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“We discovered a link between Randall and the Vice President of Acquisitions for the power company. There’s a little quid pro quo going on. Texas Power would acquire the land, then they’d scrap the project and sell it to Hedley for a song. Meanwhile, the VP gets a kickback.” Zegas clasped his hands on the table, a smug smile on his face.
“I’ve turned over the evidence to the district attorney,” the judge said. “Unbelievable those two would be stupid enough to email each other about their scheme.”
“What about the prairie chickens?” I asked.
“Since you can’t keep up with your phone, by the time we decided to pursue that avenue, the forensics were due back on the napkin. I decided to wait.” My lawyer rapped his knuckles. “Doesn’t matter if they’re here or not.”
“We’re not losing the ranch?” Leona fidgeted in her chair.
This was exactly why we’d wanted to settle this ourselves. The worry on my niece’s face was enough to make me want to punch something.
“No, honey. Nobody’s going anywhere.” Granddaddy winked at her.
“I’d appreciate it if the next time something important happens, you two don’t keep it from the rest of us,” Mama said.
“Price knows better now.” I shivered at my Grandmama’s tone. “My darlin’ boy does too.”
“Yes ma’am,” I said.
“He pulls stuff like this and he’s still your darling boy?” Mulaney huffed.
“And you’re my darlin’ girl.”
“What about me?” Mitch protested.
Grandmama pinched his cheek. “You’re my darlin’ angel.”
Mitch grinned. “Can’t top that.” Juliana elbowed him in the side. “What, honey? You know you can’t.”
I stood and extended my hand to Zegas. “Appreciate it.”
We shook.
“My work is done here,” he said, getting up from the table.
“Hold up a minute. I may need both of you.” I inclined my head toward him and the judge. “Can all of y’all stay in the house for two seconds? I need some privacy in the backyard.”
“Ruby, did you get it locked down for him?” Mulaney said, lifting her chin at me.
“Am I breathing?” she fired back.
“I mean it,” I said as I backed out the door. “No interruptions.”
I laughed to myself as the screen door slammed behind me. It was good to be home.
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Muriella
My brotherand I were silent as we walked. The wind blew, and I shivered when we stepped inside Ruby’s warm house. I returned to the kitchen, which was always the room where I felt most comfortable in any house. I sat in the chair I’d just vacated, and Carlos occupied the one where Ruby had sat.
“Stone’s pulling out all the stops, isn’t he?” I said, though I wasn’t displeased.
“I hope you don’t mind. I was going to let you contact me in your own time, but when Stone called, I wanted to come.” His English was smooth as he spoke with very little accent. I appreciated that he recognized how difficult it was for me to use our native language, that he understood it took me back to places I couldn’t be.
“I’m glad you did.” It still troubled me Carlos so closely resembled our father. He was difficult to look at, and it was a struggle for me to meet his eyes.
“I worried so often that I’d made a mistake when I put you on the ship. I didn’t know if it was a death sentence or your ticket to freedom.” He looked up toward the ceiling. “I never pray except for you and Mama, but I see my prayers were answered. You managed to find a family that loves you, and I couldn’t have chosen any better people for you to be with.”
