Page 65 of Claimed by the Lawman

Bane laughed. Not the reaction Kace expected. “My brand? Son, you’ve lost your mind since that Tyler girl came waltzing back into town, feeding your brain with bullshit. That’s not my brand. Now, unless you have something more that requires me to call my attorney, I’d like for you to leave so I can get back to my work.”

“You were involved in Susannah Posey’s death.”

Anger splashed his wrinkled features. “Sheriff, I don’t know who you think you are shooting around a serious accusation like that, but you better take some time and think things over carefully. We both know Mansfield admitted his guilt by way of bullet. If that ain’t a guilty plea, then I don’t know what is.”

“I’m not saying he didn’t have any involvement, but I knew the man. Before he died he made sure to let me know that he wasn’t in this alone. What happened, Bane? Did Mansfield turn his eye to crime for you and others? Did you line his pockets? After looking into Ruby’s business it appears that she has a hefty financial backer by the name of Husk Banks. Is that you? It’s only a matter of time, like hours, and I’ll know the details.” Kace couldn’t give away all his cards, but he certainly wanted to see the man’s reaction. Bane was good. He didn’t even flash a sliver of worry.

“Apparently you didn’t know Mansfield as well as you thought.” Bane stood and rounded the desk, going to the bar. “Care for a drink, Sheriff?”

“I have Susannah Posey’s diary. She mentioned her fear, and she mentioned another man, someone who had a lot of pull, a big reputation.” Kace picked up the picture and pushed it into his pocket. “Susannah worked for Ruby. See the connection?”

After pouring himself a scotch, Bane turned back to Kace. “And you think I’m that man? The orchestrator of all the bad stuff in Bohannan.”

“Yes, I do, and you might have had Mansfield under your thumb, even afraid, but times have changed.”

“Are you sure this is the way you want to do things, Cade? I once thought you were a smart man, but I’m starting to think I was wrong. I’m bringing business and wealth to Bohannan. Without me and this place will be dead in about three months,”

“Too bad that ego isn’t enough to get you out of this mess, Bane.”

“Where’s your proof, Sheriff? If you were here to arrest me I’d already be in cuffs. Now get the hell out of my office and home before I have that badge.”

“Just wait, Bane. In time I’ll prove that you played a role in Susannah’s death, and how many others? I don’t think you’ll like the accommodations over at the jail.”

“You’re putting everything on the line for a good piece of pussy. What happens when that sweet Posey girl runs back to the stage and you’re left without a job?”

Kace turned and took his leave, slamming the door behind him. Once he was outside, his phone rang. “Cade here.”

It was Deputy Payne. “Rogue Posey was found half dead in a ditch almost an hour ago.”

Cade dropped the phone into the console. Things were turning upside down. He swiped his tight jaw and swore by the end of the day, he’d have answers to this case.

Minutes later after seeing Cade’s truck pull away, Bane picked up the phone and dialed a number. It was quickly answered. “Did you take care of him? Good. He is dead, I hope? Now take care of the girl before this spirals out of control to our disadvantage.” He stabbed the “end” button. He reached for his drink and drank half of it, then angrily threw the tumbler against the wall, splattering shards of glass and expensive scotch.

His assistant raced in. “Sir, is everything okay?”

“Get out,” he barked.

She hurried and closed the door.

---