The abandoned estate stood like a memory no one wanted to keep.
Iron gates rusted but intact. Windows shattered on the second floor. The long driveway cracked by weeds that had grown wild and unapologetic.
Noah hadn't been here in years.
But he remembered every step.
The car slowed before the final curve.
Aiden sat in the passenger seat, silent, eyes scanning the perimeter.
Behind them, two unmarked vehicles maintained distance.
Matthew hadn't argued further.
But he hadn't trusted distance either.
Noah stepped out first.
Cold air hit his face.
The place smelled the same.
Dust.
Old wood.
Forgotten things.
"You're steady," Aiden murmured as he stepped beside him.
"I am."
"You don't look angry."
"I'm not."
Aiden glanced at him.
"That concerns me more."
Noah didn't respond.
Because anger would have been easier.
Anger was loud.
This was clarity.
They approached the front doors.
Unlocked.
Of course.
Noah pushed them open slowly.
