PART 2– THE RETURN OF VICTOR HALE
Two trucks stopped outside the gate.
Victor Hale stepped out first.
Older now, harsher, his shadow long against the cracked earth. Behind him were two men carrying tools and rifles.
He looked at the ranch like it still belonged to him.
“It’s still standing…” Victor muttered. “She should’ve sold it before she died.”
Inside, Ethan pressed his hand over Lily’s mouth gently, signaling silence.
Lily trembled but stayed still.
Victor walked through the yard, kicking old debris.
Then he stopped.
A chicken coop door had been recently repaired.
His eyes narrowed.
“He’s here,” Victor said quietly.
Inside the house, Ethan’s fingers tightened.
Something inside him changed again—not fear anymore.
Planning.
Victor signaled his men.
“Burn it down. We take what’s left.”
A match struck.
Flame kissed dry wood outside.
Ethan closed his eyes for a moment.
Then he whispered to Lily:
May you like
“Stay behind me.”
He stepped out of the shadows.
