Page 43 of Ranch's Resolve

I consider heading over to help the men, but I stop when I hear the roar of a motorcycle. Knowing it is Dante, I go inside and grab us a couple of beers. It’s early, but I have a feeling we need something to take the edge off. When I step back outside, Dante is climbing off his bike.

He joins me on the porch, where I hand him his beer. He takes a gulp as he looks around the property. His eyes darkenwith anger when they land on the barn ruins. “We need to find the fuckers and burn their world to the ground.”

“Agreed. Carver said you had some information.”

“We don’t have much, but it is a start. Smoke tracked down the person who made the calls. I sent Chaos and Babe over this morning to talk to him. He’s a second-rate real estate agent. He works as an independent from a tiny storefront located between a laundromat and a Chinese Buffet. The asshole fell apart as soon as Chaos and Babe questioned him. About the only thing we learned was that he has very little information to give us.”

“So, he was a dead end?”

“No, he gave us a little. Not sure how useful the information is. He told us he was hired over the phone by someone who promised him a large percentage if he pulled the sales. It’s why he was so aggressive and why he got so nasty when no one would agree to the offers. He saw his big payday slipping away when no one would consider bargaining.”

“Did he send the men to attack our ranch and Blanchard’s?”

“He swears he didn’t. Chaos didn’t believe him. The guy finally confessed that while he didn’t send the order to mess with you, he figured his contact might make the move. It’s why he threatened you like he did. Whoever the fuck he’s working for let it slip that he’s willing to commit violence to get the property.”

“Did you get any information on his contact?”

“Yeah, but it’s a dead-end. We got a phone number. Smoke traced it to a prepaid phone that’s been disconnected. He’s digging into the records to see if he can find the credit card used to purchase the prepaid phone they used. Smoke tapped the real estate agent’s phone, but I don’t know if that will lead us anywhere. The agent hasn’t received or made any calls.”

“You sure he isn’t using a burner?”

“Yeah, we’re sure. Babe installed bugs so they can hear everything the douchewad says.”

“Well, shit. Now what?”

“Maestro called Alexander Marquette and asked him if he’s heard of anyone trying to buy up the land along the border. He’s heard a few rumors. He knew we had this land and expected that we wouldn’t sell. He didn’t know about the strong-arm methods the assholes are using. Marquette is reaching out to a few contacts to see if he can identify who is spearheading the purchases. The only rumor he’s heard is that they aren’t US citizens. He thinks they’re setting up a dummy corporation to hide the buyers. He’s confident the buyer is based in Mexico. He guesses that it’s a member of a cartel.”

“You think they’re trying to establish a smuggling route?”

“That makes the most sense. I’m surprised they haven’t tried this before.”

“Don’t you think the government will stop the sale?”

“If they learn of it. I know Marquette said the potential buyer is using a dummy corporation. Is that enough to keep them from scrutiny? The border patrol doesn’t look too closely at our ranch because your name is on the deed.”

“They don’t look at any of us because all but Angel’s Ranch are generational properties. Our families have owned these properties for years. Even before immigration became a political thing. These assholes could put us at risk if they draw eyes to us. We keep the smuggling low-key, but if the authorities become aware of another group of smugglers, they may take a closer look at us as well. Did the real estate agent say the buyer wanted multiple properties or just to get one person to sell?”

“He wanted multiple properties. But, the agent said the buyer promised him a commission even if he only got one, but the commission would increase if he convinced more than one person to sell. He approached four owners. I checked with Angela, and no one offered to buy her property, even though it is between the four other ranches. The agent admitted thathe wasn’t able to identify the owner so that he could make the offer.”

“So, the buyer wanted all five parcels?”

Dante shrugs. “Sounds like it. I can understand why. These properties have several attributes that make them ideal for someone smuggling products over the border. With the border patrol cracking down, this location makes a prime target for those looking for an easier path. Angela agrees that we can’t let another faction get a foothold here. They’ll draw too much attention. She’s contacting the other owners and offering them an option.”

“What kind of option?” I ask in confusion.

“She didn’t say. She said she’ll play it by ear as she discusses their situations. I imagine if the ranchers want to sell, she’ll buy their property or find a buyer. She’ll outbid whoever hired the agent to front them.”

When my phone buzzes in my pocket, I’m surprised to see Adele’s name flash on the screen.

“Adele? Is something wrong?”

“I don’t know. Athena never arrived with Santiago. Do you still need me to babysit him? I was just about to take the girls on a tour of the ranch and wanted to take Santiago with us. Did the plans change?”

Fear grips me at her statement. Athena should have already dropped Santiago off by now. “What do you mean? Athena left an hour ago. She planned to drop Santiago and Carlos off on her way into town. She’s not there?”

“No, Carver and the others are here, but Athena hasn’t arrived.”

“Shit! Okay, call me if she shows up.” I end the call and immediately call Smoke.

---