging terrorist threat—and a cult leader who has a score to settle with the FBI. If Hostage Rescue breaches the compound, Evelyn’s dead for sure. If they don’t, the cult may unleash a surprise attack that could leave the whole country shattered.

Praise for the novels of Elizabeth Heiter

“Elizabeth Heiter does her research, and it shows in this superb FBI thriller. With a ripped-from-the-headlines plot and excellent characterization, Seized is a true winner. Don’t miss it.”

—J.T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of What Lies Behind

“Gripping from the first page, Vanished will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way to its searing conclusion. Heiter has given us a roller coaster of a thriller, sure, but this novel is also a rich and harrowing story of the psychology of evil and those who strive to stop it, insights that will stay with you long after you’ve finished the book. And what a heroine we have in Evelyn Baine!”

—New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver

“A handsomely crafted mixture of police procedural and thriller, Vanished is a book whose events will haunt you well after you finish.”

—Mystery Scene Magazine

“Elizabeth Heiter rises to the top of [a crowded field] featuring serial killers with her sterling Vanished…

A splendid and scary read.”

—Providence Journal

“Hunted is a nonstop, thrilling read that will leave you breathless, and Evelyn Baine is a sharp and gutsy heroine you’ll want to follow for many books to come.”

—Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of the Rizzoli & Isles series

“Hunted is a terrific, gripping, page-turning debut by a talented new voice in suspense. A great read.”

—Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author

“Elizabeth Heiter has written a thriller that grabs readers from the first page...Hunted is a fast read because the pages fly by as the narrative gets more and more exciting and suspenseful.”

—Book Reporter

www.mirabooks.co.uk

This book is for my uncle Tom Dunikowski and

my aunt Andy Hammond. Thank you for

your belief in me, your support no matter what,

and for always being there when I need you.

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the world of The Profiler! If you’ve already read the first two books in the series, thank you for returning as Evelyn Baine tackles what looks like a routine investigation—until it lands her on the wrong side of a hostage situation and in the middle of an emerging terrorist threat. If this is your first visit to the series, Evelyn’s story began in Hunted, where she tracked down a deadly serial killer known as the Bakersville Burier and learned just how deadly it can be to get inside the head of a killer. In the sequel, Vanished, Evelyn tackled the case she’d waited most of her life to investigate—the disappearance of her best friend—when the Nursery Rhyme Killer resurfaced after eighteen years of silence.

Seized marks the return of Evelyn and fellow agent Kyle McKenzie as a case takes them to the remote Montana wilderness. Writing this story meant delving into new research, including cults and brainwashing techniques, survivalists, homegrown terrorism and how to profile a person’s next move by his or her past actions. I hope you enjoy the result!

After Seized, Evelyn will be back for a brand-new adventure, and I hope you’ll continue to come along for the ride. You can keep up with me and the books (as well as get extras and join my newsletter) on my website at elizabethheiter.com. You can also find me on Facebook at facebook.com/elizabeth.heiter.authorand Twitter as @ElizabethHeiter. I love to hear from readers.

As always, my heartfelt thanks for reading!

Elizabeth Heiter

FBI Terms and Acronyms

ASAC—Assistant Special Agent in Charge. Working directly under the SACs (Special Agents in Charge) who run divisions or field offices, the ASACs run programs.

BAU—Behavioral Analysis Unit. The BAU is where FBI “profilers” (the official name is Criminal Investigative Analysts) work. BAU is a part of CIRG (Critical Incident Response Group) and is located at Aquia. BAU agents provide behavioral-based support to the FBI, as well as other federal, state, local and international law enforcement agencies, including profiles of unknown subjects (UNSUBs).

CIRG—Critical Incident Response Group. CIRG provides rapid response for crisis situations around the country and integrates tactical, negotiations, behavioral analysis and crisis management resources. BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit) and HRT (Hostage Rescue Team) are part of CIRG.

CNU—Crisis Negotiation Unit. Also part of CIRG (Critical Incident Response Group), CNU trains the FBI’s field office negotiators and deploys with HRT to domestic crises. CNU’s motto is Pax Per Conloquium (Resolution Through Dialog).

CODIS—Combined DNA Index System. It describes the FBI’s program for DNA databases, including NDIS (the National DNA Index System), which contains DNA profiles from federal, state and local sources.

ERT—Evidence Response Team. ERT agents are specially trained FBI agents who collect evidence at crime scenes. Being on ERT is a secondary position, so these agents also work regular special agent duties.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Praise

Title Page

Dedication

Dear Reader

Glossary

Prologue

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

Copyright

Prologue

The Freedom Uprising was coming.

John Peters had waited a long time for this. He could feel the anticipation building inside him, and he wished he could share it with someone other than Bobby Durham.

John glanced at his partner, perched silently in the passenger seat of the truck, arms crossed over his chest, supplies packed in at his feet. Bobby was okay, as partners went. Not exactly a strategic thinker, but he was a die-hard believer. He’d do whatever was necessary to complete the mission.

Still, John wished his half brother was here, the man who’d brought purpose to his life.

He lowered the window, let the familiar scents of dirt and pine and fresh snow creep into his nostrils as he drove. It was so close now. One more day in this place, and then he could move on, begin the mission.

If only he could be the one to end it, be there for the final target and see it with his own eyes, instead of just on the news. But he’d be the one to start things off. And they’d start off with a bang.

He smiled at the thought and felt Bobby’s curious gaze.

“Are you ready for this?” John asked.

“Damn right I am,” Bobby replied, his young voice full of boastful confidence.

“When we get back you’ll need to clear out your bunk. Everything goes.”