Colten keeps talking. Asks about the area. Compliments the man's sedan. The Greek answers short, annoyed but not alarmed. His partner in the sedan is watching. They've done the math: two cowboys, busted truck, no threat.
Sixty seconds. Ninety. I'm counting, hands in the engine, listening for Jett's voice.
"Breach. We're in."
I straighten up.
The Greek looks at me.
"Sorry about this," I say.
Two strides. Grab the wrist reaching for his holster, twist it behind his back, and drive him face-first into the side of the truck. His weapon hits the dirt. Colten's already at the sedan, yanking the passenger door open, pulling the second man out by the collar before he can reach the ignition.
Both down in under five seconds. I get to work with the zip ties.
"Jett. Status."
"Package secured. One guard inside, neutralized. Target hooded and zip-tied. Tate's loading him now."
"Condition?"
"Pissed off. Got some sandwich on his shirt. Otherwise intact."
"Copy. We're moving."
Colten drags both guards to their sedan, takes their phones, weapons, and car keys. Tosses the keys into the scrub.
I slam the hood shut, and like magic, my engine starts on the first try. Because there was never anything wrong with it.
Then, I’m heading straight back on the highway.
I key the comms. "Hunter. Package acquired. Proof of life sent. En route to the handoff."
"Clean?"
"Clean."
"Good. Romeo's people will meet you at the marker. Hand him off, then get home. Don't stop for anything."
Paulie and Xander ghost off the ridge without a trace. Jett and Tate are already thirty minutes east on the ATVs, heading for pickup. By tonight, there won't be a sign any of us were here.
Just two cowboys and a stock trailer, heading home through the Arizona dust.
I pull out my phone at the next straightaway and text Harper. One-handed, eyes on the road, the way she'd kill me for.
ME: Have I got some good news for you, Goldie. Miss you, pretty girl.
Three dots. Almost instant.
Goldie: Text me when you’re home. Love you, Acey.
I put the phone down and drive.
Home by dark. Harper by morning. That's all I need.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Harper
