Chapter 65: Zeroing In

Joe Russo leaned his elbow on the driver’s side door and absently drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. In the fading light of dusk, he decided maybe he could just make out the lights of a house through the thick grove of trees beyond the Caldwell Ranch entrance. Or maybe that was just wishful thinking on his part. Who knew how long that gravel drive was beyond the locked gate?

Somehow, he’d just assumed the barn and residence would be visible from the highway. Now he’d have to adjust his strategy. Short of sneaking onto the property, he’d have to content himself with waiting for them to either come or go through that big iron gate.

And watching the ranch from the road would require finesse. Glancing up and down the highway, Joe realized there wasn’t another house or building for as far as he could see. A stranger in a big black sedan would stick out like a sore thumb.