Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 108846 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108846 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
“You don’t think Henry already tried? She keeps tearing up the checks the lawyers bring.”
“Sue her.”
“For freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest? On her own property?”
“How about for slander.”
“She’s pulled directly from the headlines of major print companies. Even a hack lawyer could put up a good fight, and it would be a long, drawn-out mess. They’ve already threatened her, and she’s dug in her heels. Besides, a lawsuit would attract more media attention that Henry doesn’t want around the opening.”
I shrug. “Have someone hop the fence at night and rip them down.”
Belinda’s laugh is wicked. “It’s been thrown out there, trust me. But knowing this lunatic, she has a gun trained on us right now. She’s probably sitting in a tree, waiting.”
My gaze drifts to the branches. “That’s a little unsettling.”
“Henry wants to keep everything above board. He has plans for that lot.”
“He thinks she’ll sell?”
“Not in a hundred years.” Belinda shakes her head. “Henry’s tried. The last check the lawyer handed her was for two times what the property is worth. She tore that one up too.”
I whistle.
“See? Crazy.”
“Have you met her?”
“God no. If I ever find myself face-to-face with this troll, I will destroy her,” Belinda growls.
I love this scorned neighbor’s dedication, I’ll give her that. And I don’t think I ever want to be on Belinda’s bad side.
She sighs heavily, as if the move will expel the anger. “I suggested building a wall, but that is a lengthy property line. It would be astronomically expensive and visually unappealing. And we’re already over budget. Trees would work in the long-term but they need time to grow, and I’ve been told too many trees will stunt the growth of quality turf. I don’t know what to do, but we need to come up with something to screen that PR mess.”
It’s a true David and Goliath situation. In this case, it appears David is winning. Or should I say Davida. “What do you know about these people?”
“Only what Henry told me when he tasked me with opening another hotel for him. Frankly, I have more important things to do than focus on this pest. This is your problem.”
“Great … Tell me what you know.” So I can offer no help whatsoever because I don’t even understand why I’m here.
“The old lady had one of those old lady names. The granddaughter … I can’t remember.” Belinda groans as if it’s an effort to talk about her even now. “She runs a local tourist business. You’d think she’d be happy that a Wolf is here to draw in more people.”
“Unmarried?”
“No idea.” Belinda pauses. “Why?”
I shrug. “Just curious.”
Her glare narrows. “Henry warned you to keep your dick in your pants with that one.”
I chuckle. “Hands and dick inside the bus at all times. Already got the memo.”
“I’m serious. That one is bitter and unhinged. Enough that I wouldn’t put it past her to make up stories to create ammo, if you catch my drift. Henry doesn’t need another scandal like that last one.” That lecturing pointer finger goes up in the air. “If I find out you’re sniffing around her, the first call I will make is to Henry, and he will fire your ass in his next breath. I will make sure of it—”
“Okay!” I’ve never seen Belinda so passionate. I don’t doubt her. “I’ve got it. Look, I may not have been a Boy Scout in Alaska—”
“You ran a fuck club,” she deadpans.
“Not one of my prouder moments.” I’m still not sure how that all transpired, but I blame Connor. “Things have changed. I’ve changed. And batshit crazy doesn’t appeal to me.”
She purses her lips. “Come on, we have a lot of ground to cover today.”
Movement on the porch catches my eye, but all I can see are tan female legs. Attached to a disgruntled woman who has nothing better to do than plaster her property with lame signs, apparently.
Leaving my spy post, I climb into the cart and drive us back toward the path.
A horrendous rooster caw cuts through the peaceful silence then, sending a flock of warblers perched on a nearby pine tree flapping into the air.
“See?” Belinda’s expression is triumphant.
“Okay, you may have a point,” I admit with a cringe.
36. Sloane
“Good job, Ralph.” I toss a chunk of carrot over the rail as I tuck my phone back in my pocket.
The fourteen-pound Jersey Giant rooster struts over to collect his treat—a reward for singing to our Wolf Hotel scouts. Who says you can’t train birds …
I was hauling trash to the can when I spotted the golf cart coasting over the grass toward my property line and the male figure climb out. I couldn’t make him out from here, but I assumed he was coming to hop the fence and rip down my signs. My first move was going to be to dash over and record the fool. The second was to call the police to report trespassing and vandalism.