GM
Confirm what you meant by "directly connected"?
Maybe reflash firmware? Maybe bump hops setting to 8? Height really helps. Make sure both of your nodes in CLIENT mode for now. Sort Nodes list by hops away, see what kind of signal stats you're getting; notice the Last Heard time. For nodes you see in the nodes list, tap on each nodes' short name icon, check both device and signal metrics logs, tap Max time window button on right, tap and drag the graph left and right to see full history.
Offer food, drink, or sats to first response. :)
Keep saying GM :)