Chapter 20
Lana
“We need to secure all of this,” Kane announces, gesturing to our salvaged treasures. “If what Richard says is true, these could be dangerous in the wrong hands.”
I nod in agreement, my eyes still on Caleb’s injured shoulder. Despite his attempt to hide it, I can tell he’s in pain when he pushes himself to stand. “We should get you cleaned up properly,” I tell him.
“I’ll be fine,” he insists, though he winces when he moves his arm to take a sip of water.
Jake steps forward, taking charge. “Let’s get everything back to the house. We can assess what we have and make a plan there.”
We gather the rescued documents carefully, each of us taking a portion to carry that didn’t fit in the crates or the steamer trunk.
The walk to Jake’s house feels longer than it should, my mind racing with everything we’ve discovered.
Thomas Wolf’s final message echoes in my thoughts—the true treasure hidden where water meets stone, waiting for the equinox.
At the house, we spread the documents across the dining table, creating a makeshift archival workspace. Richard opens the metal box he risked his life for, revealing the original mine deed and accompanying papers.
“Thank God. This proves the Hawthornes never legally owned the mine,” he explains, his voice hoarse from dust. “They forged documents after Wolf’s death.”
“Which means their entire corporate empire is built on fraud,” Connor observes, examining the papers. “Though proving that in court after 140 years would be challenging.”
“We don’t need to prove it in court,” Margret says unexpectedly. We all turn to look at her. She stands straighter, a new determination in her eyes. “We just need to make it public. The people will decide.”
“That’s dangerous,” Kane warns. “NTM won’t take this lying down.”
“I don’t care,” Margret replies firmly. “They killed my brother. It’s time someone stood up to them.”
I feel a twinge of admiration for the older woman’s courage. “We need to be smart about this,” I say. “Strategic. We should make copies of everything first and store them in multiple secure locations.”
“I agree,” Caleb adds, wincing as he shifts his weight. “And we need to be careful about whom we trust with this information.”
After another hour of sorting and discussing, we made a plan.
Connor will contact an attorney. Kane will contact Declan about securing manpower.
Mia and Kori will photograph and catalog everything.
Jake and Ella will research the waterfall location.
And Richard and Margret will compile a timeline of NTM’s activities over the decades.
“What about us?” I ask Caleb quietly as the others begin their assigned tasks.
He meets my eyes, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips despite his obvious exhaustion. “We still have a dinner date, don’t we?”
I feel a flutter in my stomach. “You’re still up for that? After nearly being buried alive?”
“Especially after nearly being buried alive,” he replies, his voice low enough that only I can hear. “Life’s too short to postpone the good things.”
As the afternoon wears on, we help secure the documents in Jake’s locked closet, where he keeps his guns and ammunition, and set up more security cameras around the property. By late afternoon, we’re all exhausted, covered in dust and grime.
“I think we’ve done all we can for today,” Jake announces finally. “Everyone should get some rest. We’ll reconvene tomorrow morning.”
There’s a collective murmur of agreement as we begin gathering our things. Kane and Kori head out first with Connor and Mia. Richard helps Margret to her truck, the two of them deep in conversation about their shared family history.
I approach Caleb, who’s sitting on the porch steps, looking out at the setting sun. “Seven o’clock still work for you?” I ask.
He looks up, and despite the dirt and blood, his smile makes my heart skip a beat. “I’ll pick you up at the lodge.”
“I’ll be ready,” I promise, then hesitate. “You’re sure you’re okay? That shoulder looked bad.”
“Nothing a hot shower and a couple of ibuprofen won’t fix,” he assures me. “Go on. Get that pink hair cleaned up.”
I touch my dusty hair self-consciously. “You really don’t hate it?”
His eyes hold mine for a moment too long to be casual. “I really don’t.”
888
Back at the lodge, I stand under the shower for what feels like an eternity, letting the hot water wash away the dust and tension of the day.
My mind keeps replaying the moment the chamber began to collapse—the terror of watching Caleb go back for Richard, the agonizing seconds waiting for him to emerge from the stairs.
He could have died today. We all could have. The thought sends a shiver through me despite the steaming water.
As I rinse the last of the shampoo from my hair, I make a decision. No more running. No more keeping people at arm’s length. Kori was right—I’ve been surviving, not living.
I step out of the shower, wrapping myself in a towel as I contemplate what to wear. This isn’t just any dinner; this is... whatever Caleb and I are becoming. I want to look nice, but not like I’m trying too hard.
I settle on a body-hugging dark green sweater that rests at mid-thigh, which brings out the color in my eyes, paired with black leggings and boots.
Casual enough for a small-town restaurant, but nice enough to show I care.
I dry my hair, the pink strands falling in soft waves around my face.
It’s still shocking to see in the mirror, but Caleb’s words echo in my mind: “It suits you.”
As I apply minimal makeup, I hear a knock at my door.
“Come in,” I call, dabbing on a touch of lip gloss.
Kori pokes her head in, her eyes widening appreciatively. “Look at you! Are you ready for your hot date?”
I roll my eyes, but can’t suppress a smile. “It’s just dinner.”
“Uh-huh,” she says skeptically, leaning against the doorframe. “The sweater says otherwise. That’s your ‘I want him to notice me, but I’m pretending I don’t care’ outfit.”
“Is not,” I protest weakly, though she’s not entirely wrong.
“Kane and I are heading into town for supplies,” she says. “Need anything?”
I shake my head. “I’m good. Thanks.”
She studies me for a moment, her expression softening. “I’m happy for you, you know. You deserve this.”
I feel a lump form in my throat. “It might not be anything,” I warn her, trying to manage my own expectations as much as hers.
“But it might be everything,” she counters with a gentle smile. “Be open to that possibility, okay?”
After she leaves, I finish getting ready, adding a simple necklace and small earrings. I check the time—6:45. My stomach flutters with a mixture of anticipation and nerves. It’s been so long since I’ve been on a proper date, especially with someone who matters.
Because Caleb does matter, I realize. In the short time I’ve known him, he’s become important to me in a way I wasn’t prepared for. The thought is both thrilling and terrifying.
At precisely seven o’clock, I hear a vehicle pulling up outside. I grab my coat and take one last look in the mirror, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “No more running,” I whisper to my reflection.
I open the door just as Caleb raises his hand to knock, and for a moment, we both freeze, taking each other in.
He’s cleaned up well—dark jeans, a charcoal button-down shirt under a leather jacket.
His hair is still damp from his shower, and there’s a small bandage at his temple where he was cut earlier.
But it’s his eyes that catch me—the way they warm as they take me in, moving from my hair to my clothes and back to my face.
“You look beautiful,” he murmurs.
I feel my cheeks getting warm at his compliment. “You clean up pretty well yourself,” I reply, trying for lightness despite the sudden racing of my heart. “How’s the shoulder?”
“Forgotten,” he says, though I notice he’s favoring his right side slightly. “Ready?” he asks, offering me his hand.
I take it, feeling the calluses on his palm, the strength in his fingers as they curl around mine. “Where are we going?”
His smile turns mysterious. “It’s a surprise. Do you trust me?”
After everything we’ve been through—the storm, the treasure hunt, the collapsed chamber—the answer comes easily.
“Yes,” I say. “I trust you.”
And I realize with startling clarity that I mean it.