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“The one thing about these real estate developers,” Bryce said. “They like to keep the big projects under wraps until everything is in place and it’s not unheard of that they develop a second, third, or fourth dummy corporation in an attempt to keep the information private. At least I couldn’t find anything on Blue Waters. It’s like they don’t exist.”
“But you’re certain about the victims in the Billings fire?” I asked, memorizing the corporation’s name.
“I have a good friend in the sheriff’s department here. The two victims had been very vocal with the county about not allowing them to approve the sister resort being considered. They got themselves on television more than once.”
“They were killed on the land they were trying to protect.”
“Which has led to accusations being thrown around that they started the fire to make the area undesirable. I know what you told me, but from what my buddy discovered, there are two distinct sites for the proposed resort. I wish I could tell you more, including identifying the owners,” she said as she sighed. “I hate sharks.”
“So I’ve heard, and you’ve really helped.”
“Good. I’ll let you know if I find anything else.”
“Thanks again.” As I ended the call, I stood staring out at the night sky for a few seconds. This was all about developing resorts? While greed played a significant role in big business all the time, there were too many oddities and red flags I didn’t like. Well, it wasn’t going to be solved tonight, but at least I could provide some meat for Adam to chew on.
Then I would call my father.
Exhaling, I walked back into the house, half expecting to hear Justin in an uproar. When I heard absolutely nothing, my curiosity got the better of me and I walked toward his room as quietly as possible.
Seeing him with the puppy had reminded me just how much he loved animals. As I neared, I heard Wren’s voice. She was telling him a story.
“So he eased down the mountain carrying not one but two puppies in his arms,” she said.
“He saved them from the fire?”
“Yes, he did. He risked his own life doing so. That makes him a hero.”
I moved closer, trying to catch a glimpse of the two of them. What in the world was she reading to him?
“Hero,” Justin repeated.
“So remember those nights when Daddy goes away, he’s going to be a hero all over again.” There was so much emotion in Wren’s voice. She was talking about me.
I leaned against the wall, closing my eyes. I’d never told Justin what I did. I’d been too afraid he’d be terrified, but she’d made my job sound like I was some kind of superhero.
She had no idea just how wrong she was.
“And the puppies lived happily ever after in their new home,” she whispered. “Good night, Justin. Good night, Chewy.”
When Justin didn’t say anything, I couldn’t resist popping my head inside just as Wren was getting up. She turned to face me and realized she’d been caught. As she smiled, the way she looked at me shot straight to my heart.
Just like the words she’d said earlier, the ones I’d refused to acknowledge. God, I was a shit for a man.
As she walked closer, her eyes never left mine. She turned off the light and I pulled the door closed. We remained silent as we headed for the kitchen. She said nothing as she refilled her wine, not asking before pouring another whiskey and sliding the glass in my direction.
We stared at each other for a few seconds. When she walked out of the room, I followed behind her, smiling as she tossed her head over her shoulder before heading out the front door, but not before beckoning me with a single finger. Who was I to deny the lady?
I walked out, moving beside her as she stood leaning over the railing.
“You were telling a pretty powerful story there, little bird.”
“Mmm… You listened in.”
“Only the last part. What made you tell the story?”
“Because you are a hero,” she said without looking in my direction. “You protect nature and animals, people and beautiful locations at the possible expense of your life. I think that qualifies you as a hero.”
Sighing, I glanced up at the moon. “That just means I take my job seriously. If you hang around long enough, you’re going to learn I’m not the person you think I am.”
