Inside was a pair of heavy riding boots and a dark green utility jacket.

“They belonged to my sister,” Dante said. “She does not ride anymore.”

“Thank you,” I said.

I pulled off my worn diner sneakers and slipped into the boots.

They were a tight fit, but the leather was soft and supple.

I put on the jacket over my stained uniform.

It smelled of cedar and old wool.

“We have a problem,” a voice said from the stable entrance.

It was one of Dante’s senior security men.

He looked pale, his shirt collar open.

“What is it, Gregory?” Dante asked.

“The satellite feed just went down,” Gregory said.

“And we lost contact with the scout car at the county line.”

Dante did not look surprised.

“They are jamming the signals,” Dante said.

“Vance is trying to isolate us before he makes his next move.”

He looked at me.

“It seems your trail is our only option left.”

“It is a good option,” I said.

“Then let us go,” Dante said.

He turned to Gregory.

“Bring the horses.”

“Horses, boss?” Gregory asked, his eyes wide.