For as long as I’ve known Fred—which is most of my life—I’ve never known him to be anything but hardworking.
That’s what makes this feel so out of character. He could have held some kind of grievance against Uncle Sam, but I never knew them to interact much—and if they did, it was always strictly work.
I’ve seen the books. I know he was paid for every job he did, so this can’t be about money being withheld or owed.
I don’t know. It just feels like there are too many unanswered questions, and none of the answers are ones I’m ready to hear.
As I pull up to Fred’s property, the illuminating lamp over his porch and the spotlights cutting through the otherwise dark space leave everything lit in an eerie glow.
Unease settles deep in my gut. I’ve wanted to find the person causing all these problems for months, but now that I’m here, it feels strangely bittersweet.
For a long time, I convinced myself it was Sloane—that she was secretly working for Horizon all along—but the more time passed, the more insane that belief became.
She couldn’t have known, and Uncle Sam sure as hell wouldn’t have let those suits infiltrate the ranch—but they still found a way in. It makes me wonder how long this has truly been going on, and if Fred was just biding his time.
I hop out of my truck and slam the door shut behind me as Fred steps out through his front door, the swinging screen snapping shut as he approaches. His land isn’t as large as mine, not by a long shot.
He isn’t a farmer, and the land he does have is littered with old parts and used materials.
“Hollis,” he says, smiling like he’s already ahead of me. “Didn’t expect to see you out here this late.” Either way, he’s a damn fool, because he has no idea the kind of shitstorm he’s just unleashed.
“Why don’t you tell me, Fred?
Why would I be here?” I ask, hoping maybe he’s grown a spine between the second time he cut my fence and now. Judging by the blank expression settling on his face, that hope is nothing more than wishful thinking.
“Ya need something fixed, and you decided to pay me a house call?” he says, his tone light, like this is some kind of joke.
This damn fool.
“Cut the bull, Fred. I know you’ve been behind all the shit going on at the ranch,” I say flatly, and he raises an eyebrow like I’ve just insulted him.
“Is that right?” he says easily, like this conversation isn’t bothering him at all.
“Yeah, it is. So tell me—how much are they paying you to screw around with my property?” I ask, planting my hands on my waist as he walks closer, shaking his head.
His deep chuckle wafts the stench of beer and slowly rotting teeth straight at me.
“You’ve lost your mind, boy,” he says easily. “You really think I’d risk my neck without protection?”
He pauses, giving me a slow once-over.
“Now hop off my property,” he says, unfazed. “I’d hate for you to start a mess you can’t clean up.”
I scoff loudly enough that it stops him in his tracks.
“What makes you think I didn’t already notify Riggins I was coming down here?” I ask as he turns back to face me.
“Those people are buying out every parcel of land up to Bell River, and they’re itching to get mine. You’re the onlyone in this town with a deep understanding of everyone’s land.
You’re a damn fool if you think you’ve won here,” I explain, watching his jaw clench tight.
“After everything I’ve done for your family, this is how you treat me? I helped your family rebuild everything, so don’t come at me with your insinuations.
It wasn’t long ago I was helping rebuild that water system of yours that was making you lose money!”
My eyes widen slightly. I knew he placed the water main in, but I didn’t realize he’d handled the entire system, including the routing.
Well, I’ll be damned.
