Page 8 of Jameson’s Salvation

When he found something, Holden said, “According to tax records, he owns quite a bit of land. He also has permit applications in on several lots and an application to subdivide a farm that was in agricultural preservation.”

“He does?” Kennedy asked. “He’d have to buy that farm out of ag preservation or the permit will never be approved. That would take a lot of money.”

“He have that kind of cash?” Jameson asked.

A few keystrokes later, Holden answered, “Not liquid, but he has a hefty line of credit.”

“How do you know that?” Kennedy asked.

“Can’t tell my secrets to a stranger.” Holden winked and Jameson had an overwhelming urge to punch his friend. “I’m Holden, by the way.”

What the hell was going on? Was Holden flirting with Kennedy? It sure looked that way to Jameson and he couldn’t for the life of him figure out why that bothered him so much. It shouldn’t have even hit his radar. He’d seen Holden pick up hundreds of women—they loved him and flocked to his fun-loving disposition and quick smile. Why would Kennedy be any different? And why in the hell would the sight of it make Jameson so irate?

“What made you decide today to ask for help?” Jameson interrupted the Holden lovefest. He couldn’t stand to watch her beaming smile aimed at his friend any longer.

“After I was done at my mom’s house, I was putting away my tools and Reggie stopped for a chat. I’d had enough of his badgering months ago, but his visits are happening more frequently and today he told me if I thought things were tight now, they were about to get worse—”

“He threatened you?” Nixon cut her off.

“He’s been threatening me, Nixon. That’s how he gets people who don’t want to sell to sell. That’s why I’m here. I need to find a way to make him leave me alone, before things get any worse. I know he’s fuckin’ with me, but I can’t figure out how. I can’t prove anything, and I don’t know what he’s planning next.”

Nixon’s jaw was clenching and Jameson knew his friend hated to bring up the sheriff’s department but it needed to be asked. “Have you reported him to the authorities?”

Kennedy gave him a sad smile. Obviously having heard what Sheriff Dillinger had done to McKenna and her family softened her features and she nodded before she answered, “I have. Each time I went in, I was told there was nothing they could do. That Reggie wasn’t doing anything criminal by offering me money to purchase property. Rich Dillinger practically laughed at me and said he didn’t see an issue with Reggie’s offer no how, and I should sell before I lost my land to the bank.”

“Fuckin’ dick,” Nix sneered and Jameson had to agree. “You in danger of losing your property?”

“I wasn’t.”

Jameson could feel his muscles tighten as his body went taut with anger. The thought of sweet Kennedy Lane, who busted her ass to help her mama and worked hard to get what she had…she shouldn’t be in any kind of danger. She shouldn’t be feeling the stress of losing something she clearly loved.

“But you are now?” Jameson practically growled his question.

“It’s not that bad, but a few more shitty months and I’ll be seriously scrambling. And with my mom needing the extra help, and her insurance not kickin’ in to pay for Miss Janice, and paying out-of-pocket to build that new ramp, let’s just say it was a hit. But I do have money saved for a rainy day so I can pay you. I figure it’s raining now and I’d better patch the hole and put a stop to it before it’s pouring and I flood. So please, don’t let my financial situation stop you from helping. I can—”

“You’re not paying us.”

Three sets of eyes swung in Jameson’s direction and he’d have to admit he was as shocked at his declaration as they were.

“No, really—”

“As you said, you’ve known Nixon since you were five. You’ve helped his dad on this farm. We’re not taking your money.”

“I’m not a charity case, Jameson. I have money. Not a lot, but I’ve been saving my whole life for an emergency.”

“Didn’t say it and didn’t think it, Kennedy, so I know you’re not a charity. It’s the right thing to do. Neighborly, even.” Jameson knew his excuse was lame but it was the only one he had for his out-of-character behavior.

He’d known when she first told him about her situation they wouldn’t be charging her. But finding out about her mom, and more about Reggie Coleman, cemented Jameson’s resolve.

“I don’t take handouts. No way, no how. Either I pay or I find someone else,” she proclaimed and Jameson couldn’t help but notice how cute she was when she was trying to be stern.

“It’s not a handout, it’s a public service. You said it yourself, he strong-armed the widow who lives next to you into selling when she didn’t want to. And I know I haven’t lived here long, but I pay attention and I find it difficult to believe she couldn’t find a farmer to rent her land to. Which means Reggie Coleman made it so she couldn’t. So if he pulled that shit with an old woman, God knows who else he’s done it to.”

“What’s this about? What widow?” Nixon interjected.

“Mrs. Nickels,” Kennedy sighed. “She couldn’t find anyone who wanted to rent the land after Mr. Nickels died, so she had to sell. Of course, Reggie Coleman was there to scoop it up, and at a ridiculously low price.”

“All of it? Or did you buy your land back?”