Page 30 of Ranch's Resolve

“We need to find the asshole wanting to buy the land.”

“I’m running the number you gave me, but so far, I haven’t gotten a hit,” Smoke says. “The good news is it doesn’t appear to be a burner. I tried calling the number, and it’s still working.”

“Since the guys who paid Carlos were Mexican, do you think they want to buy the land since that will give them easy access to the border? It makes sense,” Chaos says.

“Yeah, that’s what I figure. I’ll call Angela after the meeting. She owns the ranch on the other side of Blanchard’s. I’ll see if anyone has approached her about selling her land. Plus, she might know if there is a group with links to Mexico who might be trying to set up a new supply line.”

“Reaper, you gave an update on the shooting range. Let’s discuss the rest of our businesses,” Dante says. Everyone provides an update on the progress of both new and existing businesses. Penny provides a summary of the finances before Dante brings the meeting to a close.

“We’ll be there early in the morning,” Reaper says as we exit. “Unless you want us to spend the night, too?”

“No, the prospects can stand guard tonight. I have the room if you want to stay over. Bring the girls if you want. They might have some fun with the horses.”

“I can’t stay over until tomorrow night. Ashlyn has finals in the morning, but then she’s finished with school for the summer.”

“Tanya works tomorrow, but we can head out to the ranch when she’s done,” Ghost says.

“Same with Brooke. She’s off work for four days. I think she’d like some time at the ranch,” Flame finishes.

“Good, see ya then. I need to go grab Carlos and pick up his kid and then take them out to the ranch.”

“You sure you can trust him?” Reaper asks.

“No, but I won’t be the only one watching him. The prospects will switch off watching him.”

“If you need us sooner than tomorrow night, just give us a call,” Reaper says. I give them each a fist bump.

“Give me your phone. I want to try tracing the call,” Smoke says, coming up beside me. I take out my phone and see a missed call from Athena and a text message. My pulse quickens as I read the message:

‘Saw Tanya today, she told me about the attack last night. I hope everything is okay on the ranch. I hope you are okay. Please let me know if there's anything I can do.’

Her concern gives me some hope. Her message makes me wonder if I should reconsider my conclusion about the potential of our relationship. I can’t think about it right now. I need to get Carlos and his son settled at the ranch. But I promise myself to call her back soon. I swap phones with Smoke before hunting down Carlos and Simon.

I find them in the infirmary. Carlos sits in a recliner near one of the beds while Simon stands guard near the door. Simon has his arms crossed, and the look he’s sending Carlos has the man quaking in fear. No, I don’t think Carlos will be any trouble.

“Ready?” I ask.

Carlos jumps out of the chair to stand beside me. He keeps me between himself and Simon. I smirk at him. Does he think I’m less of a threat? He’ll soon know differently.

“My son?” Carlos asks.

“We’ll pick him up and then take you to the ranch,” I assure him as we leave the infirmary and return to the common room. “Don’t try getting away. Got it?”

“I promise I won’t. Thank you for this chance. Thank you for not making my boy an orphan.”

“If you want to keep him from becoming an orphan, then you better do what I fucking say. You’ll work at the ranch. I’ll make sure you work hard. You and your son will stay safe if you do exactly what you’re told. If you don’t, I’ll slit your throat and toss your son into the system.”

A female gasp behind me has me whirling. Athena stands just inside the common room, holding a container of cookies. Her eyes dart between me and Carlos in horror.

“Athena…” I start, but it is too late. She drops the cookies on a table before dashing out the door. I chase after her and manage to grab her before she reaches her car.

“Let me go!” she screams at me.

“Wait a minute. Give me a minute to explain. Will you?” I turn her to face me. I’m careful to keep a firm grip, but not so hard that I’d hurt her.

Tears stream down her face as she looks everywhere but at me. “You’re going to kill that man and leave his son an orphan!”

“Athena, please, let me explain,” I try again, but she shakes her head and pushes against me.

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