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What the hell?
Now I knew the man was involved in a much bigger scheme, a plan to destroy the few small owners who’d remained resistant.
“What do you have to say to the reporters about the fact you’re working with Prescott Westfield in an attempt to extort several of the owners out of their properties for a pittance? Since the man refused to sell out, my guess is that Prescott Westfield took matters into his own hands and you turned a blind eye. How much did he pay you to keep the firefighters away?” I allowed the words to sink in. Almost immediately, the reporters turned their cameras and microphones in my direction.
The reporters seemed to buzz from my accusation, starting to inch closer in order to get a better picture of me. They certainly knew who I was, had enjoyed their tours of the winery when I’d been on top of the game.
Sheriff Sanchez sucked in his breath, but there was no other reaction. “I’d say you need some medical attention. It would appear you’ve inhaled some toxic fumes.”
Laughing, I walked closer, enough so the man finally appeared uncomfortable. “I know that you’re involved with Westfield. I’m aware of the plans for the resort. How much is the man paying you to look the other way just like you did when my wife was murdered? How much, you lying sack of shit?”
I hadn’t realized I’d reared back, prepared to strike him until one of the female reporters gasped. Within a few seconds, I felt Aspen’s presence behind me. There was something so comforting about the fact she was close, allowing my rage to dissipate for a few seconds.
“Turn the damn cameras off! There is no story here! Just a bitter, sad man,” the sheriff demanded. His face was bright red from his own heightened level of anger.
The reporters were shocked at the exchange and as if orchestrated, they turned off the cameras, walking away.
My God. It would seem an entire portion of the town was in on this bullshit. I’d allowed myself to become trapped in some kind of other world for far too long. That needed to change.
“I think you better be very careful who you threaten. I’m going to give you a piece of advice that you’re not going to like, Montgomery. Leave the area. Perhaps you should have left when you were told to do so before. Then maybe your wife would be alive.”
I’d known the sheriff was a long time and while we’d sparred before, I was surprised by his statement.
“You bastard,” Aspen hissed, moving between us. “I don’t know who you think you are, but I suggest you think about what you’re saying. Now is not the time to play this game.” She glared from one to the other, pushing me back with her hand. “Don’t do it, Montgomery. He’s goading you and you know it.”
“I’m the sheriff of this fine valley. Who are you?” Sheriff Sanchez asked as he shifted his gaze down the length of her.
I sucked in my breath, making certain he knew exactly what I was thinking. “Leave her alone, Sanchez. This is between you and me and you know why.”
He snorted, shaking his head. This really was nothing but a game to him. “You and I aren’t finished with this conversation. When you accuse a man of the law of something so heinous, then you will need to back us those accusations unless you want to find yourself behind bars.”
“Fuck you.” I smiled after issuing the words, allowing Aspen to pull me away. I’d done just enough damage I had a feeling everything would come to a head soon enough.
“We need to help the family, Montgomery. Listen to me.” She kept me walking backward, finally cupping my face, forcing me to look at her. “Look at me. Don’t let him get under your skin. Okay? Whatever beef you have with him, now is not the time to get into it.”
“You have no idea what that man is capable of doing,” I hissed, allowing her to drag me away. I noticed Joshua approaching, his face covered in sweat. “However, I have things under control. You’re going to need to trust me.”
After taking several deep breaths, Joshua darted a glance over his shoulder. He nodded to Aspen, an exhausted smile crossing his face. “We have it contained on our side. I don’t think the fire can jump at this point. The firefighters doused a good portion of the area surrounding the fence. You okay, Aspen?”
“I’m fine. No damage to the winery?” she asked.
“None that I could see, but a group of us will check out every vineyard in the morning.”
“I have a feeling this is just the beginning, Joshua. We’re going to need to strengthen our security,” I told him, grateful to have him working with me.
Joshua exhaled. “I figured that.”
“Make sure the men have everything they need.” I kept my eyes on Douglas and his family, clenching my fists. “Do me a favor. Make certain the horses have food and water. Then take the Kingstons to one of the villas. They can stay as long as they want.”
Joshua nodded as he wiped his face. “Don’t worry about the horses. They’re all safe. I’ll drive the family over. Is there anything else you need?”
I wasn’t certain he could understand the answer that remained in the forefront of my mind. “Not right now. We’ll talk about adding more security in the morning, including for the barns.”
“I’ll be ready. By the way, you did a good thing, Mr. Wolfe.”
After a few seconds, I locked eyes with his. “We’ve known each other far too long. You can call me Montgomery, Josh.”
Chuckling, he gave me another respectful nod before walking away. The anger refused to leave my system, my mind fixated on eliminating my enemy. I needed some kind of relief. I took Aspen’s hand, my grip firm. I needed some air and it had nothing to do with the stench of the fire. “Come with me.”
