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“I find it infuriating that I need to track you down on your personal cell phone.”
He paused. “I was just about to call you.”
“Right. I’d forgotten what good friends your father was with mine. Let’s see. Were you strong-armed into working for William Wentworth or did you do it willingly?” I allowed the words to sink in. “I was scratching my head trying to figure out why you hadn’t gotten back to me when my fiancée and a reporter were able to find certain aspects of what I hired you to do without breaking a sweat.”
“Look, I can explain, Riggs. Your father wanted to make certain your interests were kept intact. And I was pushed into doing so.”
“That a crock of shit, buddy, and you know it. My interests? What would those be? In this ranch? What was your cut if it sold?”
“That would be unprofessional of me,” Adam insisted. “I could get disbarred.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Are you working with Blue Waters?”
“Hell, no. From what I found out, the two men who were killed in Billings were about to go public with accusations regarding them and their business activities.”
“For what reason?” I’d heard all about what Bryce had discovered.
“Attempted extortion. They owned several large pieces of property Blue Waters was interested in. They made several offers that weren’t accepted. So they began a crusade that ultimately ended in their murders. This is all hearsay at this point. However, there’s no doubt they became a sharp thorn in the developer’s side. Sadly, there’s not enough evidence to prove the men were murdered, but that’s the working theory. There won’t be unless someone can identify the corporate members and a smoking gun. I do know the Feds have become involved.”
“Because of the chemical used to start the fires?”
“Well, that’s one reason.”
“What aren’t you telling me?” I growled.
“If I provide you with that information and I’m wrong, I won’t be allowed to practice law getting people out of parking tickets.”
Snorting, I lowered my voice to make certain Wren didn’t hear me. “And if you don’t, you won’t have an opportunity to practice law at all. I’ll make a few phone calls and let the attorney general know you’re on the take. And trust me, he’s a damn good friend of mine.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Watch me.”
“Does the name Bart Michaels mean anything to you?”
Stiffening, I fisted my hand, taking several deep breaths. “Go on.”
He hesitated, his ragged breathing an indication he knew I was serious. “Fine, but there’s something else you need to know first.”
“What’s that?”
“As your attorney of record and your registered agent, I was served with a subpoena today.”
“From whom?”
“Abigail and Roger Foster. You have a court date in one month. They’re seeking full custody of Justin.”
CHAPTER17
Wren
A cold chill remained in every muscle. I hadn’t been able to get rid of it since Phoenix had left. He’d been entirely different than he had been on the porch just minutes before. Whatever had transpired in those phone calls had altered his mood. Now I was worried to death about what he was doing. He’d been gone only thirty minutes and already I was antsy.
Sighing, I finally walked away from the fire, grabbing my glass of wine and easing down on the couch. I couldn’t relax enough to sit back. There was no reason for it. The foreman had dropped by not ten minutes after Phoenix had left, introducing himself, telling me he was going to take a ride around the entire ranch just to make certain everything was in order. He’d also given me his phone number.
The doors were locked, the weapon Phoenix had given me earlier tucked away where Justin couldn’t get ahold of it. That wasn’t why I was nervous. I had no problem defending this family, but the nagging had more to do with the suspicions that seemed to be spiraling out of control.
I’d made Bryce promise that she wouldn’t repeat what she’d found to anyone until I’d had a chance to talk with Phoenix. I’d planned on doing so tonight, even if I felt sick inside, worried what it would do.
