Daniel hesitated.

Then whispered:

“People inside the county system.”

Stone stared.

“Police?”

“Some.”

“Politicians?”

Daniel nodded.

“Some.”

“Who else?”

Daniel looked at the folders.

“Anyone who makes money from children disappearing.”

Stone's jaw tightened.

“How long?”

“Years.”

Daniel took a small device from his pocket.

“This is why they were looking for me.”

He pressed a button.

A man's voice came through the speaker.

“We need the girl.”

Another voice answered:

“She knows about the files.”

“We can't let her mother reach the press.”

Stone listened.

Then came a name.

A name everyone recognized.

Sheriff Robert Harlan.

The room went silent.

The sheriff was one of the most respected men in the county.

He had appeared on television.

He had spoken about protecting children.

He had received awards.

And according to the recording, he was involved.

Daniel looked at Stone.

“Now you understand why I was hiding.”

Stone nodded.