Chapter 85: An Old Face Returns

At dawn, we circle back to the cove from the high ridge, half-expecting ambushers. Instead, we find the boat anchored, deserted. No sign of the men who came ashore.Zach checks inside, rifle at the ready. The cabin door swings open, and a figure steps out. My throat seizes in shock: Ramirez, the smuggler we left behind weeks ago, stands there, battered but alive.Elena's gasp echoes mine. Ramirez lifts his hands slowly, a humorless grin twisting his lips. "Been looking for you. You've stirred up a lot of trouble, you know." Anxiety spikes—why is he here, and whose side is he on now?