Chapter 3: Ready or Not, Face to Face

3

I take photos and videos as evidence, double-checking that everything’s backed up to the cloud. I want all the proof I can get.

Red stands outside the greenhouse, arms crossed, not budging.

He leans against a fence post, looking at me expectantly. I realize he’s waiting for more than just a thank you.

"Why aren’t you coming?" I ask.

He glances at his boots, then at me. "Old lady’s even stickier than you think."

He’s hedging. There’s always a price for getting your hands dirty.

I grit my teeth and hand over another three hundred bucks. My wallet screams, but I need his help.

Red brightens, pockets the cash, and nods toward the dirt road. "Hope you’re ready. Nana don’t play nice."

My heart thumps—ready or not, I’m about to find out.