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As he pulled into the parking lot of Hank’s building, I shook my head. If Jackson hadn’t put two and two together, I would have lost a good man in George. And if I’d reacted the way I normally did, with violence instead of listening to the facts, saving Jessie would have become impossible. I owed George a debt of gratitude.
“What was Hank’s reaction when you mentioned discussing the price of the ranch?”
I laughed. “He was irritated. One hundred and twenty million dollars is a bitter pill to swallow.”
“But Canyon Industries has agreed to the price?” He threw me a cagey look, his eyes twinkling more than I’d seen them do before.
“Yes indeed. The contract is waiting for me to sign.”
We both climbed out and I took a deep breath. The day was beautiful, the peaks of the mountains covered in fresh white powder from the storm the day before.
“The jet is waiting for our departure immediately after this meeting,” he told me.
“Good. I want to get back to my life.”
“What did Jessie say?”
“She was… confused but it’s all working out the way it should.”
“If you say so, bro. Let’s go make Hank’s day.”
“Mmm… And don’t forget about his nephew.”
“Yes, that’s right. You said George was keeping track of Luis?”
“Indeed, he has been.” I yanked off my sunglasses just before we headed inside. At least the elevator was fixed.
It was still hard to believe there was oil underneath a significant portion of the ranch. Jackson and I had joined in a meeting with the geologists, who’d been very helpful in providing all the information we’d needed to set a firm price for the sale. Hank had ordered the test, which my grandfather had found out about. That’s when the push to sell the ranch had started.
We remained quiet as the slow-moving elevator made its way to the top floor. As soon as the doors opened, I couldn’t keep a grin from my face. It was good to be rich and influential. I took my time sauntering down the corridor, plastering a huge smile on my face as I walked in.
“Mr. Cawthorne. They are waiting for you in the conference room just down the hall. Would you like me to show you the way?” The man’s receptionist had a bigger smile than before. Who knew. Maybe Hank had offered her a huge raise for her assistance in bringing in a big whale.
“No need. We’ll find our way.” I started to walk away then stopped, winking at Jackson. “Oh, and we’re expecting a couple of associates in a few minutes.”
“Why, of course. I’ll make certain they know where they’re going.” She had no clue what was about to happen. It was just as well. She wasn’t one of the guilty parties involved and didn’t deserve my wrath or anyone else’s for that matter.
I pressed my hands down on my ten-thousand-dollar suit, appreciating the tie that had been purchased as a gift from Britta, her taste exquisite. I was confident we could get this over with quickly.
“You look dashing, brother,” Jackson teased. He’d used that term only a few times before and every time had been out of sarcasm given I’d been about to crush another enemy.
Which was exactly what I was doing again. Only this time, I didn’t need to issue a single threat. The evidence spoke for itself.
I took a deep breath before walking inside, grinning like a kid in a candy store. This was one of the largest deals I’d proctored in a long time.
And it had nothing to do with money or the sale of the ranch.
“Gentlemen,” I said, the sound of my voice surprising even me. “I’d like to introduce my brother, Jackson, who was vital in convincing me to move forward.”
All three men stood and I realized I was having way more fun than I should.
“I’m glad you finally agreed. You’re going to be a very rich man, more so than you already are,” Hank laughed and both Ben and Michael did so as well.
“Yes, it’s going to be an amazing venture to get started on. Hopefully, you’ll appreciate what we’re going to turn the ranch into. Beautiful buildings,” Ben said.
“Adding millions to the economy,” Michael added.
I could barely contain myself. “Do you have the contract prepared?”
