When we reach the vehicles, Caleb quickly briefs everyone on the new plan. We’ll return to Jake’s, gather the necessary equipment, and then a smaller team will head back after nightfall to set up a hidden observation post near the waterfall.
“Smaller team?” Julia asks, clearly concerned about being left out.
“You, me, Lana, Richard, and two security personnel,” Caleb clarifies. “The others will camp far enough away not to look suspicious, and those still at the ranch, we will get them to create a diversion elsewhere on the property to draw attention away from our approach.”
Julia claps her hands together. “This is just like Ocean’s Eleven! I call being Brad Pitt.”
“I think you’re more of the Matt Damon type,” I tell her with a smile, grateful for her ability to lighten even the tensest situations.
As we load into the vehicles for the drive back, I find myself wondering what tomorrow will bring. Will the rising equinox sun reveal Thomas Wolf’s hidden treasure? Or are we walking into a trap set by people who’ve killed to protect their secrets?
Chapter 27
Lana
As we drive back to Jake’s farm, I can’t help replaying the morning’s discovery in my mind. That subtle wolf etching in the stone—how long had it been there, waiting to be found? Thomas Wolf had created something meant to last for generations, a message decipherable only at the precise moment when day and night achieve perfect balance.
“What are you thinking about?” Caleb asks, his voice pulling me from my thoughts. He’s driving, one hand on the wheel, the other resting on the center console near mine.
“How Thomas Wolf planned all this,” I reply. “The patience it must have taken, knowing he might never see his plan come to fruition.”
“Men like that think beyond their own lifetimes,” Richard comments from the backseat. “They build legacies.”
Julia leans forward between our seats. “So what exactly do we expect to happen tomorrow? Will the sunlight, like, reveal a hidden door or something? Because that would be epic.”
I laugh despite myself. “I don’t think it’ll be quite that dramatic. But the light might illuminate something we can’t see otherwise—an opening, a direction, or some marker.”
“Or a map,” Richard adds excitedly. “Thomas was known for his elaborate maps.”
When we arrive back at Jake’s, the property is buzzing with activity. Declan’s men have established what appears to be a small military command post in the implement shed, complete with communications equipment, surveillance monitors, and a detailed topographical map of the entire area.
Declan himself is speaking with Rory when we enter, both looking up as our group files in.
“How did it go?” he asks, his sharp eyes assessing each of us.
“We found the marker,” Caleb reports. “But we had company. Two observers, likely NTM security.”
Declan’s expression darkens. “They’re getting bolder.”
“We’ve adjusted our plan,” Caleb continues, explaining our intention to camp overnight and be in position before dawn.
Declan nods approvingly. “Smart. We’ll create a diversion on the east side of the property around midnight—something noisy enough to draw attention but not alarming enough to bring in law enforcement.”
“I’ll handle that,” Rory offers. “A few ATVs with spotlights should do the trick. Make it look like we’re searching for something there.”
While they continue discussing approaches, I slip outside to call Kori. She answers on the second ring.
“Everything okay?” she asks immediately.
“Fine,” I assure her. “But I won’t be back tonight. We’re camping near the waterfall to be there for sunrise.”
“Camping? With Caleb?” I can hear the smile in her voice.
“And Julia, Richard, and two security guys,” I add quickly.
“Ah, a romantic group date then,” she teases. “Stay safe, okay? Kane says those NTM people aren’t playing around.”
“We’ll be careful,” I promise. “Any news on your end?”
