The Reynolds property sat at the end of a dirt road, forty acres of overgrown fields and forgotten dreams. The barn stood in the center like a tombstone, its red paint faded to rust, its roof sagging under years of neglect.
Duke's truck kicked up dust as they approached. Connor's Mercedes was already there, parked near the barn's entrance. He stood beside it, checking his phone, looking as out of place as a diamond in dirt.
"Stay in the truck," Duke said.
"Not a chance." Valentina was already opening her door.
They walked toward Connor together, the morning sun beating down on their shoulders. Valentina felt Duke's tension radiating off him in waves. His hand kept drifting to his side, as if reaching for a weapon that wasn't there.
"Right on time." Connor pocketed his phone. "I was st
