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I recognize that truck because it’s been parked outside my trailer too often.
Declan Eckhard.
Come to think of it…why the hell does a banker drive a semi when he’s not sporting that Tesla? What’s up with that?
It’s always struck me as bizarre, but right now, I’m overwhelmed with odd things.
On a hunch, I dig around in my glove compartment until I come up with a pen and a scrap of paper, then write down his license plate number.
I just want to know more about our friendly banker man, the supposed love of Sierra’s life.
That’s all. I’ll look it up later.
Right now, I’m worried about Libby, if Declan’s got her cornered here alone.
I know she can take care of herself. I know she’d probably shoot him as fast as she’d spit on his polished leather shoes.
Still, I don’t like the idea of her alone with him.
He’s a big man.
Exactly the type to try to muscle a woman if he doesn’t get his way.
I kill the engine, grab the beer, and step out, jumping the gate and heading for the porch. I stop just outside as I realize the door’s open, hanging by a crack, but hell.
I can hear everything going on inside.
It doesn’t sound good.
Sierra’s there, too. I know it because she’s the first voice I hear.
“You’re still being unreasonable, Libby. I can’t believe I’m wasting time trying to talk some sense into your stupid head,” she hisses.
“It’d be easier,” Libby bites off, “if we could talk alone for once. You don’t know everything, Sierra.”
“What don’t I know?” Sierra scoffs. “Other than that you’re being a controlling bi—”
“Now, now,” Declan says. “No need to resort to fighting words.”
My jaw clenches. I don’t like his tone. It’s like he’s talking to kids, trying to referee a fight over a toy, instead of talking to them like they’re grown women.
“Did I invite you to this discussion?” Libby retorts.
I almost grin.
There’s my little firecracker.
“There’s nothing you can tell me that you can’t tell Declan,” Sierra huffs, and through the crack in the door I can just make out her folding her arms over her chest. “In fact, if there’s a ghost town out there, he’s the best person to talk to. He knows culture.”
Culture, my ass.
He’s good at faking it, sure. But that man wouldn’t know culture, class, or tact if it smashed him in the chin.
He proves it when he says, “If you’re really interested in keeping your land, the town’s probably crawling with priceless artifacts. Antiques and collectibles that could be worth more than the land itself. Sell it off, and you’ll be in a perfect position to buy out Sierra’s portion of the inheritance.”
“Excuse me,” Sierra says. “Anything in that town is my portion, too. It’s just as much mine as Libby’s, and if we’re gonna sell—”
“We can’t sell,” Libby says, her voice rising furiously, then cracking. “Sierra…I have to talk to you alone. Okay? Alone. Not with Declan. Not with anyone else. Just you and me. Family.”
I can hear the smirk in Declan’s voice, even if all I can see of him is a burly shoulder in a pinstriped suit. “Tough luck, Libby. I’m not leaving unless Sierra wants me gone. This is her house, too.”
Libby sucks a long breath, winding up. “You overbearing piece of—”
Shit.
I know that tone in her voice.
She’s about one second away from murder in the first degree if her shotgun’s anywhere in reach.
I know I need to mind my own business.
I also know I can’t stand to let her make a fatal mistake.
Hoisting the six-pack of beer like it’s all I’ve got on my mind, I throw the door open, stepping in and raising my voice. “Libby, hey, I brought beer if you—”
I stop just inside, where I can see into the open kitchen. Everyone’s eyes whip toward me.
“Oh, hell. Didn’t realize you had company. Clumsy me.”
Libby’s eyes are a little too wide, too stressed.
She looks like a spooked horse. Sierra looks guilty.
Declan, he just looks annoyed, and he draws himself up, opening his mouth like he’s about to steamroll me.
I don’t give him the chance.
I flash him my coldest damn smile.
“And by company, I mean I didn’t realize some folks don’t know when they’ve overstayed their welcome,” I growl out. “This may be Sierra’s house, Mr. Eckhard, but it’s not yours. Unless you want to get hauled out of here by Sheriff Langley, I’d suggest you move your ass wherever Libby wants it.”
Declan narrows his eyes, sizing me up like he’s trying to decide where to hit first. “I don’t remember you being invited, Silverton. Never mind the fact we’re still in a legal agreement…”
“I told you I can’t fucking help you. And you know what?” I smile wider, showing all my teeth. “If you’re so hard up for cash, you can keep the deposit I gave you for purchasing the property. Agreement’s off. I don’t want my money back after your grubby hands have been all over it, and as soon as I take this to the city council and file for historical interest, you won’t get your paws on that, either. Now. Libby. You said you wanted to talk to Sierra alone, right?”
