Chapter 91

Three shadowy figures crept through the reeds upstream.

"Shh—" Daniel River lowered his voice. "Look, wild ducks over there."

Michael Stone squinted and spotted several plump ducks foraging in the shallows. He swiftly pulled off his shirt, revealing his toned muscles.

"Let's go!"

With a splash, the three men plunged into the river, startling the ducks into frantic flight. Still, they managed to catch three.

"Feast tonight," Daniel grinned, holding up their prize.

Michael tucked over twenty wild duck eggs into his arms, his pants dripping as he stepped inside. His wife, Emily Johnson, stood in the living room with her hands on her hips.

"Went swimming?" She narrowed her eyes at his soaked trousers.

Michael swallowed hard, instinctively hiding the eggs behind his back. "Just got wet collecting these."

"Liar!" Emily grabbed his arm. "You didn’t wake me when the rain stopped?"

Water droplets glistened on his sun-kissed skin, his muscles flexing with each breath. Emily’s throat went dry—his physique put those gym posers to shame.

"You looked too peaceful sleeping," Michael murmured, his warm breath tickling her ear.

Her ears burned as she pushed him away. "Nice try. I’m going to check the river."

"Don’t bother." He pulled out a duck like a magician. "How about sour duck soup with dumplings?"

"Sauerkraut filling!" Emily’s eyes lit up. "I’ll knead the dough!"

They worked side by side in the kitchen, the rhythmic chopping startling the neighbor’s hen. Michael expertly sliced the duck breast, the blade flashing as paper-thin cuts lined the board.

Meanwhile, tension hung thick in the old house.

Patricia Stone glared at the empty stove. "Bet they’re making fish soup next door."

William Stone turned over in bed. "Save your energy. We’ve got roofing tomorrow."

"But your brother’s family—"

"Enough!" William sat up sharply. "You didn’t complain during the split. Now you covet their fish?"

Patricia flinched but still peered outside, saliva pooling as the wind carried over tantalizing smells.

At the college, Sophia Green kicked her luggage, scowling at the clearing sky. The rain had delayed his trip—and made him miss the riverside spectacle.

"Damn weather," he cursed, unaware of the storm brewing ahead.