Nowhere True (A Harley Cole FBI Suspense Thriller—Book 11)

By Kate Bold

When a body is found in a remote location where four U.S. states meet, FBI Special Agent Harley Cole realizes the killer is sending a message about where he will strike again. But can she crack it before he strikes again?

“This is an excellent book… When you start reading, be sure you don’t have to wake up early!”
—Reader review for The Killing Game

NOWHERE TRUE is book #11 in a new series by #1 bestselling mystery and suspense author Kate Bold, whose bestseller NOT NOW (a free download) has received over 600 five star ratings and reviews.

A page-turning and harrowing crime thriller featuring a brilliant and tortured FBI agent, the HARLEY COLE series is a riveting mystery, packed with non-stop action, suspense, twists and turns, revelations, and driven by a breakneck pace that will keep you flipping pages late into the night. Fans of Rachel Caine, Teresa Driscoll, and Robert Dugoni are sure to fall in love.

Future books in the series will soon be available.

“This book moved very fast and every page was exciting. Plenty of dialogue, you absolutely love the characters, and you were rooting for the good guy throughout the whole story… I look forward to reading the next in the series.”
—Reader review for The Killing Game

“Kate did an amazing job on this book and I was hooked from the first chapter!”
—Reader review for The Killing Game

“I really enjoyed this book. The characters were authentic, and I see the bad guys as something we hear about daily on the news... Looking forward to book 2.”
—Reader review for The Killing Game

“This was a really good book. The main characters were real, flawed and human. The story went along quickly and wasn't mired in too many unnecessary details. I really enjoyed it.”
—Reader review for The Killing Game

“Alexa Chase is headstrong, impatient, but most of all brave with a capital B. She never, repeat never, backs down until the bad guys are put where they belong. Clearly five stars!”
—Reader review for The Killing Game

“Captivating and riveting serial murder with a twist of the macabre… Very well done.”
—Reader review for The Killing Game
“WOW what a great read! Talk about a diabolical killer! Really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to reading others by this author as well.”
—Reader review for The Killing Game

“Page turner for sure. Great characters and relationships. I got into the middle of this story and couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to more from Kate Bold.”
—Reader review for The Killing Game

“Hard to put down. It has an excellent plot and has the right amount of suspense. I really enjoyed this book.”
—Reader review for The Killing Game

“Extremely well written, and well worth buying and reading. I can't wait to read book two!”
—Reader review for The Killing Game

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kate Bold
• Release date: Sep 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9781094379333

Book preview

cover.jpg

N O W H E R E

T R U E

(A Harley Cole FBI Suspense Thriller—Book 11)

K a t e   B o l d

Kate Bold

Bestselling author Kate Bold is author of the ALEXA CHASE SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising six books (and counting); the ASHLEY HOPE SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising six books (and counting); the CAMILLE GRACE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising eight books (and counting); the HARLEY COLE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising eleven books (and counting); the KAYLIE BROOKS PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising five books (and counting); the EVE HOPE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising seven books (and counting); the DYLAN FIRST FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising five books (and counting); and the LAUREN LAMB FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising five books (and counting).

An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Kate loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.kateboldauthor.com to learn more and stay in touch.

Copyright © 2023 by Kate Bold. All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior permission of the author. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Jacket image Copyright Galyna Andrushko, used under license from Shutterstock.com.

BOOKS BY KATE BOLD

ALEXA CHASE SUSPENSE THRILLER

THE KILLING GAME (Book #1)

THE KILLING TIDE (Book #2)

THE KILLING HOUR (Book #3)

THE KILLING POINT (Book #4)

THE KILLING FOG (Book #5)

THE KILLING PLACE (Book #6)

ASHLEY HOPE SUSPENSE THRILLER

LET ME GO (Book #1)

LET ME OUT (Book #2)

LET ME LIVE (Book #3)

LET ME BREATHE (Book #4)

LET ME FORGET (Book #5)

LET ME ESCAPE (Book #6)

CAMILLE GRACE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

NOT ME (Book #1)

NOT NOW (Book #2)

NOT WELL (Book #3)

NOT HER (Book #4)

NOT NORMAL (Book #5)

NOT AGAIN (Book #6)

NOT SAFE (Book #7)

NOT TODAY (Book #8)

HARLEY COLE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

NOWHERE SAFE (Book #1)

NOWHERE LEFT (Book #2)

NOWHERE TO RUN (Book #3)

NOWHERE LIKE THIS (Book #4)

NOWHERE GIRL (Book #5)

NOWHERE TO HIDE (Book #6)

NOWHERE CERTAIN (Book #7)

NOWHERE PURE (Book #8)

NOWHERE SOUND (Book #9)

NOWHERE SANE (Book #10)

NOWHERE TRUE (Book #11)

KAYLIE BROOKS PYSCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE THRILLER

LAST BREATH (Book #1)

LAST CHANCE (Book #2)

LAST WISH (Book #3)

LAST SHOT (Book #4)

LAST MISTAKE (Book #5)

EVE HOPE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

IN HIS BLOOD (Book #1)

IN HIS SIGHTS (Book #2)

IN HIS REACH (Book #3)

IN HIS MIND (Book #4)

IN HIS WAY (Book #5)

IN HIS THOUGHTS (Book #6)

IN HIS DREAMS (Book #7)

DYLAN FIRST FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

OUT OF REACH (Book #1)

OUT OF TOUCH (Book #2)

OUT OF TIME (Book #3)

OUT OF BOUNDS (Book #4)

OUT OF LUCK (Book #5)

LAUREN LAMB FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

SOMETHING KNOCKING (Book #1)

SOMETHING CALLING (Book #2)

SOMETHING WRONG (Book 3)

SOMETHING DARK (Book #4)

SOMETHING TO HIDE (Book #5)

CONTENTS

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

EPILOGUE

PROLOGUE

The full moon cast an eerie glow over the forest as Theresa clutched Wendell's hand, his fingers intertwined with hers. The rustling leaves and snapping twigs underfoot created a haunting symphony that echoed through the darkness, sending a shiver up Theresa's spine.

Are you sure this is a good idea? she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

Wendell squeezed her hand reassuringly. Of course, babe. We've been camping here for two days, and we haven't explored the area yet. It's all part of the adventure.

Theresa tried to quell her unease and match Wendell's enthusiasm. He always loved exploring the unknown, seeking out excitement and new experiences. She admired that about him, even if it sometimes led them into uncertain situations.

As they delved deeper into the woods, the trees seemed to close in around them, their shadows stretching across the ground like grasping hands. A cool wind brushed past Theresa's face, leaving goosebumps on her skin. Despite the cold, she couldn't deny the thrill of wandering through the forest at night, hand in hand with the man she loved.

This was, after all, why they'd come out to Coconino National Forest in the first place: to get away from the monotony of their nine-to-five jobs and rekindle the romance that had once crackled between them like static electricity. They'd been married three years now, and for the last two years, Theresa had sensed the honeymoon phase disappearing, replaced by a comfortable routine. But Wendell was always full of surprises, and just when Theresa started to feel like things were getting too predictable, he would whisk her away on another adventure.

Listen, Wendell said suddenly, stopping in his tracks.

Theresa strained her ears and caught a faint, droning sound, something she couldn't quite place. Was someone…singing? Her heartbeat quickened, and she gripped Wendell's hand tighter. They stood there for a moment, enveloped by the darkness, listening to the strange noise carried by the wind.

Come on. Let's see what it is, Wendell said, pulling her gently forward.

Theresa hesitated, her instincts screaming at her to turn back. But she couldn't resist the curiosity that also bubbled within her, and she didn't want to disappoint Wendell. So, with her heart pounding in her chest, she followed him deeper into the forest, toward the source of the mysterious sound.

The chanting – for that was what it seemed to be – grew louder and more insistent as they ventured deeper into the forest, making the hairs on the back of Theresa's neck stand up. The eerie noise seemed to echo through the trees, making it difficult to pinpoint its origin. She glanced at Wendell, who appeared equally transfixed by the ghostly melody.

Wendell, this doesn't feel right, she whispered, her voice barely audible above the chanting.

Let's just see what it is, he said. Probably just some kids messing around.

They moved cautiously through the underbrush, following the haunting sound as it wove its way through the darkness. The forest seemed to take on a sinister quality, casting odd shadows that danced in the corners of Theresa's vision. Her pulse raced, a mixture of anxiety and curiosity driving her forward.

Look, Wendell said, stopping abruptly and pointing ahead. Through the twisted trees, a flickering glow beckoned them closer.

As they approached the source of the light, the scene that unfolded before them was unlike anything Theresa could have imagined. A circle of candles cast an otherworldly glow upon a bizarre assortment of items: bones and feathers arranged in a pattern and a rusty knife lying ominously on the ground.

Wendell, I really don't like this, Theresa murmured, her unease growing. Can we please go back?

Wait just a minute, he said, squatting down to examine the strange tableau. It looks like some kind of ritual. Maybe someone's idea of a prank?

Theresa's stomach churned as she watched Wendell pick up the knife, turning it over in his hands. At that moment, she had never felt so vulnerable or exposed. The chanting continued to reverberate around them, now accompanied by the rapid thumping of her heart.

Please, let's just leave, she said, her eyes darting between the eerie scene and the darkness beyond. This isn't right. We need to leave now.

Okay, okay. But still, Wendell hesitated, curiosity burning in his eyes as he glanced back at the ritualistic setup. It's just...don't you want to figure out what this is all about? Maybe we can find whoever's making those sounds.

Absolutely not! Theresa snapped, shivering involuntarily as the chanting seemed to echo through her very bones. Are you crazy? This could be some type of...I don't know...Satanic ritual! Whoever's doing this, I don't think they want us poking around.

Fine, fine. Wendell sighed, relenting but clearly still intrigued by the mysterious scene. I know you're upset. You go back—I'll catch up in a minute.

With that, he began moving away from her, drawn toward the trees just beyond the circle of flickering candles.

Wendell, please! she cried, her voice bordering on hysteria now.

Hold your horses, he said with an easy chuckle. I just want to see if I can find whoever is—

His words cut off abruptly. Then there was a raw, ragged scream of pain, followed by Wendell saying, No, no, no! over and over again.

Wendell! Theresa shrieked, her voice cracking with terror. Where are you?

She took an uncertain step forward. Panic clawed at her insides as she fought to keep herself from hyperventilating.

Down here! he shouted, followed by a sharp intake of breath. I fell into some kind of hole!

She stumbled through the darkness toward the sound of his voice, her breath hitching as she tried to keep from breaking into sobs. The ground was treacherous, uneven, and slippery with damp leaves, and she cursed herself for venturing so far from their campsite.

Wendell moaned in pain. Be careful!

When she finally reached the edge of the hole, she peered down into the black void, barely able to make out the shape of Wendell's body below. His arms were wrapped around his torso as he struggled to keep himself upright.

Can you move? she asked, her heart pounding in her chest.

I—I don't think so, he gasped. I think my leg is broken.

Okay, she said, trying to stay calm. Stay still. I'll find something to help pull you up.

She scanned the area frantically for anything that might serve as a makeshift rope. Her eyes fell on a sturdy branch lying nearby. Grabbing it, she lowered it down into the hole, stretching her arm out as far as it would reach.

Can you grab it? she called down to him.

Almost…just a little farther, Wendell grunted, his hand reaching for the branch.

But even as she strained to extend the branch closer to him, Theresa could see that it wouldn't be enough. The hole was too deep, and Wendell was in too much pain to lift himself out. Despair washed over her, leaving her feeling weak and helpless.

Theresa, Wendell said, all trace of humor gone, you need to go back to the camp and get help. I can't get out of here on my own.

But—

Please, he interrupted, his voice pained. I don't want you to get hurt, too.

Tears streamed down Theresa's face as she reluctantly nodded. She knew that he was right, but the thought of leaving him alone in the dark sent a shiver down her spine.

Okay, she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. I'll be back as fast as I can.

Be careful, Wendell urged, his eyes full of worry.

Theresa turned away from the hole, her mind racing as she tried to remember the way back to their campsite. Her heart hammered in her chest, each beat accompanied by a desperate prayer that she would find help in time.

And then, behind her, came the unmistakable sound of a twig snapping underfoot. At the same time, she became aware of the fact that the chanting had stopped.

Every hair on Theresa's body stood on end, and she froze in place, her breath catching in her throat. The forest had suddenly become a living nightmare, full of unseen dangers lurking in the darkness, waiting to pounce.

Theresa's heart skipped a beat when she caught sight of the figure charging toward her. It was a man, completely bare-chested, with antlers rearing from the top of his head and paint smeared all over his body.

As the terrifying figure drew closer, Theresa could see the details of his appearance more clearly. His wild eyes were wide and bloodshot, filled with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. In the dim moonlight, she could see his teeth were unnaturally sharp, like those of a predator ready to tear into its prey. The symbols painted on his chest and arms seemed to writhe and twist in the shadows, forming eerie patterns that made Theresa feel as if they held some dark, arcane power. She couldn't help but stare at them, even as fear gripped her chest and threatened to suffocate her.

She felt transfixed, unable to move as the figure bore down on her. It was as though she had stepped outside her body and was merely a spectator, waiting to see what would happen.

Run! Wendell shouted. Run, Theresa!

But still, Theresa's legs refused to obey, frozen in place as the man drew nearer, his breaths coming in ragged gasps that seemed to echo through the trees. Her thoughts scattered like leaves in a storm, leaving her unable to think or focus on anything but the nightmare unfolding before her.

The man's wild eyes locked onto Theresa's, and for a moment, it seemed as if he might pause, might reconsider his path of destruction. But then, with a guttural roar that filled the night air, he lunged toward her, antlers gleaming menacingly in the moonlight.

CHAPTER ONE

What really happened, Kelly? Cole murmured, studying the old newspapers scattered across the desk.

She was in her father's house, the house of her childhood, in a room she had been forbidden throughout much of her childhood to enter: her father's study. He'd been a miner, and so he hadn't needed the room for work purposes but instead had treated the space as his man cave, adorning the shelves with empty whiskey bottles, old books, framed pictures of people Cole didn't recognize, and old mining tools.

Somewhere in this dusty room, Cole hoped, was a clue that would help her understand the cold case for which her sister, Kelly, had been accused of murder.

Eighteen years had passed since Kelly's disappearance during a camping trip, and Cole had recently uncovered some of the truth of what had happened: Kelly had been kidnapped by traffickers. When Cole tried to free her sister, however, Kelly refused to go with her, behaving as if the very idea terrified her. Only after speaking with their brother, Greg, had Cole begun to understand why.

Cole's attention turned to the snubnosed revolver resting in an evidence bag at her elbow. According to Greg, Kelly had come home one night – this was shortly before her disappearance – with this very weapon clutched in her hands, talking about having killed someone. Greg had never learned the details, and since their father's lung cancer had finally proven too much for his body to fight, there was only one person left who could explain what had happened.

Kelly.

If only I could go talk to her again, Cole thought. She knew, however, that getting such a chance was unlikely. Besides,