Page 50 of All of Me

“Did you ever see the TV ad with the talking houses? Bows around them. One excited because they were getting a family?”

Shae nodded. “That’s them?”

“Tulip Homes has to be one of the biggest housing developers in the South,” Danny explained, “and they don’t mess about with small stuff. They’ve just secured a similar type of land deal outside of Columbus for a hundred and thirty acres, seventy-five of which are protected farmland, for sixty-five million dollars.”

I had to stop swearing because of Tammy. Thankfully, I’d just said “fuck” about five times in my head and not out loud.

“And they wouldn’t have done that if they weren’t confident about getting the zoning change,” Rawlings said.

“I can understand Ryan being in bed with them, but what I can’t understand is how this has anything to do with me.”

“Can’t you?” Rawlings asked.

“No, I’m not family. I—”

“You weren’t family to Ellie and Jim Connaught either, but they left you the house instead of their son. Shae’s helping with the dogs. Look at Tammy. You said Moira was enamored, and Albert must feel he can trust you or he wouldn’t have shared. I think Ryan has to get you out of the way, and lawyers told him contesting the will is a no go.”

“But even if he did,” Kane said, “They could leave the land to charity. There’s still no guarantee Drake’s going to get it.”

Danny hummed. “Ringo, do you know what your mom does for a job?”

I shrugged. “You gotta remember I haven’t been in touch with them for twenty years, but last I knew she worked for the city. Not sure what.” Maybe a personal assistant to someone on the council?

“She actually used to work in planning.” He looked up. “But since she retired she successfully ran for election and currently chairs the zoning board.”

Everything in me chilled. But I wasn’t sure why I was surprised. “Any evidence to prove she’s taking bribes?”

“Could be a coincidence,” Kane said.

“Yes,” Danny agreed, “but so far there’s been three zoning changes passed by that committee that involved building on protected farmland.” He looked up. “All built on by Deardon Construction.”

“Fuck,” I groaned. “It get’s worse.”

“The only other thing I can find with Ryan apart from making a lot of money via Dearden Construction because unusually they don’t have their own realtor, but use him exclusively is that he’s a large benefactor in an animal charity called Paws for Aid, and on their committee.”

“Charity?”I nearly laughed. He nodded.

“Let me get back to you.”

The meeting finally broke up thank fuck. I wasn’t sure how many more surprises I could deal with.

Shae pulled me to the opposite side of the kitchen while Rawlings was admiring Tammy’s coloring. “Do you want Tammy and me to stay here?”

I jerked back. “You want to stay here?” It made sense. Fuck. I’d just been arrested. I wasn’t safe for Tammy to be around. Of course, he wanted to.

But his hand, smooth against my scruff, rested on my cheek and made me pause. “No, that’s not what I said. But if you’re asking, I want to come home.” He looked over at Tammy. “We both do. I spoke to Diesel, and he says if we were in two places it would be double the manpower and he has a full team on your place. Plus, unless she isn’t safe, I don’t think it’s a good idea to move Tammy. She’s had enough upset.”

“Then why did you ask me?” I said, as he dropped his hand.

“Because you have enough to worry about. I didn’t want to be one more worry.”

“Let’s go home,” I said, heading over to Tammy, thrilled when she raised her arms for me just like she did with Shae.

“Maxie?” She said it as a question, and I grinned. It might have been the only thing she said, but I would take it. “’Course, Princess,” I agreed, and Shae picked the puppy up as well.

We walked out to Gray’s truck. He was going to drop us at home before going home himself. Apparently, Seb was in their home recording studio working on his next album.

As we neared home, I got a text from Alec one of Jay’s guys telling me everything was clear, and I glanced at Shae. Should I have insisted he stay at the apartment? Was it selfish of me to want him home? Rawlings made sense not wanting two protection teams.

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