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“Who's there?” He asked.
“An old friend? A brother? I'm not sure what I am these days,” Kenneth said from behind the door.
“Get away from my property. I do not want to speak to you,” Hayden said.
“Sure, you do. I reckon that is one thing you want more than anything at this time. You just don't want to admit it because my brother had told you that it would be a terrible move for you to speak to me. That's okay. That's fine.”
“Is he wrong?” Hayden asked. There was silence for a time then Kenneth spoke.
“Are you going to ask that from behind a closed door or are you going to come out and ask me that like a man?” He asked.
Hayden felt a flicker of rage within him, and he opened the door then came out. He stood a few inches shorter than the man who looked more like a bear than a man.
“What do you want?” He asked. He noticed that Kenneth had looked past him and was now looking at Lenanee who was behind him.
“Hello ma'am,” he said.
“What do you want? You have given us your document and we consulted with our lawyers then we refused. There is nothingmore for you,” she said to him, and he sighed then blew breath through puffed cheeks.
“Why does it have to be like this? Why can't we…”
“We can't do that. State your business and get out,” Hayden said. Kenneth raised his hands in mock surrender.
“It is a good deal, Hayden. I'd advise you to take it. It's the best one you'll get. Trust me.”
“And why should he trust you?” Austin said from behind him, and he turned to see the man standing there with his arms folded across his chest. Kenneth chuckled a little.
“I see how it is. The both of you I have loved you, haven't I?” He asked. Austin walked up to him with a shake of his head.
“Quit it, Kenneth. You will never have this place.”
“Never say never, Austin. Never say never,” he said and walked away. He reached out to clap Austin's shoulder and the man turned to look at him. He hung his hand in the air for a while then he sighed and returned it to his pocket.
“See you soon,” he said. Austin watched him walk away and only after he drove off did, he speak to Hayden.
“Did you say anything to him?” He asked. Hayden shook his head.
“I didn't.”
“That's good then. That's good,” Austin said.
“What can he do, really? I think he just wants to taunt us and when he gets tired, he'll run back to his company and tell them he was not successful,” Hayden said, though a part of him knew that wasn't quite true.
“He won't do that. He is not a man that goes back empty handed. He will try to find what he came to look for by all means. That is his way.”
“Well, are you going to come inside or…” Lenanee asked from the doorway. Austin looked at her then at Hayden who nodded with a half-smile.
Austin walked in with him, a smile on his face. He looked back at where Kenneth left, and he knew he would return soon.
†
The morning was cold, but Austin felt hot, a bead of sweat trickling down his brow. Hayden rode behind him, a grin etched on his face as they traversed the expansive terrain of their ranch.
"It's been a while since I raced," Hayden declared, his voice carrying the thrill of the moment. "Apart from that race we had, but... it's been too long, and I've missed it." He inhaled deeply, savoring the crisp air tinged with the scent of grass.
The routine exploration of the property took a turn as they approached a ridge that offered a view of their domain. The distant mountains painted silhouettes against the early sky, and the sun cast long shadows over the open fields, creating a serene backdrop for their journey.
As they enjoyed the ride, the routine was shattered by an unexpected sight – a plume of smoke rising in the distance. Hayden's grin faded, replaced by a furrowed brow.
