Diamond passed the phone to Sayer and slowed the rig as the next turn approached. The road was so narrow it barely looked passable for a full-sized rig, but she didn’t hesitate. The tires crunched over gravel, low branches scraped the sides of the trailer, and the shadows grew deeper the farther they went.
Sayer glanced at her. “You sure this isn’t a setup?”
Diamond nodded once. “I’m sure.”
He didn’t argue as the truck continued down an uncharted road.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Diamond spottedthe tire swing first, hanging limp from the gnarled limb of a dead oak like something out of a forgotten childhood. Just beyond it, leaning against the tree, was a woman—tall, lean, dressed in a dark windbreaker and cargo pants, her long brunette hair tied back in a low braid. She wasn’t armed, at least not visibly, but she didn’t have to be. Her posture said she was ready for anything.
Diamond slowed the rig to a crawl, eyes narrowed as she assessed the figure. No sudden movement. No signs of distress. Just patience. Waiting.
Sayer rolled down the window and leaned slightly out. “You looking for flowers?”
The woman didn’t flinch.
“I was headed to an orchard,” she replied easily, voice low and even. “But I hear the trees are bare.”
“We’re headed to a nursery where the blooms are fragrant.”
“I’d love a ride.”
Sayer looked over at Diamond. She studied the woman for a long second, reading her the way she read everyone—sharp, quick, thorough. Then she gave a small nod.
Sayer jerked his thumb, motioning for the woman to climb aboard.
Seven moved like she knew how to disappear in plain sight—quiet, efficient, no wasted energy. She didn’t ask questions. She just pulled open the passenger door, tossed her duffel in ahead of her, and climbed in like she belonged.
Diamond pulled the truck forward again, picking up speed as the road narrowed.
“What’s your name?” she asked, eyes on the gravel path ahead.
“My friends call me Seven,” the woman said as she settled onto the floor between the seats. She stretched her long legs out in front of her, then dropped onto her back, using her duffel as a pillow.
“Well, Seven,” Diamond said, glancing down at her, “welcome aboard.”
Seven cracked a half-smile and closed her eyes. “Thanks.”
“Is there somewhere I can stop for a quick minute?” Diamond asked as she shifted gears.
“Yeah. Next right takes us to the two-lane. You’ll find something soon after that.”
“Perfect,” Diamond said.
Seven was already shifting into a rest position. “Wake me when we get close. Once we hit the stop.”
Diamond nodded, returning her focus to the road. The truck rumbled on, cutting a path through the trees. Behind them, the road narrowed into silence again. Ahead of them—whatever was coming next.
The gravel road spit them back out onto the two-lane highway just as the trees began to thin. Diamond checked the mirrors, then the fuel gauge—both holding steady, but she didn’t like driving blind with no gear, no fresh water, and no idea where the next stop might be.
Seven stirred just as they passed a hand-painted sign:Gas | Groceries | Hot Coffee – 1 Mile.
“Stretch your legs,” Diamond said. “Next stop’s now.”
The little roadside station came into view a few minutes later, tucked between two hills like it had been forgotten by time. It was the kind of place that smelled like old rubber, burned coffee, and cheap air freshener. A single pump out front. One restroom around the side. A rack of snacks and off-brand cold drinks inside.
It would do.
