Fake Date, Real Fate

"We’ve found him," Gray said, stepping into my path.

I didn’t pause. Just adjusted my cuffs.

"Send me the location," I said. "Now."

*****

The neighborhood was too quiet. Too clean.

Suburban. Trimmed hedges. Little white fences that tried too hard to look innocent.

I pulled up outside the house Gray flagged. No guards. No traps. Just Caden.

He was sprawled on a recliner on the back porch like he didn’t have a care in the world. Sunglasses on. Shirt undone. A lowball glass of something expensive in one hand.

The moment he heard my footsteps, he didn’t even turn around.

"Did you miss me so much you came visiting, brother?" he said lazily, lifting his drink in a mock toast. "How sweet."

I didn’t answer.