We pack up our makeshift camp, folding blankets and collecting the remnants of our dinner. Before we climb down from the loft, she turns to me, her expression serious.
“Thank you,” she says.
“For what?”
“For last night. For trusting me with your story. For...” she gestures around the transformed hayloft, “all of this.”
I draw her into my arms for one more kiss. “Thank you for staying.”
When we emerge from the barn, the farm is already bustling with activity. Jake gives us a knowing look but says nothing as we approach the house for breakfast. Inside, Declan and Rory are reviewing maps of the waterfall area while Ella and Wren are preparing enough food to feed everyone.
“Morning,” Kane greets us, sliding mugs of coffee our way. “Sleep well?”
Lana’s cheeks color slightly, but she keeps her composure. “Well enough. Are we still on for the waterfall today?”
“First light,” Declan confirms, looking up from his maps. “I’ve selected four men to accompany you and Caleb. They’ll meet you here in thirty minutes.”
“I’m coming too,” Richard announces, entering the kitchen with Margret. “I’ve studied Thomas Wolf’s journals more thoroughly than anyone. If there are clues at the site, I’ll spot them.”
Declan considers this, then nods. “Fine, but you follow orders. If things go sideways, you do exactly what Caleb tells you.”
Richard agrees readily, his excitement unmistakable. Margret looks less enthusiastic but does not object.
After a quick breakfast, we gather our gear. The four men Declan assigned to us are already waiting outside—all former special forces by the look of them, with the quiet competence that comes from years of high-risk operations.
“This is Hawk, Drake, Nightingale, and Roadrunner,” Declan introduces them.
“Just call me Night,” came Nightingale’s reply.
Declan looks at him and nods before continuing. “They’ll provide security while you search the site.”
I shake hands with each man, quickly assessing their capabilities. Hawk is clearly the sniper—lean, observant, with the stillness of someone used to waiting for the perfect shot. Drake is built like a tank, probably the heavy weapons specialist. Night has the alert eyes of a mediator, while Roadrunner moves with the fluid grace of someone trained in close-quarters combat.
“Good to have you with us,” I tell them.
“You will be driving to within half a mile of the waterfall,” Jake explains, spreading out a map on the hood of his truck.“Then hike in on foot. The land gets too rough for vehicles beyond that point.”
Lana joins us, dressed for hiking in sturdy boots and layers that will keep her warm while allowing freedom of movement. She’s pulled her hair back in a practical ponytail, but a few strands have already escaped to frame her face.
“Ready?” I ask her quietly.
She nods, determination in her eyes. “Let’s find that gold.”
“Wait!!”
We all turn to see Julia come running in a long black puffer-style winter coat, with the hood pulled up and wispy black fur framing her face. “Can I come too?”
I stare at Julia for a moment, taking in her slightly manic expression and the way she’s practically bouncing on her toes with excitement. The black fur around her hood makes her look like an overeager arctic fox.
“Julia,” I say carefully, “this could be dangerous. We’re not exactly going on a picnic.”
She rolls her eyes dramatically. “Oh, please, I’ve survived a blizzard with you two, remember? Plus, I’ve watched every season of ‘Gold Rush’ and ‘Treasure Hunters.’ I’m basically an expert.”
Jake snorts beside me. “An expert, huh?”
“Absolutely!” Julia nods enthusiastically. “I also bring essential skills to the team.” She starts counting on her fingers. “I can identify poisonous plants, I know CPR for both humans AND animals, and most importantly—” she reaches into heroversized bag and pulls out a massive Tupperware container, “—I made my famous triple chocolate brownies.”
The four security men exchange amused glances as Drake’s eyes lock onto the brownies like a heat-seeking missile.
