Page 29 of Ranch's Resolve

I hug Georgie and whisper encouragement as she leaves with Tanya and Izzy. Raven sits at her desk and lowers her head into her hands. She looks as upset as I feel.

“Are you okay?” I ask her.

“What? Oh, yeah, I’m fine. I just feel bad for her. Seems like she’s been through so much, and now she may have to deal with a murder charge. I wish there was something I could do for her.”

“Evie will take care of her. She’s an excellent lawyer, and I don’t for a minute believe Georgie killed that man. I can testify on her behalf if she needs me to do so.”

Raven looks up. “You will? That’s good. I don’t think she’s capable of murder.”

“No, I don’t believe she is, either. Look, why don’t you go home? I’ll lock up. I want to make some phone calls.”

“Really? You know I won’t say no to that offer. I’m exhausted. I didn’t sleep well either and could use the rest. See you tomorrow.”

Raven grabs her purse and offers a wave. I lock up, pull out my cell, and call Ranch. I’m disappointed when I get his voicemail. Ending the call, I type out a text message and send it to him. Then, I consider my options. I could drive home and try calling him again later, or search for him. He’s likely at the clubhouse or the ranch. I don’t want to face him in front of his club brothers, but I also don’t want to drive out to the ranch if he isn’t there. I decided to go home and try calling him again. On the way, I stop at the store and pick up the ingredients for chocolate chip cookies. Maybe I can use them as a sort of bribe if I decide to hunt down Ranch. If not, then I can throw a pity party of one.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: RANCH

As I describe Carlos’s future to him, his eyes well up again.

“You aren’t going to kill me?”

“No, but you aren’t getting off scot-free, either. You’ll work your ass off at the ranch to make up for the damage you and your friends caused.”

“But, what about my son?”

“Scar will patch you up, then Simon will get you some clothes so you can clean up. After my meeting, we’ll take you to pick up your son and take you both to the ranch. You can’t leave the ranch until we release you. Got it?”

He bobs his head. “I’ll do whatever you want. I won’t cause you any trouble, and I’ll work hard. You have my word.”

His word doesn’t mean much. I’ll watch him, as will the others. If he’s as protective of his son as he claims, then maybe his fear of what could happen to the boy if he fucks up will be enough to keep him in line.

I call Simon to come escort Carlos to the infirmary. I need to grab the meeting minutes and head into Church.

“Tell Dante I’ll be there as soon as I sew him up,” Scar tells me before I duck into my office.

I take my seat and open the notebook from our previous meeting while the rest of the members file in. I pass along Scar’s message. Dante nods before calling the meeting to order. After I read off the minutes, Dante delves into the purpose of the meeting.

“As most of you know, the ranch was attacked last night, and they burnt the barn to the ground. Ranch and his hands rescued the horses, but the barn is a total loss. We’ll need to rebuild.”

“I’ll contact the insurance company and put in a claim once I have the report from the fire department. They know we suspect arson. I spoke with Paul Hoffman. He’s a volunteer firefighter and works part-time at the ranch east of ours.”

“Old Man Blanchard’s place?” Dante asks. I nod.

“Paul told me Blanchard was receiving calls from someone wanting to buy his ranch. I’ve received similar calls. Last night I told the fucker that I wouldn’t sell no matter the offer. He told me I’d be sorry, and last night, they set fire to the barn with the horses inside.” I tell them about Carlos’s attack and our solution.

“You think whoever hired Carlos is the same person who is pressuring you to sell?” Penny asks.

“Yeah, I do. Especially after what Paul told me about Blanchard. Paul works for Blanchard. The old man has been receiving the same strong-armed offer. He told the guy no and told him he wouldn’t change his mind. The day after, someone spooked his horse. Blanchard fell off and broke his leg. He’s in the hospital. Paul said Blanchard is considering selling because he’ll need months to recuperate. His daughter is managing the ranch, but it’s too much for her to handle. I’m having my hands chipping in to help.”

“Some of us can chip in, too,” Carver offers. “I can get a team out to the ranch to rebuild the barn, and I can go over and help out at the Blanchard Ranch.”

“I’m in,” says Reaper. “I have some time. The shooting range is almost finished. We’re down to the small shit. I don’t need to be there, so I can help out.”

“Me, too,” says Ghost.

“Count me in,” Flame adds.

I nod in thanks. “I want a couple of prospects to stay at the ranch to take turns standing guard in case they want to send another message.”

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