Page 77 of Release Me

“Died?”

“Or given up, I have no idea, but she’s left the property to this one. All in all, they delayed the schedule for nearlya yearwith all their antics.”

“Wow.” I’ve gotta give this woman credit not only for her ambition but for having the guts to go up against the Wolf family. Too bad it might bite her in the ass. Henry doesn’t easily forget.

“Yes. Well, now that she’s lost her battle, this is what she has resorted to.” She flings a manicured hand at the signs. “Digging up old newspaper headlines in some sad attempt at a smear campaign.”

“What does Henry say about the signs?”

“He expects them down before the media open. Otherwise, everyone will be writing about this nuisance instead of what they should be focused on.”

“Right, that circus.” I remember when the Alaska location launched, they flew in a bunch of high rollers and journalists. It was a whole dog-and-ponymake sure you shine your boots and straighten your bow tieshow. “So, give her money.”

“You don’t think Henry already tried? She keeps tearing up the checks the lawyers bring.”

“Sue her.”

“For freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest? On her own property?”

“How about for slander.”

“She’s pulled directly from the headlines of major print companies. Even a hack lawyer could put up a good fight, and it would be a long, drawn-out mess. They’ve already threatened her, and she’s dug in her heels. Besides, a lawsuit wouldattract more media attention that Henry doesn’t want around the opening.”

I shrug. “Have someone hop the fence at night and rip them down.”

Belinda’s laugh is wicked. “It’s been thrown out there, trust me. But knowing this lunatic, she has a gun trained on us right now. She’s probably sitting in a tree, waiting.”

My gaze drifts to the branches. “That’s a little unsettling.”

“Henry wants to keep everything above board. He has plans for that lot.”

“He thinks she’ll sell?”

“Not in a hundred years.” Belinda shakes her head. “Henry’s tried. The last check the lawyer handed her was fortwo timeswhat the property is worth. She tore that one up too.”

I whistle.

“See? Crazy.”

“Have you met her?”

“God no. If I ever find myself face-to-face with this troll, I will destroy her,” Belinda growls.

I love this scorned neighbor’s dedication, I’ll give her that. And I don’t think I ever want to be on Belinda’s bad side.

She sighs heavily, as if the move will expel the anger. “I suggested building a wall, but that is a lengthy property line. It would be astronomically expensive and visually unappealing. And we’re already over budget. Trees would work in the long-term but they need time to grow, and I’ve been told too many trees will stunt the growth of quality turf. I don’t know what to do, but we need to come up with something to screen that PR mess.”

It’s a true David and Goliath situation. In this case, it appears David is winning. Or should I say Davida. “What do you know about these people?”

“Only what Henry told me when he tasked me with openinganotherhotel for him. Frankly, I have more important things to do than focus on this pest. This isyourproblem.”

“Great … Tell me what you know.” So I can offer no help whatsoever because I don’t even understand why I’m here.

“The old lady had one of those old lady names. The granddaughter … I can’t remember.” Belinda groans as if it’s an effort to talk about her even now. “She runs a local tourist business. You’d think she’d be happy that a Wolf is here to draw in more people.”

“Unmarried?”

“No idea.” Belinda pauses. “Why?”

---