“She’s not here,” I hear Caleb say, his voice calm and authoritative. “Just me.”
“Who the hell are you?” the man—presumably Danny—demands.
“Someone who doesn’t want any trouble,” Caleb replies. “I’m just exploring the old mill. Taking photos.”
“Where’s your camera?”
There’s a pause, and I can imagine Caleb mentally kicking himself for the weak lie.
“In my backpack,” he says finally. “Look, I don’t know who you’re looking for, but—”
“Cut the crap,” Danny snaps. “You’re staying at Ella’s place with that woman. You’ve been snooping around Jake’s property. What did my aunt tell you?”
I peer carefully around the doorframe, getting my first glimpse of Danny. He’s younger than I expected—mid-thirties maybe—with Margret’s silver hair cropped short and cold eyes that remind me of a shark’s. He’s holding a hunting rifle, not quite pointing it at Caleb, but not quite holding it casually either.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Caleb says. “I’m just here for physical therapy. Walking helps my leg heal.”
Danny’s eyes narrow. “You expect me to believe that? In the middle of a snowstorm?”
“The storm’s cleared, it’s just the wind now,” Caleb shrugs. “And I was going stir-crazy in that house.”
I can see Caleb’s hand inching toward his back, where his gun is tucked into his waistband. If he makes a move, Danny might shoot. I need to create a distraction.
Looking around desperately, I spot a piece of broken machinery near my feet. Without giving myself time to reconsider, I kick it hard, sending it clattering across the floor on the other side of the room.
Danny whirls toward the sound, his rifle swinging away from Caleb.
“What the—”
The distraction works. In one fluid motion, Caleb draws his gun and aims it at Danny.
“Drop the rifle,” he commands, his voice ice-cold. “Now.”
Danny freezes, clearly weighing his options.
“Don’t even think about it,” Caleb warns. “I won’t hesitate.”
Something in his tone must convince Danny, because after a tense moment, he slowly lowers his rifle to the floor.
“Kick it away,” Caleb orders.
Danny complies, sending the weapon skittering across the dusty floor.
“Now, back up. Hands where I can see them.”
As Danny takes a step backward, I emerge from my hiding place. Caleb’s eyes flick to me briefly, a mixture of relief and exasperation in them.
“I told you to go,” he mutters.
“And leave you to have all the fun?” I reply, trying to keep my voice light despite my racing heart.
Danny’s eyes dart between us. “Who the hell are you people?”
“Friends of Jake’s,” I say simply. “And we know about the treasure.”
His expression darkens. “Whatever my aunt told you is a lie. That gold belongs to my family.”
“The gold belongs to whoever owns the land it’s on,” Caleb counters. “Which happens to be Jake Brennen.”
