Chapter EighteenWhen Paul and Evelyn arrived at his cabin, they saw Rico sitting lazily in one of the chairs on the porch, patiently awaiting their arrival. The weather was warm and windy and the leafy layers of trees surrounding the cabin swayed softly in the breeze. A dozen sparrows alighted from the road in front of the approaching car and frantically flapped their wings as they hurriedly took flight to avoid its tires.
As the car got closer, Rico noticed Evelyn sitting in the front seat, her eyes locked on him. Her gaze was hot with anger. His was cool, dispassionate. After the car came to a stop, Paul got out and came over to the cabin while Evelyn waited in the car.
“Ready?” Paul asked, dispensing with small talk.
“Let's do it,” Rico said. “I already locked the door. I cleared our
