I feel it settle along my spine. Steadying and unnerving all at once.
Cole follows my gaze. His smile widens.
"Eli keeping an eye on things, as usual." He says it like a compliment, but something underneath doesn't match. "Can't blame him. Running a place that size mostly solo—lot of pressure. Especially when things get tight."
I don't take the bait.
Cole steps a fraction closer. Still respectful of space, but near enough that anyone passing would assume familiarity.
"Actually, I've been hearing some things. Word around town is Clark Ranch has been struggling with timing lately. Rotations running behind schedule. That kind of thing adds up fast when margins are already thin."
My pulse jumps.
"Where'd you hear that?"
"Oh, you know." He shrugs. Easy. Unconcerned. "Small town. People talk. Feed store. Hardware store. Word gets around when operations start slipping."
The implication is clear. He's been paying attention. Close attention.
I feel the words land. Quiet. Weighted.
"Didn't realize you kept such close track of other people's business," I say carefully.
Cole laughs. The sound carries just enough to turn a couple of heads nearby.
"Not tracking. Just aware. That's how you stay competitive out here—knowing what's happening in the neighborhood." He pauses. "And when a place like Clark Ranch starts showing cracks... well. People notice."
Across the street, Eli finishes his conversation.
He doesn't look our way, but his posture shifts. Shoulders squaring. Attention narrowing.
Cole notices.
"I actually bought the Peterson place last month," he continues, voice casual. "They'd been holding on for a while, but when the margins got too tight..." He trails off. Lets the implicationhang. "Sometimes it's better to sell while there's still something worth selling."
My stomach tightens. The bag handle cuts into my palm.
"Cole," I say, keeping my voice even, "are you trying to tell me something, or just making conversation?"
His eyebrows lift. All innocence.
"Just conversation, Hazel. Neighborly concern." He glances past me briefly. "Though I will say—it's interesting timing. You coming back right when things are getting tight. Makes people wonder if you're here to help turn it around, or if you're just... passing through."
The words hit exactly where he meant them to.
I open my mouth to respond.
A shadow falls across the pavement.
Eli steps in.
Close.
Close enough that I catch the scent of him. Leather and wind and something distinctly Eli.
Close enough that our shoulders nearly brush.
Close enough that anyone watching would see exactly what this is.
