Chapter 1

The gravel path crunched softly under their shoes as Viviane and Suvi walked side by side through the rolling hill country of Williamson County, Tennessee. White-fenced horse pastures stretched out on either side of the trail, the animals grazing in small, unhurried groups. It was a peaceful stretch of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail system, far enough from Atlanta to feel like a real escape for the weekend.

Viviane kept an easy, measured pace, her tall frame moving with the composed efficiency that had become second nature after years in the lab. At forty-eight, she still favored practical clothes for days like this—hiking pants and a simple button-down shirt. Her blonde hair was pulled back neatly, a few strands escaping in the breeze. Blue eyes took in the landscape with quiet appreciation.

Beside her, Suvi’s shorter steps had a restless quality. The 27-year-old’s red hair moved freely around her shoulders, and she wore a soft top and leggings that suited the warm day. Her cheeks were already flushed, though they had not been walking long.

They had driven up the day before, leaving the lab and its quiet rumors behind. Viviane had planned the trip with her usual care. It was the kind of break both of them needed.

Suvi let out a small sigh as they topped a gentle rise, her gaze drifting toward a chestnut horse with a white blaze in the nearest pasture. The animal lifted its head to watch them pass.

“They remind me of the ones at Mikael’s family place,” Suvi said softly, her Finnish accent threading through the words. “I used to ride almost every day when I lived there. It was the one thing that felt ... mine.”