Page 42 of Murder at Rescue Ridge

“I thought we agreed all siblings would be involved in decision-making while we divvied up responsibilities,” Conrad said to Beau. It was more accusation than statement.

“We did,” Beau said, taking a much calmer demeanor. He put his hands in the air in the surrender position.

“Tell him about Harrison being involved in the transaction,” Kade goaded.

“It’s true, this was a deal Lukas, myself, and Harrison were cooking up,” Beau said.

Kade shot a warning look. “Keep going.”

“Harrison tried to back out last minute because he decided it wasn’t ethical since he was still representing the entire family’s interest,” Beau said.

“Meaning, both you and Lukas had a reason to kill my father, so the deal would go through,” Nikki said as she entered the room.

“When you say it like that, it does sound damning,” Beau agreed. Again, he raised his hands. “But I wouldn’t set Conrad up.”

“Doesn’t mean you didn’t by accident,” Nikki continued.

Kade’s gaze bounced from Nikki to Beau to Conrad. “I like her.”

“Does the sheriff know about this behind-the-back deal?” Nikki asked. She would make one helluva litigator. Seemed a shame that she was thinking about leaving law school. Then again, Conrad could see her doing a whole lotta good as a victim’s rights advocate. A traumatized person wouldn’t find a better person to fight for them than Nikki Guidry.

“There’s no reason for him to know,” Beau said.

Nikki issued a grunt. She turned her attention to Kade. “Do you happen to have a phone on you?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Kade said before fishing in his pocket to retrieve his cell. He handed it over with a smile. “The sheriff’s number is pre-programmed if you go into my contacts.”

“Thank you,” Nikki said, taking the offering and making the call.

“Hold on,” Beau said. “We’re getting ahead of ourselves here.”

Nikki didn’t stop. Instead, she tapped the screen and then put the call on speaker.

“Let’s talk this through first,” Beau said.

The call rolled into voicemail.

“Sheriff, this is Nikki Guidry, and I have information in the Conrad Sturgess case that is of utmost importance. Please stop by the Sturgess ranch for an interview with me and the Sturgess siblings.” With that, she ended the call and then handed the phone back to Kade. “That should do the trick.”

“I need to make a call,” Beau said, starting for the door.

Kade sidestepped, positioning himself next to Conrad so the pair blocked the exit.

“Right now, you need to sit the hell down,” Conrad stated. “Kade, I’m gonna need to use your phone to call a family meeting.”

Beau puffed up his chest. “So that’s it? You’re siding with them now?”

“I was never taking sides, Beau. I only wanted you to have a chance, but now that I see what an asshole you are, no thanks.”

Kade was clapping by the end of Conrad’s sentence. Beau, on the other hand, decided to attempt to storm through them.

“Red rover, red rover, I dare you to…” was all Kade managed to get out before Beau reached them and tried to bust through.

“I’ll hold you down myself if you don’t cooperate,” Conrad said.

“I should’ve known you’d turn your back on me,brother.” Beau spit out that last word like he’d bitten into a sour grape.

“No brother of mine would let me rot in jail when he had information that could cast suspicion where it belonged,” Conrad said, wishing he’d seen Beau for the jerk he was straight out of the gate.

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