The clearing was deathly silent. Caleb’s grip tightened on his gun, but he didn’t raise it. He could see the way the other men moved—calm, controlled, and ready to fire at the slightest provocation.


    Evelyn didn’t lower her knife. She held her ground, her green eyes locked on Carter. “I don’t have time for this.”


    “Make time,” Carter said smoothly. “Because whether you like it or not, we’re after the same thing.”


    “You don’t even know what you’re after,” Evelyn snapped.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Carter’s smirk didn’t falter. “Don’t I?”


    Caleb glanced between them, his nerves fraying. “Am I missing something here? Or are we just going to stand around until one of us gets shot?”


    Evelyn didn’t respond. Her focus was entirely on Carter, her posture tense but controlled.


    Carter sighed, his tone turning almost bored. “You’re out of options, Evelyn. We both know you can’t do this alone. And your new friend here?” He nodded toward Caleb. “He’s not going to save you.”


    Caleb bristled. “You want to test that theory?”


    Carter chuckled. “Easy, detective. I’m just stating the facts.”


    Evelyn’s jaw tightened, but she didn’t lower her knife. “What do you want?”


    “Simple,” Carter said. “We team up. You help me get what I’m after, and I make sure you don’t end up dead in the process.”