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“There’s a hell of an option,” Seth said, cracking his knuckles. He’d never cared for the deputy.
Bright had been a bad sport in high school, a jock with attitude. Now, here he was taking pleasure in ripping a gal away from her family home. Plus, Seth knew a little something-something about Frank Bright. Rumor had it that he often used the residences in foreclosure for his own kind of private party.
After a little consideration, Seth couldn’t think of one county deputy that he respected. They were true jackasses with perceived power and seemingly ‘got off’ on another person’s pain. One day soon Deputy Frank Bright would get his. In the meantime, Seth wouldn’t let Lindsey go down without a fight.
“I need five minutes, Sheriff,” Seth insisted.
“Five’s all?” Sheriff Ray jiggled his shoulders. “For the kind of debt owed on this place, five is a far cry away from what you’ll deserve if you bail her out of this, Seth.”
Lindsey thinned her lips and set her sunken jaws. Her small fists hung at her sides. Love her heart. She wanted to fight, but if the circles under her eyes were any indication, the fight that once existed in her was long gone. It was buried under heartache and despair, a hopelessness that Seth couldn’t even begin to imagine.
“There’s nothing you can do,” she said.
“Let me decide on that.”
“Go home, Seth.”
“Sounds like the lady has had more than enough of you,” a deputy said.
“Lindsey,” Seth grated out. “I’m in no mood to stand around here and let these men make our friendship into something it’s not.”
“If you ain’t had a little of her, then that’s your problem. Your neighbor has the hottest tail in town and you’re only friends? You’re losing your touch, Stallard.” Deputy Bright smirked, checked his cell phone, and grunted.
“I’m one step away from losing more than my touch.” Seth made a sudden leap for Bright, but the sheriff stopped him.
“Not today, Seth.”
Through gritted teeth, Seth said, “What’s wrong, Bright? Got another one knocked up somewhere?” He then swung his gaze at the sheriff. “Oops. Wrong one. Small-town gossip.” He tapped his forehead. “It’s hard to keep up with the rumors and such.”
“Don’t worry your empty, big head, Seth. From what I hear, Lindsey cut a hell of a deal with a business owner in town. Since he’s not too interested in letting her out of her contract—regardless of what happens out here today—I’d say she’ll be broke in and ready to ride in no time.”
Seth snarled then turned his back to the men. He pointed at the mudroom located next to the kitchen. “Lindsey, now.” He glanced at Bright. “And that’s the last smartass remark you get. One more word and I’ll deck ya. Then, my attorneys will be all over ya come Monday morning. Maybe I’ll spend a few nights in jail but I’ll do my time with a smile. After my lawyers are through with you, we’ll collect your tarnished badge on the other side of the weekend.”
Deputy Bright looked plumb scared. It was no wonder. Seth and Beck had a reputation for taking things to the extreme. Money had bought them plenty of power and the best law firm this side of the Mississippi.
“Shall we, Linds?” Seth held out his arm in a gentlemanly fashion.
Lindsey’s upper lip curled and she looked like a woman prepared for a war of words. Instead, she stomped off to the mudroom and slammed the door behind them.
Cocking his head and holding up his hand, Seth said, “Before you say anything. I know all about your so-called deal with Bonzo Maldeni.”
She blushed, likely from anger rather than embarrassment. “And here I thought you were on my side. I didn’t cut a deal with Maldeni or any other businessman for that matter.”
“We’ll discuss Maldeni another day then. For now, you need to tell me everything about your arrangement with Farmer’s Lending. How much time do you have?”
“It’s already too late,” she whispered, staring at the toe of her scuffed cowboy boots.
“It’s never too late if you’re still willing to fight.” Seth tucked his fingers under her chin and forced her to look at him. “Are you still willing to duke this out, Lindsey?”
“It’s no use.”
“Why not? Because somebody down at Farmer’s Lending used their position and strong-armed you?” He shook his head. “No, Linds. I don’t buy it. Besides, I know how these guys work and the only reason you’re standing there and I’m standing here is because my father never hopped in bed with them.
“When those fellas stopped by for social calls and mentioned loaning money, Dad painted on an arrogant smile and told them we had all we’d ever need. In the early years, Dad used to pride himself on avoiding bankers and sinners. I’m pretty sure he couldn’t stay away from the latter altogether, but he managed to keep his distance from bankers.”
“Wish my father had done the same,” she muttered. “Farmer’s Lending wants
to foreclose and there isn’t anything I can do about it. Daddy knew this day would eventually come, but what’d he do? He played right into their hands.
