by Piper Stone
“It’s not about money, at least for me. I did everything I could to protect the ranchers for as long as possible, all of them, including your father. When they refused to sell initially, Holmes made it very uncomfortable for the families. Then another deal came along. The money Holmes offered was all the ranchers would listen to at that point. An out.”
They’d been blackmailed in some regard. Standing at my full height, I rubbed my temple as I thought about how to handle this. “Is there any way out of this contract?”
“The contract itself is legitimate. The only way out is if the entire amount is repaid by the end of the month.”
I nodded several times, trying to regroup. “And I suppose that Holmes wants nothing to do with purchasing any of these ranches for a decent price?”
“Why would that option be on the table any longer, Jack? Think about it. Your father missed a payment, a stipulation in the contract. All they have to do is wait. That happened to more than half of the ranchers around here. Hell, your father held out longer than anyone. His property is one of the largest plots and smack in the middle of all the others. Prime property, if you understand what I mean.”
Oh, I understood all right. Whatever Holmes really wanted the ranch for had yet to be divulged.
Bob groaned. “All John had to do was agree to sell, but he refused. He just... Well, he refused every offer.”
Anger boiled within me, the kind that created murderous images in my mind. “What exactly are these people building?” The slight hesitation told me everything I needed to know. Snapping my head, I glared at him. “What. Casinos? Is that what we’re talking about here?”
Bob swallowed more than once, taking a long stride away from the desk. Yeah, I could definitely take a swing at the man. I knew he had a family, which forced me to rein in my anger to some degree.
“Tell me, you bastard!”
“I can’t tell you anything, Jack. You have to believe me. These are... dangerous people. If they knew I even told you what I have, they’d kill me or my family. I was worried for your father. I tried to talk to him, but John is hardheaded.” His laugh was shaky at best.
I could easily tell he wasn’t lying about this portion of the story. He was terrified. Taking several deep breaths, I smoothed out the papers, folding them before shoving them into my back pocket. “Yeah, like father, like son.”
“Don’t do anything stupid, Jack. Please. I’ll try and see if I can convince them to allow your father to sell, but at least he received a tidy sum when he signed the contract.”
As if fifty thousand dollars was anything in comparison to what the ranch was worth. I knew one thing for certain. Holmes wasn’t planning on building a damn thing. They only wanted the land. “This isn’t over, Bob. Not by a longshot.”
“Jack, please. You don’t want to be on their bad side.”
I snickered as I headed for the door, turning only long enough to smile and issue one last statement. “They have no idea who they’re messing with. You can go right ahead and tell them that. I’ll be their worst nightmare.”
I shot out of his office and the building without turning back. By the time I got to the truck, I was winded from rage and adrenaline. I would do everything that it took to develop a plan. The bastards couldn’t do this. Not to my father. Not to the community.
There was one distinctive reason why they wanted the land. What if I was right? What then? There had to be surveys completed, reports compiled. I doubted Holmes used anyone with any ties to the community to do it. They would never have been spotted, not with the number of acres devoid of anything but trees and grass. I’d take this all the way to the courthouse if I had to.
There were too many pieces of the puzzle that didn’t make any sense. What the hell was I missing?
I drove around for almost an hour, trying to figure out what to do. By the point when I was close to the ranch, I’d come to the determination that without a hell of a lot of capital, I had no chance of besting a corporation. The legitimate side of Holmes and the board of directors had been easy enough to find. They also had stockholders. I had to wonder how many of those owning the damn stock had any idea who they were dealing with. Maybe these folks had no idea deceitful activities were going on. Hell, maybe they did, even encouraging what was going on.
Greed.
Everyone had a price.
There was no way of squelching the rage and as I pulled down the driveway, hearing my phone ring didn’t do anything but add to my dark mood. I’d also be forced to deal with Summer, something I wasn’t looking forward to. Yanking the phone from my pocket, I glared at the screen. Riley. This couldn’t be good. “Does that mean you found something?”
“What’s going on? Trouble in paradise? Your message was heavy, dude.” Riley laughed until he heard my ragged breathing. “Seriously, what’s going on?”
“Let’s see. I can’t trust Summer at all. That’s number one. Number two? There’s no way to save the ranch. The guy I know from the bank was in on this scheme the entire time.”
“Whoa. Meaning what?”
“Meaning, the plan was to force sales for the land, not the damn buildings. They could give two fucks about the ranches themselves.”
Riley snorted. “For what purpose?”
“No idea.”
“Well, you are in Texas, buddy. Did you ever think there might be oil on your dad’s land? You said they’re all connected so if it’s a big enough find, this company could be very rich quickly.”
“Oil.” I sucked in my breath. That was the perfect scenario, but still dicey in my mind. “Could be. Sadly, it doesn’t matter. I don’t have the weight to fight Holmes. I also have no evidence that the company did anything wrong.”
Yet...
“Holmes. Didn’t you mention them before? This the corporation you were talking about?” Riley asked slowly.
I heard the glitch in his voice and slowed down. “Yeah, they’re the corporation trying to purchase everything in the county, it seems. Why?”
“Well... You’re not going to like what I have to say.”
“Just fuckin’ say it, Riley. I don’t have time or energy to play any more games. Had enough of that shit to last me a lifetime.”
“Well, you might be right about Summer, so you need to listen to everything I’m about to say. What I’m about to tell you might involve the biggest game of all.”
* * *
I pulled the truck next to Pop’s Ram, allowing the engine to idle. There was no way not to notice Summer riding Duchess in the corral.
I held my breath for a few seconds, watching her ride. She was tense, almost as much as I was. What the hell was I supposed to do now?
Dad stood by the fence, no doubt coaching her on how to ride. She looked magnificent in her tight jeans and bright red tee shirt, her copper-colored hair flowing in the warm Texas breeze. My heart was heavy as I cut the engine, trying to calm my anger as well as my nerves. At first nothing had made any sense, especially what Riley had told me, but then everything became crystal clear.
All the lies.
All the secrets.
All the bullshit.
It had all come down to kiting my family out of what was rightfully theirs. There were no fairytales, no beautiful endings.
But there would be an end.
I jumped out of the cab, taking long strides toward the corral. I didn’t waste any time before jumping over the fence.
“Son. How did things go?” Dad asked. I didn’t stop, nor did I answer. I had no idea what to say to him at this moment, but first things first.
Dealing with the traitor.
Duchess snorted, turning immediately when she noticed my entrance. Her long mane and flared nostrils seemed more regal than ever before as she trotted toward me. I couldn’t help but notice the smile on Summer’s face, her eagerness about riding a horse evident in her grin and shimmering skin. I was taken aback by her beauty, as I always was, only this time, everything was different.
“Jack. I’m glad you’re back and you’re right, we need to talk,” she said as she pulled on the reins, her legs stiffening as she attempted to slow Duchess. “I was afraid something had happened to you.”
“Now, what could have happened to me?” I snagged the reins then grabbed her arm, yanking her off the horse.
“Ouch. You’re still angry with me.” Summer dropped on her feet, stumbling forward until she was forced to slap her hand against my chest.
“You have no idea why I’m furious with you.” I laughed bitterly as I glared into her eyes. I wanted to believe in her innocence, but I’d learned the hard way, there was no such thing.
“What else happened?”
“Why don’t we start with this? You went into town all by yourself yesterday. Why? To see our banker? To seal my father’s fate and finalize him losing his ranch?”
“What?”
I shook her arm. “You heard me. Answer. The. Question. Now.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Daddy. You know why I went into town, to purchase groceries. That was it.” Summer searched my eyes.
“There’s no daddy bullshit any longer. That bit is over. I was a complete fool.”
“No. No! We need to talk. Please.” Her voice was beseeching.
“Is everything all right?” Dad asked, concern lacing his voice.
“No, Pops. Nothing is all right and it’s never going to be okay again. Isn’t that right, Summer Carter? No, wait. That’s not right. Is it? That was just the start of your lies.”
“I’m sorry?” Narrowing her eyes, she tipped her head, but she knew I’d caught her.
“Or should I call you Summer Holmes, stepdaughter of Jonathan Holmes, owner of Holmes Enterprises and the very entity trying to steal my father’s land for the oil rights? Interesting company your stepdaddy has there. How much of it is actually legitimate?”
“What?” I heard my father’s voice, confused and full of apprehension. Then I heard the creaking of the hinges as he walked inside the corral. “What in blazing hell are you talking about?”
Funny how Summer remained completely silent, her eyes darting back and forth. She appeared guiltier than I’d ever seen her.
She also looked as if her world had just crumbled, everything she believed in coming to an end.
Damn it.
“You have nothing to say for yourself?” I demanded, my grip on her arm tightening. I wanted to turn her over my knees and throttle her for all the lies. I couldn’t think clearly, had no idea how to handle this.
“I... I can explain and I’m ready to,” she managed, her face flushing the most beautiful shade of rose. “That’s what I need to talk to you about.”
“You’re right, sweetheart. You have a hell of a lot of explaining to do. Did your father order you to find me, knowing I was the single source that could have put a cog into his ruse? Did you really think that pretending to give a shit about me would push me into convincing my father to sell or were you simply a distraction until the ridiculous terms of the contract could take over?”
“Jack, you don’t understand,” she struggled to say, her eyes pleading with me.
“Oh, I think I do. No wonder you weren’t telling me anything about your stepfather. You wanted to appear like a lost waif, needing my assistance and terrified of this man finding you. You really are a damn good actress. Jesus. You are a piece of work.”
“Are you crazy? My terror wasn’t a lie. I hate him. He’s an evil man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. I was running away from him and still am. I told you that.” Summer’s lower lip quivered when she talked. “He’s a monster and I hate him. I only suspected what he was doing after we arrived. I wanted to make certain before I said anything. I knew you wouldn’t understand.”
“Uh-huh. Bullshit. But you’re right about not understanding. I fell into the game you’re playing. You’re good, lady. You really are. You should win an Academy Award for your performance. As far as I can tell, everything you told me was a lie. Everything.” Disgusted, I dug my fingers into her skin. I couldn’t fathom I hadn’t seen through her.
“Calm down, son. Whatever is going on, we can talk about it.”
I could tell how upset my father was, but there was a spark of care in his words as well. She’d managed to work on him while I was sitting at a bar drowning my sorrows. What a fucking idiot I was.
“She’ll undoubtedly spout off more crap, Pops. Unbelievable.”
“No. No!” Summer tried to jerk away, cursing under her breath. “That bastard. I knew he had a hand in this. I was trying to find out just how much. Okay? I was trying to help you! Ask your father. Jonathan will do anything to get what he wants. You don’t know him.”
“That I can agree with. Apparently, I also don’t know you. Are you really his stepchild or are you his flesh and blood?” I knew the question was damning, could see the expression of hurt covering every inch of her lovely face. At this point, I simply didn’t give a shit.
“Would you explain to me what the hell is going on? She told me that her stepfather is dangerous and I believe her.” My father was incensed, flanking my side.
“A lot more to it, Pops.”
“Are you trying to tell me that Summer has something to do with the contract I signed? I’ve never seen her before. Hell, I’ve never seen anyone from Holmes Enterprises either, except on the internet.”
“No!” Summer yelped. “I had nothing to do with whatever Jonathan is doing. As I said, I only had a feeling, but I needed to be certain. He’s cunning and manipulative. I may have a way out of this, if you’ll listen to me.”
A feeling. I ignored her, turning my attention to my bewildered father. “It’s a long and very sordid story, Pops. Not certain you want to hear the unseemly details,” I snarked, shaking my head as I laughed. “You really thought you could get away with this, didn’t you, Summer?”
“Please, tell me what happened at the bank,” she insisted, all her verve taken away. “Maybe I can help. I think I can. In fact, I know I can.”
“Trust me, little girl. When I’m finished with you, you’re going to be doing a lot of explaining to the sheriff. Pretending to be someone you’re not. No doubt extortion. Hell, the basic accusations with regard to Holmes suggest a level of criminal activity that shocks even me. So I ask you, what else were you going to steal? I can think of a million other things you’ve done. And to think I actually cared about you. What the fuck is wrong with me?”
“I’m not a thief. I didn’t know anything until I saw the contract. Jack, you have to believe me. I wasn’t lying to you about my hatred of him or my fear. I had to get away from Jonathan. He’s a brutal bastard with no regard for anyone but himself. But I...” When she looked down at the dirt, I almost lost my shit.
“You saw the contract. See?” I let her go, pacing the corral as Duchess whinnied. The horse had always known when I was in a pissed-off mood.
“I thought I saw her leave my office night before last,” my father commented. “What does all this mean?”
I gave him a sideways glance then closed the distance once again, pointing my finger in her face. “Tell me everything. Tell me exactly what your stepfather is planning and leave nothing out. You owe me and my father that at least.”
“Please. You have to believe me. I don’t know what Jonathan is trying to do with your land, but the contract is certainly one of his tactics.” Her pleading was falling on deaf ears. “He’s a ruthless businessman who thinks he can strong-arm people into selling their properties. That’s just one of his businesses. I don’t know all of them and I don’t want to know, but the man and his friends are dangerous. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“And you couldn’t have told me this before? You couldn’t have trusted me enough?”
“I didn’t know!” Summer groaned, darting her eyes back and forth.
“Why don’t we go inside and talk about this?” my father suggested, placing his hand on my arm. “You�
�re right. I need to hear everything. If there’s something unscrupulous going on, I want to know about it. Then we’ll figure out a plan.”
“Are you going to tell him?” I demanded, hissing under my breath. I was seething, my anger level off the charts. I’d never been used this way before and there was no such thing as coincidences. Her arrival on the rig was far too convenient. The fact she’d been able to get close to me meant she was an astute manipulator.
Summer opened then closed her mouth.
“Now, you’re fucking quiet.” I rubbed my eyes, exhaustion mixing with anger. “I went to the bank, Dad. Seems good old Bob Simpkins was coerced into helping Holmes obtain just about every ranch in the area. It also seems that your land is vital to their operation, which I suspect has everything to do with obtaining the oil rights.” The words sank in, my father opening his eyes wide.
“Well, I’ll be damned. I knew we had some oil underneath all this land, but I certainly didn’t realize anyone else had found out.” My dad half laughed after issuing the statement.
I twisted my head in his direction, more flabbergasted than ever. “You knew there was oil in this dirt?”
“Oh, hell, son. Don’t look so surprised. Fertile spots are everywhere crisscrossing the land. From what I was told a few years ago, not enough to get all worked up about.” Squinting from the sun, he shielded his eyes. “Is it true that you’re Jonathan Holmes daughter?”
“Stepdaughter. I certainly have a birth certificate to prove my mother is Sarah Carter, daughter of the Carter family out of Miami,” she shot back, folding her arms and taking a long stride backward. “I’d like to say I can’t believe he’d do something like this, but I know better. He thinks he can rule the world and get what he wants. He has money, clout, and enough dirt on various politicians and lawmen to keep them looking the other way. That’s why I ran. I didn’t want to be a part of his world. Don’t you see that?”