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“Absolutely. Right here.” Hank slid the stack of papers across the desk along with the same pen I’d almost shoved through his eyeball a week before. I leaned over, acting as if I was going to sign.
That was Jackson’s cue to pull out a copy of the file he’d amassed. As he placed it on the table, I didn’t need to look at the three men to know they were confused as to what we were doing.
“Oh, there’s just one thing I forgot to mention,” I said as I lifted my pen, staring directly into Hank’s eyes as Jackson pulled a picture he’d found of his entire family, including Luis. “I don’t think I’ll be needing your nephew any longer.”
“I beg your pardon?” Hank was already starting to sweat, a single bead trickling down from his hairline.
“Well, since he’s been arrested for arson, attempted murder, and first-degree murder in the poisoning of Walter Cawthorne, I don’t think keeping him around will be in my best interest.” I grabbed the contract, tearing it in half. “In case you haven’t figured it out, I have no intentions of selling the ranch.” Luis had been convicted of arson years before, but that hadn’t bothered Walter. He really had been an amazing man, even setting up some trust funds for children of the people who worked for him.
“But. But. But…” Hank stuttered.
“That’s it, Hank. We’re outta here,” Ben stated, both he and Michael already heading around the end of the coffee table.
“Not so fast, gentlemen,” I said, already hearing commotion just outside the conference room door. “It would seem the local sheriff and the FBI want to have a nice long conversation with you. I’d call your wives and tell them you won’t be home for dinner.” As the door was opened, several members of law enforcement walking inside, I held up the pen. “I think I’ll take this as a souvenir for the time spent in bringing justice to this town and to my grandfather.”
While evidence was still being collected, the investigation into acts of extortion, blackmail, and murder were being scrutinized. It would seem Canyon Industries had been considered suspect in a string of murders involving oil rights and the sales of various properties. But to date, there hadn’t been enough to charge them on.
It had all boiled down to the letter I’d received by courier, my grandfather having the forethought to send one to his attorney, addressed to me, with all of the findings and evidence he’d collected. The guilt for not returning his calls would remain with me for a long time, but at least I was getting vindication for his murder.
I thought about the last paragraph of the letter, the passage I would hold dear to my heart.
Sebastian,
I want you to know how proud I am of you. The time we spent together meant more to me than you know. I only wish your father had understood that I’d always wanted the best for him as well as for my grandsons. Don’t be too hard on him. He always blamed me for your grandmother’s death. It is my hope that you enjoy the ranch with a woman who can awaken the boy in you I remember.
I hoped Grandpops was proud. I slipped the pen inside my jacket, the grin on my face no longer fake. “I appreciate doing business with you, gentlemen. I hope you rot in hell.”
As we walked out of the conference room, the three men were being read their rights. And I’ll be damned if Hank wasn’t still issuing threats.
Both of us waited to say anything until we were out in the bright sun.
“Was that satisfying?” Jackson asked.
“Not nearly as much as I’d hoped it would be, but I know what will be. Returning home.”
“Home. Let’s head to the airport. You’re right. It’ll be good to be home.”
Jessie
“What do you mean you don’t think they’re coming back?” Megan asked the moment she walked into the barn. “And why the hell didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I was busy,” I told her. “And because it’s been a week.” I was losing hope.
“I’m your best friend. You needed me. I can tell. Did you make a phone call?”
“I had to leave a message,” I told her, which added to the constant ache inside.
“Damn those two men. Damn them.”
“Here, George. Will you take these tablecloths to the banquet room?” I asked, ignoring her outburst. It wouldn’t do me any good to wallow in sadness. I had to get on with my life.
“Of course, Ms. Logan. Happy to help.” George took them from my arms, backing away.
“Oh, and there’s a shipment of liquor that should be arriving at any minute. Do you mind checking it in for me?” I added, thankful he was committed to helping with the upcoming wedding. It had been a quick addition, the place the happy couple had picked closing suddenly due to water damage.
“They have a life in Miami, a business to run,” I said, noticing George was still hanging around.
Megan planted her hands on her hips, grousing under her breath. “They are sons of bitches, especially that fucking slick man Sebastian. Boy. He had me fooled.”
