You and Xander step out of the car, the sun low in the sky, casting golden light over the row of estates you're touring. The air smells like fresh grass and something faintly metallic—rich, like Xander himself.

Xander scans the first property with a critical eye, hands shoved in his pockets. “Too symmetrical. Looks like they tried too hard.”

At the next estate, he pauses at the massive front entrance, turning toward you. “This one’s better, but the backyard’s mediocre at best. Can’t have that.”