8.
The FBI, NCIS, and the local police quickly converged on the location, finding trampled snow but no sign of the kidnappers. Although everyone was discouraged, Gibbs knew he had been right. The kidnappers hadn't left the area.
"McGee, you and Abby keep the lock on Tony's cell. If they so much as turn it on to check the battery, I want it traced."
"On it, boss!"
"Farris, get me a detailed map of this area. I want every cabin, every cave, even a tree house marked on it. I want to know where they all are."
"Yes, sir. How big an area do you want covered?"
Gibbs contemplated this question. "Make it 100 miles around the restaurant. Bring it there when you have it. As much detail as you can get."
"Yes, sir. I'll meet you there in about fifteen minutes."
"Fornell, can you get your men to check out Teasdale's travel agent and his executive secretary?"
"Already done, Gibbs. The secretary, Giles, is on vacation herself. No one knows where."
"Vacation? There's too much of that going around."
Fornell chuckled, climbing back into his car. "I'll leave you to this, Jethro. Let me know if you find out anything."
"Where will you be?"
"Back at the restaurant. I'm going to try to convince Teasdale not to pay the ransom. You know as well as I do that most kidnap victims aren't returned even if the ransom is paid."
"I know, but I don't think Teasdale will go along with you," Gibbs replied.
"Yeah. Can't say I blame him. I know I'd probably pay if it was my 8 year old daughter, even knowing that the chance was one in a million. But that's the Bureau's policy."
"Sir! Agent Gibbs, we've found something." One of the deputies was waving his hand at Gibbs to get his attention.
Hurrying to his side, Gibbs smiled. "Good job, deputy." Gibbs looked down at a clear tire print. "Get a plaster cast, Ziva, after you take photographs. If this matches what we found behind the restaurant, we might have a trail to follow."