Page 85 of New Storm Rising
“And even brought in a more competent and dangerous one.”
“Indeed.”
“And if you say ‘indeed’ one more time, you shall be severely tortured tonight.”
“Indeed.”
I smirked. Later that night was going to be great fun. For now, though…
I stroked my chin, deep in thought. Then the answer hit me!
“They’ll try and pull off a hustle!” My eyes widened. “And they’re going to try and make it seem legit! That’s why they’re using the sheriff in the first place. They’re trying to find some excuse, some legal justification that will mean they can drive us off our land and make it seem as if it was never ours in the first place.”
This time, he didn’t say a thing. But that golden gleam in his eyes suddenly shone with pride.
I felt the corners of my mouth twitch.
“Why are you grinning, Mrs Ambrose?”
“Well…they’re trying to use legal means to beat us, aren’t they?”
“They are.”
“They’re going to try and use thelawagainst us.”
“Indeed.”
“Afterthey’ve already met your solicitors.”
“Indeed.”
“They’re bloody nuts.”
“Indeed.”
The glint in Mr Ambrose’s eyes intensified. Together, we gazed at the big golden coin in the distance, promising millions of dollars in damages that would soon flow into Mr Rikkard Ambrose’s pocket. Sunsets were so romantic, weren’t they?
“So…” Snuggling up against my hubby, I enjoyed the beauty of nature and contemplated the doom of our enemies. “Once they make their move, what kind of surprise will we have prepared for them?”
Mr Ambrose’s eyes glittered dangerously in the sunset. “Well…I do have an idea for that…”
***
“Alguacil. Is everysing prepared?”
Gallagher glanced up from the revolver he was polishing, eyes narrowing. “I told you not to call me that.”
De Ravera sneered. “I pay you. I own you. I can call you anysing I want,alguacil.”
With a last swipe, the sheriff finished polishing his weapon. Snapping shut the chamber, he whirled it as if playing Russian roulette. Only…there wasn’t just one bullet. There were six. And the barrel was pointed straight at De Ravera.
“You were sayin’?”
De Ravera swallowed.
“I…would like to know if it is time, Sheriff. Are you ready?”
Rising to his feet, Gallagher walked over to the window, pushing aside the blinds. Outside, in the darkness of the night, massive shapes were moving through the shadows. Thudding, shuffling and snorting rose from the gloomy street. Then came pounding of hooves, as several riders with torches raced closer from all around, coming to a stop under the window, signalling their leader.
