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"So where are these legendary animals Noah keeps talking about?"

He points toward the far side of the barn.

"Trying to escape responsibility?"

"Absolutely."

"Good instinct."

We start walking. The banter returns. But it isn't quite the same anymore. Neither are we.

By the time Emma finds us, I've seen the chicken coop, two goats, the equipment barn, the workshop, and a communal kitchen where three men are arguing over the correct way to make chili. I wisely decline to participate.

"Ready?" Emma asks.

I look at my phone. Almost noon. I've been here nearly three hours. It doesn't feel like it.

"Yeah."

Javier stands a few feet away with Atlas.

"Survive the tour, Hart?"

"Barely."

"Thought so."

"I have notes."

"Of course you do."

"I'll send you the full report."

"I'll alert management."

I smile. Then glance across the property. There are still fields I haven't seen. Greenhouses in the distance. Rows of something growing beyond them. My chef brain notices. Of course it does. Javier catches me looking.

"What?"

I nod toward the fields.

"That's yours?"

"Part of it."

"The growing operation?"

"Yeah."

I wait. He waits. I can practically feel the questions lining up in my head. Not today. Emma is waiting. And for once, I don't need every answer immediately.

"I'll save that for another time."

Something flickers in Javier's eyes. Amusement, maybe.

"Will you?"

I look at him.