Chapter 9

Darius wakes to his phone buzzing with missed calls. Forty-seven from Marcus. Eighteen from Elder Eldric. Zero from Elena. Of course. He ignores them all and drives back to Clearwater Vineyard. The gates are closed now. A guard station sits at the entrance. "Name and business," the guard says flatly. "Darius Blackwood. I'm here to see Elena." "Miss Voss isn't receiving visitors. Move along." Darius considers forcing through. Then he sees the silver-tipped rifles in the guard station. They're...