“Relax. It went real smooth. Well, except for Miss Sierra’s new boyfriend. First, he drags those horses out through the flames likes he’s Superman, then he starts poking around. Says the fire was suspicious. Acts like he’s a detective or somethin’.”
“Is he? Where’d he come from? I want a name.”
“Hall. That’s all I know. A writer, not a cop. He don’t know jack about ranchin’. Looks to me like he has the hots for Miss Sierra. He was just trying to impress her. I’m thinkin’ if I was to arrange a little accident for him or her that might do the trick. Finally blast her out of here.”
“I don’t pay you to think.”
“I ain’t stupid. They can call it arson but nobody has a clue it was me behind it. I knocked down some more fence, which they’ll notice before too long. Especially when some cattle go missing. They’ll think that’s how whoever set the fire got in.”
“I thought she put in some fancy security system.”
“Not on the fences. Now listen to me. Miss Sierra’s already a gimp. A little accident now would put her down for quite a while. Her brother just got here. Next, her mama will probably show up. Wouldn’t be surprised if the family drags her back to Houston. The new boyfriend is a Yankee, a city guy. He might go caveman and take her away himself.”
“You don’t know a damn thing about women, do you?” The voice hardened. “You really think she’ll leave because her family or a boyfriend says so?”
“She was already struggling to make this place work. She’s been keeping that a secret, but I know things. Her family’s rich but she don’t take money from them. If insurance don’t pay her claim right away, she won’t have her horses back for a long time. But they’re still eating on her dime.” He chuckled.
“Puts her in a tight spot, that’s for sure. No money for a new barn. Horses staying elsewhere and feed bills mounting up while insurance takes its sweet time investigating. Cattle have been dying on top of that.”
“She was real shook up about letting those horses go, I tell you. Said there’s no point in building a new barn until they catch whoever set the fire in the first place. But we know that’s not going to happen.”
“Don’t get too full of yourself. That leads to mistakes.”
“I tell you, I’m onto something. Miss Sierra is right on the edge of giving up. One more bad thing happens and she’ll be happy to sell and move on. I guarantee it.”
“You can’t guarantee spit. You don’t make a move without my say-so, you hear me?”
“Loud and clear. Now you hear me. I expect ten thousand dollars in my special bank account by tomorrow or I’m liable to drop a hint to the sheriff that she needs to look at some of the investors behind that senior place.”
“You threatening me?”
“No, just laying my cards on the table. I took all the risk here. You want to keep your part a secret, pay up.” Darrel ended the call and looked around, pleased that he’d thought of that. Not paid to think. By damn, he was smarter than anyone gave him credit for, always had been. He wanted enough money to get out of this one-stoplight town.
Maybe he’d go ahead with his own plan. Sometimes the big shots forgot what worked.
Yeah, he could arrange a little accident for Ms. Sierra MacKenzie. Not a real bad one. She’d always treated him fair. Of course the job didn’t pay enough to keep him in new boots. Couldn’t even afford a brake job for his pickup. If she’d just let him drive her truck, he wouldn’t care. But no, she kept reminding him about that old DUI on his record.
Well, he’d show her. A little accident. He had just the thing. Putting the truck in gear, he headed out. No one would know he was behind it because they underestimated him. Always had. He’d show ’em who had the smarts around here. Then he’d take off for greener pastures. He pumped the brakes when one of Sierra’s cows strolled into the road through the broken fence and he almost hit her. He sat there for a moment until it wandered over to the other side and into a ditch with fresh clover. Perfect. Oh, yeah. This was going to be good. For him. Not so hot for the boss lady.
Chapter Twelve
“They think I started the fire myself?” Sierra slammed her fist into her palm. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“Calm down, sis. It’s a knee-jerk reaction. What all insurance companies go for first when arson is suspected.” Dylan tried to take her into his arms. Sierra wasn’t having it.
“You told them about my horses, didn’t you? How they were trapped? What they mean to me?” She turned to Rhett. “You were a witness. They can interview both of us about that night. Darrel too.”
Dylan paced and ran a hand through his hair. “I know. Believe me, the agent and investigator got an earful from me. By the time I got through with them, they were backing off. Even the firemen could verify that you and Hall had smoke inhalation issues after saving the horses.” He nodded at Rhett. “The insurance people will want statements from both of you. Don’t go anywhere, Hall.”
“I wasn’t planning on it. Not unless Sierra kicks me out. Right now I doubt she has the strength for it. She had a rough day.” He gestured toward the hidden bar. “How about a glass of wine, Sierra? I wouldn’t mind a drink myself.”
Rhett knew she was hanging on by a thread. They’d gotten a pretty cold shoulder in the store where they’d gone after lunch. The man running the Trading Post had been happy to see Rhett’s credit card but not so happy to see Sierra. He was another store owner who was all for the new development. When Rhett had gone into a dressing room to try on some new jeans and shirts, apparently the guy had unloaded on her. Rhett had come out to find her almost in tears. She wouldn’t talk about it but he’d decided to wait before buying boots. He’d be damned if he’d spend any more money than necessary with the asshole who had put that look on her face.
“Wine? Yes, I’ll have white. Dylan?”
“I’m going to pass for now.” He studied his sister’s face. “Rough day? What happened?”
“More of the usual. It seems everybody in town wants me to sell. I’m not feeling the love.” She sat on the couch and put her leg on the coffee table, her sock hitting so hard she winced.
Rhett recognized that move and obviously so did her brother.
Dylan frowned. “Nobody’s going to push you out of here. You have my word on that, kid.”
“Thanks. So it’s war. That should be fun.” Sierra smiled and rubbed her calf. “Now tell us what you’ve found out.”
“I got a report back from my investigator on that Dallas company. I don’t like what was in it.” Dylan picked up a sheaf of papers from the desk. “I’ve got copies for you both. Since the Yankee here came up clean, I’m figuring he’s on our side in this.”
“Hey, thanks.” Rhett pushed the button for the hidden bar. That raised Dylan’s eyebrows but didn’t stop him from handing over a stack of printouts.
“It looks like Oxcart Development is into some shady practices. Burning down your barn isn’t typical, but applying pressure on landowners is.” Dylan dropped the papers in Sierra’s lap. “Let me explain.”
“I can read.” Sierra’s voice sounded surly as she started looking through the stack.
Rhett opened the bottle of wine he’d pulled out of the minifridge. He recognized the attitude. His own sister would be just as resistant to her big brother trying to take charge. He poured Sierra a generous glass then splashed bourbon into a tumbler for himself.
“Sierra, I’m sure it would be easier if we let your lawyer here explain what he found out. I for one don’t relish reading a bunch of legal mumbo jumbo.” Rhett handed her the wine and sat beside her. “You are going to make this simple, aren’t you, Dylan?”
“Sure.” Dylan actually smiled. “This company likes to swoop into small towns like Muellerville and allow the locals to buy a small stake in the development. They’ve already done it in New Mexico and Arizona. The
n they start buying up land for the senior living projects. I found out that these deals can be real moneymakers, especially if run right. Unfortunately, Oxcart isn’t known for follow-through. They put up cheap housing and never finish all the amenities promised in their brochures. The city councils in the little towns give them big tax breaks to get them to come in the first place, but unless a new investor is found to complete the project, it’s usually a failure.”
“So I’d be smart not to give in to this pressure to sell.” Sierra sat up from where she’d slumped against the cushions.
“Maybe, maybe not.” Dylan walked over to the bar and fixed himself a drink. “I’ve been thinking. Muellerville really is perfectly situated geographically for this kind of project.”
“Not you too!” Sierra threw the papers on the coffee table.
“Well, it is. The triangle of Houston, San Antonio and Austin with this town in the middle of it? I’m surprised no one has taken advantage of it before.” He stepped closer. “Come on, you know it too. But we sure as hell can’t let a group like Oxcart take it on.” He sipped his drink and smiled. “Daddy sure knew his bourbon.”
“Stick to the subject.” Sierra stared at him.
“I’m going to Dallas. I want a face-to-face with these people. It’ll be hard to prove that anyone there arranged your barn fire, but it sure looks like something they might do.” Dylan finished his drink then crunched the ice cube. “Let me see what I can arrange. I promise you I will not let you lose your ranch. Okay?”
“How can you promise that? Have you looked at my books? If the insurance won’t pay for my barn…” Sierra gulped her wine. “Well, I won’t let the family bail me out. Keep that in mind.”
“Don’t worry. We’ve had years to get used to your stubborn, independent spirit.” Dylan set his empty glass on the bar. “Here’s my plan: There’s a plane leaving Houston for Dallas in three hours and I’m going to be on it. If anyone from Oxcart calls you, don’t answer. I want to surprise them.”
“No problem. I’ve already told them what I think.” Sierra finished her wine then walked over and hugged her brother. “Thanks for jumping in on this. Be careful. I already didn’t like those people, and what you just shared doesn’t make me feel any better about them.”
“Then we’re on the same page. I will be careful.” Dylan locked eyes with Rhett, who stood behind Sierra. “You. Watch my sister. She already had one close call. Too many people feel like she’s standing in the way of prosperity around here. I don’t like it one damned bit.”
“Neither do I. Don’t worry, I’m not letting her out of my sight.” Rhett extended his hand.
“I didn’t say go that far.” Dylan’s handshake became a contest of strength.
Sierra gave her brother a hip bump. “Leave him alone. I’ve got my guns and know how to use them. If I want Rhett here, he’s staying. On your way or you’ll miss your flight. Let me know what you find out.”
“I certainly will. Be careful yourself. I don’t like this talk of guns or letting a stranger stay here.” Dylan gave Rhett one more warning look before he stalked off toward his bedroom. He returned in minutes with his hanging bag. With a wave, he was gone.
“He loves this kind of challenge.” Sierra pulled her buzzing phone out of her pocket. “This had better not be… Oh, it’s Darrel. What’s up?” She pressed the phone to her ear. “Not again! I’ll be right there. North or south? Four-wheeler? Sure. Give me a few minutes.” She ended the call.
“What is it?” Rhett finished his own drink and set down his glass. “Sierra?”
“Fence is down and some cattle got out. I knew we should have stopped at the sheriff’s office in town. Darrel said it was probably the way whoever torched my barn got onto the property. I wonder if Myra knew about that fence?” She walked toward the kitchen where she’d left her boots. “I have to meet Darrel at the fence line. He’s trying to herd all the loose cattle back inside the opening.” She ran a hand over her face. “God knows if he’ll find all of them. Damn it, I didn’t need this right now!”
“How can I help?” Rhett sat down to put on his boots. He wasn’t about to let her go alone.
“I’m taking one of the four-wheelers out there with the fencing supplies. You know anything about fencing?” She stomped her foot into her second boot.
“I know enough not to grab barbed wire bare-handed.” He tried to coax a smile out of her. It worked.
“I’m sure you won’t forget that lesson.” She laughed. “Come along then. Four-wheelers are easy to drive. I assume you can figure out how.”
“What about the ranch truck?” Rhett was on her heels as she pulled on a denim jacket that hung next to the back door. It was probably going to get chilly out, so he grabbed one that probably belonged to Dylan. Lucky for him they were the same size in jackets as well as boots.
“The four-wheeler is already loaded with what I’ll need to repair the fence. Remember, this has happened recently, a couple of times.” She stepped on a rock and staggered, brushing off Rhett’s attempt to help steady her. “Damn it, I wonder how many head escaped before Darrel noticed that?”
Rhett gave her space. Clearly Sierra was on a roll, intent on the problem ahead of her. She didn’t want him acting the gentleman. “The bigger question is who tore down your fence, Sierra. Is Darrel right? Could it have been whoever set your barn on fire? We need to check with the sheriff before you tamper with the evidence of a break-in.” Rhett looked around. Rachel had already left for the day and it was getting dark. “Maybe this should wait until morning. The sun’s going down.”
“I can’t afford to wait. More cattle could get loose. I sure don’t have time to call the sheriff. Honestly, Rhett, this is an emergency. If you think you can manage the four-wheeler, I’d appreciate the help. They have headlights and I know where I’m going. Follow me. The keys are in the ignition.” Sierra didn’t slow down, punching in a code before the large garage door rolled up automatically. She immediately began to check the gear in the back of her vehicle.
“I can drive one. It looks like a golf cart on steroids. Remember, I write thrillers. I’d be a pretty poor researcher if I hadn’t driven at least a few of the vehicles I put in my books.” He got into the driver’s seat of the other four-wheeler and turned the key just enough to see what the dash looked like. No surprises there.
“Good.” She nodded. “Check your gas gauge. We sure don’t want to run out in the middle of a pasture.”
“Already did. Tank is full.” Rhett made the call to the sheriff’s office. He knew enough about crime scenes to figure this new information about the fence was important.
“Mr. Hall, no more problems out there, I hope.” Sheriff Watkins had answered the phone herself.
“Just something to report. Sierra and I are on our way to fix a downed fence on her property. Did you know there was one?”
“Happens all the time. Especially to Sierra these days. What’s your point?”
“I think whoever started her fire could have come in through that break.” Rhett didn’t think the sheriff was taking him seriously.
“Maybe. Does Sierra know exactly when the fence went down?”
“Sierra, when was the last time you checked that fence?” Rhett caught her as she got behind the wheel.
“We check it every few days. I don’t know. Darrel usually does that section.”
“Where is it?” The sheriff had obviously heard her answer.
“Where are we going? What part of the ranch?” Rhett was encouraged that the sheriff had asked the question.
“We’re going toward the highway. Southeast side. Hang up, Rhett. We’re losing daylight.”
“You’d better do what she says. One of my men reported that break the day of the fire. I’ve got it in my notes. Might be a possible access to the barn so we checked for prints. Found a couple belonging to Darrel Lockhart. He�
�s in our system because of a bar fight a few years ago. I questioned him but of course fixing Sierra’s fences is part of his job. Not a good lead, in my opinion. Tell Sierra she’s cleared to take care of her fence again.”
“Thanks, I will.” Rhett had to wonder about Darrel. Arrested in a bar fight. It didn’t seem to worry the sheriff. He’d only met the ranch hand a couple of times and under stressful circumstances. He seemed like a decent guy and he’d certainly stepped up, running into the burning barn to help save the horses.
“Mr. Hall? I talked to the insurance agent today. Tell Sierra I backed her up on the arson claim. People around here may be aggravated that she’s holding up progress, but no one would ever think she’d set fire to a barn with horses inside.” The sheriff said that emphatically. “I had to investigate it properly, but I knew from the get-go Sierra wouldn’t risk her animals.”
“I appreciate that, Sheriff. I’ll pass that along.” Rhett hung up when he realized the line had gone dead. He told Sierra what the sheriff had said.
“That’s something, anyway.” She gave him a brief smile. “Now let’s go.” She drove out of the garage.
Rhett’s four-wheeler started easily and he quickly fell in behind Sierra. It was already hard to see in the deepening darkness. He turned on the headlights. Sierra was obviously counting on him to stay close as she drove quickly down the driveway, apparently unconcerned that each bump made his teeth snap together.
Before they got to the gate that led to the highway, Sierra stopped and jumped off to open a gate into a pasture. She waved Rhett through, drove on herself, then hurried back to close the gate securely. Then it was a long, uneven ride across a pasture where cattle grazed. They dodged a few trees and at one point skirted an oil well that pumped steadily.
Rhett was glad Sierra knew where she was going because it was fully dark now. The lights near the house had disappeared. Luckily they must be close to the highway, because he saw headlights flash by from time to time. He had no choice but to follow her red taillights.
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