Trouble Brewing (In Ashwood Book 2)

by Kinney Scott

  Wade could not wait to ease in next to her. Fear racked his mind. There was a good chance he may lose her, once he was forced to reveal his lack of trust.

  “Do you think it’s a good idea to bring the sheriff in here tomorrow? It may cause a firestorm of publicity.” Erik asked. Ashwood would buzz with the fresh gossip, but both men hoped to contain the story to the edges of their small town.

  Wade nodded reluctantly, “it’s a risk I have to take. Kyle needs to feel threatened enough to reveal the source. I’m convinced Steven’s involved, but without proof, I will lose the brewery.”

  He pulled his hands almost painfully through his hair. Stress and exhaustion weighed heavily, “I’ve got to get some sleep, if I can. Let’s meet tomorrow at the sheriff’s office. Park your car next door at the National Park Offices - I want to avoid raising extra suspicion. If word gets out and Kyle skips town before we catch him, we are sunk.

  Wade and Erik walked silently to the tiny homes, climbing stairs in the early dawn light. Both sought comfort near women they loved. Wade, however, found sleep elusive. The only way he had a chance of keeping Ravenna was revealing the camera footage to her before Kyle saw the tape. Still the risk was too high. His future, Erik’s future, even Linnea’s depended on the element of surprise. He prayed she would understand.

  ***

  Linnea and Amanda drove into work together for the first time in several days. They had talked over their differences and decided to call a truce. Amanda still did not trust Ravenna, but family was more important than winning an argument. These cousins decided to try to stick by one another.

  Linnea spotted the last of the Mosquito fleet in the lot as they pulled in. “Awesome, Wade and Ravenna finally made it back from Denver! I’m sure they’re exhausted, with more than fourteen hours on the road.”

  Amanda wandered over to the taproom office with her cousin to talk before starting in at Whitewater. With Seth and Natalie away on their honeymoon, she found the place lonely. She took a seat as Amanda got settled at the desk.

  “Annie despised everything about that trip.” Amanda said. “Kyle hasn’t called or texted her. He’s such an ass.”

  Linnea understood what Annie saw in him. He had a bad boy vibe that appealed to some. “Kyle knows a lot about brewing, almost as much as Erik and Wade. On paper he was by far the most qualified.”

  Amanda sighed, “I can see why she was tempted. He is good looking in a mysterious sort of way. I wish he would hang out with the rest of our crowd.”

  Linnea smiled and chuckled. “You think anyone from outside Ashwood has a sense of mystery.”

  “True, there is that. But, Linn - look at you and Rick. Until he met you, no one held his attention for more than a few weeks.”

  Linnea winced. She had heard about Rick’s reputation as a player rivaled Kent’s. Yet, she was beginning to fear he didn’t find her tempting. So far, he had avoided her invitation to take their relationship to a deeper physical level.

  “Did Annie see all of his tattoos?” Linnea asked, trying to redirect Amanda.

  “Yes, and she said they were hot. In fact I think Annie’s a little pissed that Kyle began ignoring her before she was able to flaunt him around town - bragging rights for landing the hottest new guy.”

  Kyle overheard Linn and Amanda talking about him from just inside the taproom. His smile tilted up the corners of his mouth as he thought about the way Annie had explored his ink with her tongue. Too bad he would be leaving Ashwood soon.

  It wouldn’t be long before Steven began applying additional pressure. Wade would buckle and accept the fate of the brewery. Kyle looked forward to that final large payment. Once it was in his bank, he could disappear, as he always did at the end of these jobs.

  This time the entire operation only took a couple months. Easiest thirty thousand he had ever made. Kyle enjoyed working with Steven - he always paid well, and on time.

  As Linnea moved from the office and began to prep the taproom, Kyle looked his fill. Those curves made his mouth water. He memorized the way her dark jeans hugged her rounded ass, and savored her full tits spilling from her bra, tight against the fabric of her Mosquito Creek T-shirt. Of course, with the way Rick watched over her, hitting on her was a risk Kyle was not willing to take.

  He tore his eyes away when Wade walked through the heavy metal door at the back of the brewery. Better not get caught ogling the bosses sister. Especially sporting a wicked hard-on.

  “Hey, Wade. Glad your back. Did the mechanic get everything sorted out on the engine trouble?” Kyle asked with all the phony interest he could muster.

  “Yeah, it was a minor electrical issue.” You lying ass. “They had to send for a replacement.”

  Kyle hissed a silent chuckle, knowing Wade had been swindled by the mechanic. That idiot is such an easy target.

  “Hey Kyle, can you let Linnea know we’re going to have a staff meeting. We need to go over the details of the Denver trip. I’d appreciate your input on ways we can improve the flow of things for the next festival.” Wade lied. He had already met with the sheriff and the plans to trap this serpent were already in place.

  “Sure, be glad to, what time?”

  “After lunch, if that will work for you Kyle.” Wade added with a painfully false smile.

  “Sure.” Kyle wandered off to the taproom office where Linnea sat behind her laptop. He took a long look down the v in her top, before her eyes met his. “Wade wants to have a meeting with everyone after lunch.”

  “He’s here already? I thought he’d be sleeping in. Do you know what the meeting’s about?” she asked, wanting to be prepared.

  “The Denver trip, I guess.”

  “Okay, I’ll be ready. Thanks, Kyle.” She could not help but narrow her eyes at him a bit. Annie might have thrown herself at him, but Kyle could at least her a call and take her out on a proper date.

  Wade went through the normal motions of checking the current batch, knowing every drop would be dumped tonight. If this worked, Mosquito would still be his.

  Arms filled with a tray of coffee, Ravenna walked in, “I brought caffeine!” she called. Her smile lit up the entire room. Just looking at her gave him hope. Please let her understand.

  Erik and Trish brought in burgers around noon, and Wade joined them, trying to choke down a meal. The waiting was killing him. Kyle wandered into the taproom about a quarter to one and caught Annie’s glare as she sulked behind the bar, cleaning taps.

  Erik sent the sheriff a text - he had men ready to block each exit, in case Kyle tried to run. “Linnea we can get started whenever you are ready,” Wade said calling the group together.

  A section of video was cued up from a feed on Erik’s phone, ready to be sent to the large screen television that covered a huge section of the taproom wall.

  In the center of the taproom, the entire team faced Wade as he took a breath. Hope this works. “Our Denver trip could have been smoother. However, I think with some changes Mosquito Creek Brewing will find the whole experience to be very educational. Erik has a video that will explain the direction we will be taking.”

  Erik tapped the screen of his phone. All eyes watched the strange, dark video. “What is this Wade?” Linnea asked, “This isn’t Denver, it’s the inside of the brewery.” The dark room looked almost artistic in the slightly green grainy feed. A door opened, a man walked in.

  The moment the red headlamp streaked light across the screen, Kyle hissed. “Fuck this, I’m out of here.”

  “Sit down, Kyle.” Wade commanded. Kyle would have bolted if he had not spotted the Sheriff as he stepped through the door, his hand resting on his hip, a few inches from his sidearm.

  Erik spoke up. “Wade and I installed security cameras in the brewery after we realized our beer had been tampered with.”

  “Why didn’t I know about this, Wade?” Linnea said, “Didn’t you trust me?” His eyes met his sisters, and she knew instantly. Her friendship with Ravenna was far too strong.

&
nbsp; Ravenna’s eyes sank to the floor as she quietly replied, “Don’t worry, Linn. He trusted you. Unfortunately, Wade couldn’t put his faith in me.”

  Kyle twitched with anger, “I’m not going back to jail.”

  “Back To Jail, oh my God!” Annie yelped. “You manipulative bastard.” She said as she stood.

  “Hey babe, I didn’t hear you complaining Saturday night.” He laughed just before she turned and slapped him solidly across the face. Before tears began, she ran to Amanda in the next building over.

  “Did you see that sheriff? That’s assault!” Kyle hollered at the statue-like man across the room. When his expression didn’t shift, Kyle grew more desperate. “It was Steven! He paid me. I have the deposits to prove it.”

  His head pivoted back and forth attempting to get anyone to respond. His words continued to unfold in an implicating stream. “Somebody listen. Let me make one call. I can get Steven to admit this was all his fucking idea!”

  Ravenna cringed. Steven used her from the beginning. Tears welled up in her eyes. She refused to meet Wades gaze. Her eyes stayed focused on the screen that was still running Kyle’s dim clandestine movements.

  “Tell me Kyle, what did you put in the beer? Did you plan on poisoning our customers?” Erik prodded. If only Kyle would make a run for it, he just wanted a chance to tackle him and land a fist straight into Kyles lying face.

  “Don’t be an idiot.” Kyle barked back. Coalition just wants control. We knew you would never let imperfect product out your doors. There’s nothing dangerous, it just tastes like shit.”

  Wade looked at the sheriff, and he nodded in approval. “Get Steven on the phone. I want it on speaker. Kyle you’ve got one shot to prove to me you weren’t alone in this.” The entire conversation would go on record.

  As Kyle placed the call, only breathing and the faint hum coming from the brewery mixed with Steven’s voice, “so they plan to dump this batch? Perfect Kyle. Stay in Ashwood for just a few more days. I have to be sure Wade feels backed into a corner. I’ll add another five grand for your trouble.”

  “Okay, Steven. I’ll be in touch,” Kyle added. The Coalition executive was a far better target, and if he played this right, Kyle might avoid serving time.

  His eyes darted from Sheriff Holden to Wade, “See, I’m cooperating. Whatever you need to get this guy, I’ll do it.”

  Jarrod Holden stepped forward, slipped cuffs around Kyle’s wrists as a flurry of foul language poured from his lips. He handed him off to his deputy, “Read him his rights, but hold off on his call until I get there.”

  Ravenna stood, finally able to look at Wade. The unconcealed pain in her face killed him, tearing a hole in his heart.

  “I’m so sorry, Ravenna. I almost told you. So many times. But…” He froze. He looked desperate and gripped with fear. Ravenna almost went to him, almost took him in her arms. Almost.

  When his phone buzzed, Wade looked at the caller ID. “That was fast.”

  He looked up at everyone in the room before he spoke to Steven, “This is Wade.” He answered and put the call on speaker.

  “Wade, Steven from Coalition.”

  “What do you want? We are busy here.” He barked out, trying to get Steven talking.

  “That’s what I hear,” he mocked. “Ravenna informed me you are destroying another run of beer.” Her mouth dropped open. She shook her head, burying her face in her hands to smother a cry threatening to spill from her lips. The delicate silver bracelet Wade had given her tangled into her hair. Bile rose in the back of her throat as Steven continued using her as a pawn.

  Linnea stood without a sound and put her arm around her friend, cradling her in a comforting embrace.

  Wade had to stretch the lie, it was the only way - “so, she’s been keeping you up to date on…”

  “Everything. We know about the car trouble, the drama with your employees, and both failed batches. You’re out of options Wade.” His chuckle sent shivers down Ravenna’ spine. Linnea hugged her a little closer. “But I have a way out, Wade. You can buy your freedom.”

  Here it was, Wade sighed, finally feeling a glimmer of relief, “I’m listening.”

  “Rusk, your patented hop. We want the patent, and a percentage of the farm.”

  “I don’t own the farm. There’s no way my father will give you any part of it.”

  “Find a way, Wade. If you want your freedom, we want a portion of the hop business.”

  “Give me an hour, I’ll call you back.”

  “Move quickly Wade, you will find I’m not a patient man.” Then the phone was silent.

  Sheriff Holden pulled out his cell, “I’ll give Chicago PD a call. We have all we need to at least have Steven held overnight.” Jarrod Holden spoke with Wade for a moment in private and left to fill out reams of paperwork. This wasn’t a typical event in Ashwood.

  Now that the numbers had dwindled to just family and close friends, Wade decided to beg. “Ravenna, please can I talk to you. Let me explain.” She stood, with Linnea’s help. Small staggered steps carried her racked body out the door.

  Wade moved quickly to steady her, and could not resist pulling her fragile body into the solid frame of his embrace. His whisper was urgent, “I’m so sorry Ravenna. You must believe me, everything that happened between us over the past few days, meant the world to me. Please, listen. I’ll do anything.”

  “You would do anything but trust me.” She sagged like a rag doll.

  Broken and unresponsive, Ravenna took nothing and gave nothing. Complete emptiness left a shell where this morning there had been loving warmth.

  Her almost imperceptible whisper met his ears, “Let me go, Wade.” He released her. She walked out the door, into the bright afternoon sun, blinking back tears as she wandered to the tiny house to pack.

  The door closed behind her, and Wade stood there frozen, unable to find any happiness at a time when so many jagged pieces of his life had landed perfectly in place.

  He would own his brewery. Even if he had to pay all of the investment back, Coalition’s involvement in this scheme put Wade in control of his financial future. Yet, the victory seemed hollow.

  Linnea finally spoke up, “Wade, how involved had you and Ravenna become? What happened in Denver?”

  His eyes slid to his sisters, “I hurt her. I hurt her really bad. What am I going to do? God, I don’t even deserve her.” Wade walked to his office, sank to the sofa and lowered his head into his outstretched hands.

  Erik turned to Linnea, “I didn’t know this would happen.”

  He pulled his wife Trish close to him. “I hoped we would be celebrating right now. God, I feel like someone has died.”

  Linnea stood confused, but had to do something. “I’m going to talk to Ravenna, and see if there’s any hope. Maybe she will stay for a few days. Maybe Wade can find a way to…to… apologize.” Linnea dashed out the door. Trish wrapped her arms tightly around her husband, finding some comfort in his solid embrace.

  TWENTY FOUR

  When his phone rang, Wade was surprised to find three hours had passed. He hadn’t moved. His father’s name lit up the caller ID, but he couldn’t face talking to anyone. Recalling the details of the day might sent him over the edge. Especially reliving the memory of Ravenna’s car leaving Ashwood. Her dark hair blowing in the wind coming through her open driver’s side window. She never looked back.

  He silenced his phone and tried to move. Beyond the office, he could make out the sound of liquid gushing from wide-open valves. Erik had already begun to move forward. Beginning the lengthy process of putting the pieces of Mosquito Creek Brewing back together. Standing slowly, Wade followed the familiar sounds of the brewery, and lost himself in work. After cleaning and sanitizing every surface Kyle could have touched, Wade began the heavy lifting.

  He hefted bag after bag of grain into his truck, the sweat pouring off his back helped to blind his mind. Anything to keep from thinking. If he refused to think then he didn’t have to f
eel. Slipping behind the wheel, he drove to the dump. Even farm animals were too good to have grain that Kyle may have tainted. After cutting open the heavy cloth, he dumped the pungent grain into compost piles. Rot, this all would become nothing but rot.

  Soaked with sweat, sticky with the dust of grain, he finally allowed himself to feel. Slashing bags of grain wide open - he felt the shredding of his soul, leaving his heart bare and wounded. Ravenna would never forgive him, and Mosquito Creek Brewing seemed a small consolation prize in comparison to the loss.

  ***

  After three days of numbing work, the pace of the brewery began to knit his life back together. His sister turned to him before she placed another call, “Are you sure we need to cancel all the festivals for the remainder of the year?” Linnea asked as she checked the calendar.

  “At least until September. Demand for Sweet Venom is too high. It will take weeks to get back to capacity here in Ashwood.” Wade told her. “Just keeping up with our usual customers and the demands of the taproom will be a stretch.”

  “Okay, I’ll keep making calls. I’m just so tired of disappointing our fans.”

  “Right now I will be happy if we can keep last week’s mess with Kyle out of the press. Thank God, none of the beer he had access to left our doors.”

  Wades phone buzzed, and the name Silvestre popped onto his screen. He couldn’t answer fast enough, “Ravenna!” he blurted out immediately.

  “Sorry, Wade, I didn’t mean to disappoint you. It’s just Leo, how are you doing?”

  “Is everything okay? Has something happened to Ravenna?” he said sinking into a chair.