Chapter 48: A Strange Welcome

The runway is no more than a wide patch of cleared desert, ringed by looming canyon walls. A single flickering lamp lights the area. As we stumble off the plane, a group of figures approaches, flashlights bobbing.

Zach tenses, hand near his waistband. Marta keeps her pistol ready but not drawn. Elena grabs my arm. My mouth feels dry as sand.

An older man, face weathered by sun and time, steps forward. "You lost or just desperate?" His Spanish-accented voice carries a hint of amusement. He eyes Zach, then Elena and me.

Zach's posture relaxes slightly. "Need a place to refuel and lay low. We can pay."

The older man's gaze flicks across our disheveled clothes, landing on Elena with curiosity. "This must be the one R mentioned. Fine. We'll talk price inside." He beckons us toward a low, adobe-style building tucked against the rocks.

Elena murmurs, "Who are these people?" to Zach, but he only shrugs. Possibly allies, possibly criminals. My nerves jangle with every step. We follow, uncertain if we're stepping into safe haven—or another trap.