Page 25 of Chasing Liberty

“You took his life. There’s no difference if you had pulled the trigger. You need to be held accountable.”

Liberty's resolve seemed to resurface as she raised her head with determination. "If you're so certain about your decision, then do whatever you’re gonna do rather than squandering my time," she said.

Lacey appeared taken aback by Liberty’s unexpected tenacity. "Reggie had his whole future before him. Were you aware that he has a young daughter? She’s only five years old.” Lacey’s laugh took on a scornful tone. “Once more, it's clear you didn't truly understand him, did you?"

“Like I said. Do what you need to do.”

Lacey glanced over her shoulder before she said, “I’m willing to compromise.”

“Compromise or try to extort money out of me?” Liberty saw exactly where this was headed.

“Call it what you’d like. I call it survival.”

“You wouldn’t be the first to try and bribe my family out of something.”

“Imagine all those people reading the headline. Another Rose strikes again.” Lacey pretended to read the headline in the sky, pointing dramatically with her finger. “Are you sure your father’s heart can survive another attack? Or, how about your marriage? What would that handsome cowboy think of his sweet, rich wife when he finds out that she’s fucked the ranch crew like a snotty-nosed cheerleader making her way through the football team.”

Liberty felt a surge of discomfort but kept her composure. "Let's cut to the chase."

"That works." Lacey rested on the railing. "A hundred grand."

Liberty laughed dismissively. "That figure is ridiculous unless it's in pennies."

"Don't act like your family isn't wealthy. It's common knowledge. The Roses' wealth is a hot topic, and to your father, a hundred thousand dollars is nothing."

"For him maybe, but I don't have access to that kind of cash."

"How will your dear father help his favorite daughter?" Lacey advanced and toyed with a lock of Liberty’s hair, twirling it on her finger. "Reggie mentioned you were resourceful. Perhaps hinting at something more. No doubt you'll work out a way to get the money." Letting go of the tendril, she suddenly revealed the scars on her wrist, then quickly covered them.

“Maybe I should just call the sheriff and visit you in jail,” Liberty said.

“Oh, I don’t think that will happen. Let’s not pretend that you’re not worried.”

“As upstanding of a human as I’m sure you are, I’d have to question if I can trust you. How can I trust that you won’t still leak the pictures if I paid the bribe?”

"Do you mean like how my brother couldn't trust you?" Her upper lip twitched slightly. As Liberty attempted to find any resemblances to Reggie, she remained uncertain. "You have a debt to pay to that young girl who made the greatest sacrifice. I'll give you three days to produce the funds, or rest assured, I will see this matter through. If you doubt my seriousness, let this be your proof." She plunged her hand into another pocket and thrust a document against Liberty's chest. Catching it, Liberty watched as the woman turned sharply and departed from the pavilion.

Liberty observed Lacey's departure, her straight posture and dragging steps becoming engulfed by the tree-lined sidewalk's shade. Gazing at the wrinkled note in her hand, Liberty delicately opened it, as if fearful of its contents. The note contained Reggie's explicit account of how Liberty exploited him, his subsequent betrayal, Sam's threats, and forced exit from Wyoming. His two-page narrative detailed a passionate entanglement and manipulation by the Rose sisters towards their ranch workers. Concluding with his despair over losing his daughter due to unemployment and a stay at a hospital. Liberty felt a wave of nausea amidst her growing stress.

The letter exaggerated the facts to depict the Rose family negatively, and regardless of its credibility, it would have consequences. She pondered if Sam could handle the public scrutiny. It would impact her sisters as well. Liberty's baby wasn't spared either. Then there was Wyler, she had him to worry about now. He already felt like he was a laughingstock with the other hands.

She exited the pavilion, her steps heavy with internal turmoil.

Where would she get a hundred grand? Everything she had was wrapped up in assets.

When she got to her car, her heart was pounding. She got into the driver's seat and cranked up the air conditioning as much as possible.

She had to handle this situation, or else her family would pay for her reckless behavior.

Chapter Seven

"Do you truly believe that adding caramel is the best ingredient?" Liberty inquired, gazing over the abundance of orchard apples that Wyler had picked. "Shouldn't we consider reaching out to Dolly for assistance?"

"I'm in the competition with you, not Dolly. Trust in our ability," he responded, beginning to peel an apple. "Have you ever peeled an apple yourself?"

“Of course.” She placed the knife against the apple, but nothing happened.

“Obviously.” He chuckled and reached over and turned the knife so that the blade was against the peel.

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