Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 58408 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 292(@200wpm)___ 234(@250wpm)___ 195(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58408 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 292(@200wpm)___ 234(@250wpm)___ 195(@300wpm)
“What’s in it for me?”
He looks taken aback, and I realize that he was throwing out something he was certain I wouldn’t accept.
“Freedom.”
I shake my head, like I have done a million different deals in my life. “How stupid do you think I am? You want me to sign everything over and walk away with nothing other than the promise you will leave me the fuck alone?”
“You have your uncle’s money, what more do you want?”
“That’s his home,” I point out. “And so far, it has cost me those I love the most.”
“I’ll sell most of the cattle, keeping only the breeders to continue the line. You can take that money, plus what your uncle left you, and start again with my assurances that I will never contact you again.”
I pretend to ponder it because, in the end, he isn’t getting anything but dead.
“Not just never contact me again, never ever even look up my name again, or my family’s name, and any dealings you and your little boss have with the club, all end. Everyone walks free, not just me.”
His eyes narrow. “That’s a big ask.”
“Take the cows, I don’t want them. All I want is freedom, for everyone I love. That means the club, whether you like it or not.”
“The club has ties that run deep, surely you know that.”
“Then you’ll cut them, and everyone walks away.”
Knox has already told me the club doesn’t want any kind of dealings with any members of the cartel, and that includes Ralston and his business dealings. I don’t know how far up in the food chain he is, but I know it’s enough that he can spin a deal and get them removed completely.
“Does your little club know you’re making these kinds of deals?”
“I’m quite certain they’ll throw a party when they don’t have to deal with any of you again. Now, are we done talking, do we have a deal or not?”
“If I say no?”
“Then it is business as usual, except this time, you don’t get your name on the title.”
Ralston wants the farm, the business, the cattle, all of it. I know he does, and because of that, I am quite confident in my words. I cross my arms and don’t break eye contact, even though my heart is pounding in my chest.
“Very well, you sign it all over to me, cattle included, and I will ensure your freedom, your family, your club, all of it. You will all be completely cut free of all ties.”
I nod, sharply, extending my hand. He takes it, curling his fingers around mine and squeezing.
I want to jerk away and spit on him, but instead, I offer a cold smile.
“Tomorrow,” I say. “Six p.m., bring your trucks to load the cattle, you’re going to need to move them until the fences are fixed, they keep escaping.”
Not entirely a lie, they do keep busting through. It’s a good enough reason for him to show up with a good portion of the men who work for him.
“I will have the paperwork there.”
He releases my hand. “I’ll be there, and if your club shows up, or tries anything, Callie, you will wish they hadn’t.”
“Nobody will be there, just me.”
“I hope so.”
With that, he turns and leaves.
And just like that, it’s done.
Well... nearly.
16
Ifeel sick.
Sick and terrified.
The club was blown away when I told them the deal I had made, and I know it makes their lives so much easier if they’re not dealing with any members of the cartel. So, they were more than happy to triple-check everything to ensure that it all goes to plan.
It looks good.
Now it’s just Zane and me; everyone else has gone. We can’t risk Ralston backing out or anything going wrong. I know for certain he will have eyes on the club to see if anyone is there, so we can’t risk it. They can’t be here, so it’s just the two of us.
“It’s going to be fine, Cal,” Zane says, squeezing my shoulder. “I’ll be in the barn, hidden. The truck just needs to get as close as possible. We have moved all the cows into the paddock closest, and it is close enough to take them out. Once the truck catches on, it’s over. That thing will blow, especially when you put this under it.”
He pulls out what I can only assume is a homemade explosive.
I stare at it, eyes wide. “You’re only just telling me I need to plant a damn bomb?”
I blink at him, and then at the device. Zane grins, all mad scientist, and for a moment I honestly think I’m about to puke right onto the explosive. “It’s not even armed yet, relax. All you gotta do is slip it up behind the wheel well, under the passenger side. They’re backing up the truck with a cage ramp. When they go to load the cattle, you go in, sign the papers, distract the boss man, and I’ll finish the wiring.” He taps a knuckle to my temple. Like I’m the smart one in this equation.