“Actually, I received an inquiry this morning from a colleague,” Jennifer said. “A representative named Elliot.”

“Who is Elliot?” I asked.

“He represents a reclusive, high-net-worth buyer,” Jennifer said. “They are looking for a turnkey property on Redwood Crest. They offered all-cash, with a twenty-four-hour closing window.”

My heart hammered against my ribs.

“How much?” I asked.

“Full asking price, no inspections,” Jennifer said. “But we have to act fast. They want the paperwork initiated today.”

“Do it,” I said.

A pair of headlights cut through the gray rain at the end of the driveway.

A car was approaching the gates.

I held Ivy closer, watching the bright lights draw nearer.

My phone buzzed again in my hand, the screen lighting up with an incoming call from an unknown local number.

I swiped to answer, pressing the cold glass of the phone to my ear.

“Tessa?” a voice said through the static. “It’s Elliot. Jennifer gave me your number.”

Before I could answer him, the approaching car braked hard near the gate, its headlights blinding me through the rain.

The driver’s side door flew open.