“He did deserve worse, but the important thing,” Nash interjected, “is that we now know for certain the Ferrantes are aware of our search. They know about Amy’s research, they know about our investigation into Mount Olympus, and they’re concerned enough to send a warning.”
Nash had always been the family mediator, Amy realized. Even among his larger-than-life brothers, his quiet intelligence and thoughtful approach created a natural balance. He stood with the confidence of a man comfortable in his own skin, but without the need to dominate that she saw in Porter or the physical intimidation that seemed second nature to Colt.
Brooks nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Which means we’re on the right track.”
“Or they want us to think we are,” Trent countered. “Misdirection is a classic tactic.”
“Either way,” Trey said, “we need a plan.”
The mood in the kitchen shifted, the air suddenly charged with purpose.
The women seamlessly continued their dinner preparations while the men gathered around the large island, their expressions intent.
“The first thing we need to determine,” Brooks began, “is the Ferrantes’ actual claim to the gold. Martinez mentioned they’ve been searching for generations, which suggests a historical connection.”
Amy hesitated, then spoke up. “From what I’ve discovered, my father was investigating their shipping company—Ferrante Imports. They were smuggling antiquities, artifacts … and gold. My father witnessed a murder. He was going to testify against them. That’s why we were in WITSEC, and that’s why they killed him.”
The room fell silent again, everyone turning to look at her.
She felt vulnerable sharing this piece of her past, but also strangely liberated. After eight years of keeping secrets, letting them go felt like setting down a heavy burden.
“That fits with what I found in Bill Harris’s finances,” Brooks said after a moment. “Regular payments from an offshore account, meeting with a known Ferrante associate who specializes in acquiring valuable items …”
“What if the Ferrantes were connected to the conquistador goldandthe Rockwell gold?” Nash suggested.
Blaze leaned forward. “That would explain why they’re tracking our families. They think we know something they need.”
“Or they’re worried we’ll find something before they do,” Chance added.
Porter frowned, his expression thoughtful. “If they’ve been searching for generations, why haven’t they found it yet?”
“Maybe they have,” Sierra suggested, setting a bowl of salad on the island. “Maybe they found part of it, like we did, but not the main cache.”
“Or maybe they know where it is but can’t get to it,” Trent added. “Underwater caves can be logistically difficult to explore without specialized equipment and training.”
Amy watched the families work through the problem together, each bringing their unique perspective and skills. The Cross brothers—Porter with his leadership, Colt with his straightforward approach, Blaze with his analytical mind, Chance with his law enforcement insight, and Nash with his legal reasoning. And the Stone brothers—Trey with his tactical planning, Brooks with his FBI connections, Marshall with his pilot’s spatial awareness, and Hunter and Trent with their tactical expertise as well.
The Cross wives and Stone wives integrated seamlessly into the discussion, offering insights and practical solutions:Sadie, with her sunshine optimism and practicality; Sierra, with her medical knowledge and calm logic; Eden, with her artistic perspective and unexpected insights; Kelly, with her grounded nature and intuitive understanding; Cheryse, with her salon-honed ability to read people; Kensi, with her attorney insight and storyteller’s grasp of motivation; Liberty, with her organized approach to complex problems; Ava, with her nurturing instincts and practical solutions; and Sierra, with her unexpected connections and resourcefulness.
They were an extraordinary team—a family forged not just by blood and marriage, but by shared adventures, dangers overcome together, and unshakable loyalty.
And somehow, miraculously, they had welcomed Amy into their midst without hesitation.
As the discussion continued and dinner preparations moved forward, Amy found herself helping Sadie arrange plates on the counter. “Is it always like this?” she asked quietly.
Sadie smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. “The chaos? Yes. The gold hunting? Also yes.” She arranged silverware with efficient movements. “But you know what? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
“Even with the danger?” Amy pressed, needing to understand how this woman—so similar to her in name but so different in circumstance—had adapted to this extraordinary life.
“Especially with the danger,” Sadie replied, her voice soft but certain. “Because that’s when you see who people really are. And these people?” She gestured to the room full of Crosses and Stones. “They’re the best people I know. When everything is falling apart, they stand together. Always.”
Amy glanced across the room, finding Nash deep in conversation with Trey and Brooks. As if sensing her gaze, he looked up, their eyes meeting across the crowded kitchen. Thesmile he gave her—warm, reassuring, just for her—made her heart flip in her chest.
“I can see that,” Amy said softly.
Sadie followed her gaze to Nash and smiled knowingly. “It’s worth it,” she said simply. “All the craziness, all the danger—it’s worth it for what you find along the way. Plus, when you find a man you love, well, that’s reason enough.”
The timer beeped, calling Sadie’s attention back to the oven. As she moved away, Amy found herself watching the families interact.
