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“So you and Phoenix found something out?” Denver asked.
Jackson nodded.
“We did.” Phoenix shook his head. “When Selby left for lunch, I took a look at Austin’s calendar. He’s met with our local bank president, Malcolm Winters, several times in the past week.”
“Strange, but it could be mine business.”
Phoenix shook his head. “You think our parents would ever go to Malcolm for even one penny? You know the dads don’t trust him.”
“No, I guess not.”
“When I asked Malcolm to tell me about what Austin and he were meeting about, he got really cagey.” Jackson’s frustration over what he’d learned showed on his face. “Told me to ask Austin about it.”
“Fuck.” Denver closed his eyes.
“What did you find out about Jessie’s car?”
“Nothing. But someone sent this confidential Wilde Mine memo to my PO box.” Denver pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket. Unfolding it, he passed it to Dallas.
Dallas couldn’t believe his eyes. The memo was signed by Austin instructing the supervisors to fudge the numbers they reported. Dallas wasn’t familiar with any items mentioned, but it was clear that his eldest brother wanted to limit purchasing new safety equipment in the mine to below required standards to save money.
He passed it to Phoenix. Phoenix read it then handed it over to Jackson.
When Jackson finished reading it, Denver took it back.
They all sat there for a few minutes, trying to process what they’d learned.
Denver spoke up. “This doesn’t mean Austin’s gunning for Jessie. It only means he’s trying to impress the dads. They’ve left him in charge of the mine for the past several months. This isn’t the first time. I think it’s their way of trying to keep him in the fold. We all know he plans on leaving someday.”
“I promise you one thing, Denver.” Jackson spoke through gritted teeth. “If Austin does turn out to be the one who is responsible for Jessie’s brakes being cut, he’s going to learn that his little brother has a whole bunch of hell to deliver to him.”
Dallas added, “And I’ll be right beside you, lil’ bro.”
Phoenix nodded. “Me, too.”
“Let’s not jump the gun here. We need more facts.” Denver’s quiet logic had always impressed Dallas. Normally, Denver could calm any of his brothers down whenever one or more of them flew off the handle. Not this time. Not with Jessie in danger.
Dallas tasted the rage on his lips. “Then let’s get the facts. I say we confront our brother.”
“Won’t work, bro. You know him.” Denver’s tone was so even. “Let me keep working on trying to find out who could’ve cut her brakes. Phoenix, you get closer to Selby.”
“I can do that.”
“Great, I think Selby is sweet on you. Shouldn’t be too hard. Find out what you can about Austin.”
“I’m on it.”
Denver continued, “Jackson, you work the Malcolm angle. You’re a lawyer. Scare the hell out of the prick.”
“Gladly. And if that doesn’t work, I’ll pound his head into the ground until he talks.”
“That’s my lil’ bro.” Denver laughed. “Dallas, you’re still up to bat to make sure Jessie stays safe.”
“Happy to do it.” He vowed that not a hair on her head would be harmed.
“Guys, don’t you think it would be best to not share more with Jessie until we know who’s behind this?”
Phoenix and Jackson nodded.
