Page 51 of All of Me

But I still couldn’t stop worrying everything was coming to a head, and I didn’t want Shae or Tammy in anyone’s crosshairs.

Chapter Eighteen

Drake

I headed over to Albert and Moira's place, hoping to get some answers. As I approached their front door, I saw Albert out in the yard with the pittie they'd taken in. The dog was looking healthier already, though still a bit skittish.

Moira must have seen me from the window because she came hurrying out. “Are you okay? We saw the lights, but that nice young girl Dixie told us Mr. Rawlings was looking out for you.”

I smiled at theyoung girlcomment. Dixie Sutter was in her early forties and had been an army helicopter pilot until she retired with her hubby. They both worked for Rawlings now. “I’m okay. It was a work thing, but it’s fine.” She nodded happily.

“How’s that young lady doing? Don’t forget, I’m available for babysitting.”

I grinned and promised I might take her up on it soon since it was almost Shae’s birthday. Which reminded me. “Tammy’s going to be three in ten days.”

Moira clapped in excitement. “A cake! I’ll get right on it.”

I kissed her cheek in gratitude, and she clasped my arm. “When Shae’s ready, Tammy might like to see Penelope. I still have the little cart she pulls.”

Penelope was the meanest little shit of a pony I had ever met. I had no intention of saying anything to Moira, but there was no way Tammy was getting anywhere near her. Moira bustled away mumbling about cake recipes, and Albert chuckled and nodded to the dog. “I thought you might have come to check on our new friend here. Going to call him Joe. Had a collie called Joe when I was a boy."

I smiled and crouched down, letting the dog sniff my hand before giving him a gentle pat. "He's looking good. How's he settling in?"

"Oh, he's a sweetheart," Albert said fondly. "Bit nervous still, but he's coming around."

I stood up, brushing off my hands. "Albert, I was hoping we could talk for a bit. There are some things I need to ask you about."

His expression grew serious. "Of course. Let's head inside."

Once we were settled in the den with coffee, I got straight to the point. "Albert, has anyone from Dearden Construction contacted you?"

Albert's eyebrows shot up. "Dearden? The big housing developer?"

I nodded. "We have reason to believe they’re shopping around for land. Large amounts, and protected farmland doesn’t seem to stop them."

“I regularly have offers, but I don’t recall one from them. Heard of them, of course.”

“They own Tulip Homes.” He shook his head.

I flushed because I felt I was grilling him, and it wasn’t my business.

“When you get to my age all you get is people wanting you to pay for your damn memorial or charities wanting your money.” He chuckled but my gut tightened.

“Charities?”

He rolled his eyes. “Moira’s been giving to them all for years. Not that I blame her. If you saw what some people do…”

I swallowed. “What about an animal charity called Paws for Aid?”

Albert’s eyebrows went up. “Actually, yes, they want to rent the pasture surrounding the house. We’ve only got three horses now, including Dolly, that are retired and a private stable rents the four acres at the back, then a farm rents the rest for grazing.” He sighed. “Moira hates it. She always dreamed of this place being a large sanctuary, but since I can’t help her…” He sipped his coffee. “I’m sorry if Shae feels like he’s under too much pressure to take the job, especially now that he has Tammy. Maybe we ought to just let them have it. At least Moira will get to see them, even if she’s not directly involved.”

“Albert, can you hold off on any decision about the land?” Ughh, I hated this. “We have reason to believe Ryan's working with Dearden, trying to get his hands on both your land and mine. He’s also on the board for this charity. I can’t prove anything, but he’s been seen with one of the guys that sources land for them. We don’t know anything else yet.”

Albert was quiet for a long moment, his face troubled. "I suspected Ryan might try something like this, eventually. He's always been greedy, never satisfied with what he has. Jim tried to teach him right. Ellie was the best mom. It made her so upset he never came to help with his dad."

I took a gulp of coffee. “Some people are never happy with what they have. There were plenty of times when I was a kid that I’d have done anything to live here.”

Albert chuckled. “You tried a time or two, as I remember. How many times did I catch you in the barn?”

---