Page 124 of Taken Away

Burke nodded. “Go ahead.”

“He’s angry.”

Scout snorted. “That’s not exactly breaking news.”

Luke shrugged. “No. But I think he’s angrier than anybody realized.”

That got Burke’s attention.

"Walter Grady told me Mabel was thinking about selling the cattle operation."

The room went still.

“What?” Burke asked.

"Walter said not immediately—maybe a year or two from now."

“Why?”

“According to Walter, Mabel’s long-term plan was to streamline things.”

“The winery,” Scout said.

Luke nodded. “The winery.”

"She thought Aubrey could run it?"

“Apparently.”

Luke flipped a page. “Walter said after Deck investigated Aubrey, Mabel became convinced she’d eventually come back.”

“So Mabel starts thinking about simplifying the business,” Burke said.

“Exactly.” Luke tapped the notebook. “Problem is, Red has devoted thirty years of his life to that cattle operation.”

“Did Red know?” Burke asked.

"Walter says yes."

"Red?"

"Says Walter doesn't know what he's talking about."

A few groans sounded around the room.

“Of course he does,” Scout muttered.

“Gets better.”

“Please tell me,” Burke said.

“Red says Walter’s the one who’s been upset lately.”

Another groan circled the room.

“Those two could blame each other for the weather.”

Burke leaned back in his chair. “So Red points at Walter.”