Luke
Gabriel Reyes struts toward the main house like he owns the place.
Well—his family owns everything within a hundred miles, so it’s not so surprising he’d think Blackthorn is part of their domain. If he tries to act on it, he’s got a surprise coming.
Jake and Mason emerge from the stable, weapons ready but not raised. They're reading the same thing I am: this man isn't here to fight us. He's here for Turner.
"Wish I could say the same," I reply.
His smile widens slightly. "Hendricks speaks highly of your work. Says you're a man who gets shit done."
"Hendricks talks too much." Harper joins me, and I slip my arm around her, to make sure Reyes understands she’s mine.
"He does." The corner of his mouth kicks up, and I know the message is received. "But he's rarely wrong about people."
Harper's grip tightens on her rifle. I can feel the tension radiating off her.
"What do you want?" Jake asks, his voice flat.
"The same thing you do," Gabriel says. "Cole Turner. Dead or alive—preferably alive, so I can handle him personally."
"He's not here.” I don’t tell him Hendricks has Turner pinned down.
"I know." Gabriel pulls out his phone and shows us a map with a blinking red dot. "He's at his compound, and if we move now, we can get this done in the next hour."
I exchange a look with Jake. He nods once.
"Let’s go," I say.
"Good." Gabriel gestures to his team. "My men will provide support. You lead the assault."
"Why should we trust you?" Harper asks, her voice sharp.
Gabriel looks at her, and something shifts in his expression—respect, maybe. "Because Cole Turner is the reason your father is dead, no? I'm offering you justice. Take it or leave it."
Harper's jaw tightens, but she doesn't argue.
"Let's move," Jake says.