Mid-morning brought the soft hum of an engine winding its way up the long private road. Cole was already standing by the main gate, having gotten the alert ten minutes earlier. When the vehicle came into view, he recognized the familiar sedan driven by one of their trusted men, and behind it, Lucas’s car followed.
The gates swung open, and within minutes, Lucas, Elias, and Gideon stepped out, looking relaxed but alert as always. They had come not with news or orders, but simply to check in to see how things were, make sure the safe house was still secure, and that Elara was doing well.
“Everything quiet up here?” Lucas asked first, shaking Cole’s hand.
“Quiet as a grave,” Cole replied with a grin. “No visitors, no strangers, no trouble of any kind. Just peace and fresh air.”
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