Page 3 of Canyon Killer
“You could have refunded their money and suggested they hire a babysitter,” Carter said.
“And have them leave disappointed or even angry?” Bethany smiled at Joella. “Besides, she’s no trouble.”
“When they come back, ask them to give us a good review on social media,” Dalton said.
He was the business’s IT and media manager, in addition to one of their tour drivers. Carter maintained all the Jeeps. Everyone wore multiple hats in a small business like theirs.
“Did I hear a customer in here just now?” Mom walked over to the desk and bent over the computer screen.
“A guy rented a Jeep for two months,” Bethany said.
“Not just a guy,” Carter said. “Ian Seabrook.”
Dalton let out a whistle. “Let’s hope nobody vandalizes the Jeep. A lot of people around here are really upset with him.”
“Who is Ian Seabrook?” Mom asked. “Why are people upset with him?”
“He’s, like, a billionaire who bought Humboldt Canyon and closed it to the public. He’s going to build a climbing area for tourists.”
“Is he really a billionaire?” Bethany asked. He had looked so ordinary. Well, gorgeous and ordinary.
“The son of a billionaire,” Dalton said. “His dad owns Seabrook Holdings, one of those big companies that buy up little companies, drain them dry, sell them off, then move on.”
“He seemed very nice,” she told her mother.
“Which Jeep did you rent him?” Carter asked.
“The black Wrangler.”
“The new one?” He loomed over her. “Why did you do that?”
“It was purchased for the rental fleet,” she said.
“That wasn’t for certain,” Carter said.
“I think a man who owns a Porsche knows how to take care of an expensive vehicle,” she said.
Her brother’s lip curled in disgust. “Like you’re such a good judge of character.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” she snapped.
“You thought Justin was a great guy, too.”
Justin Asher, Bethany’s former fiancé. The man who had waited until the invitations had been sent and all the nonrefundable deposits paid before he’d decided she wasn’t the woman for him.
“Carter, that was uncalled for,” Mom said.
He looked at the floor. “I’m sorry,” he said. “But the new Jeep? And to a guy like Ian Seabrook?”
“Just because he has money and he’s starting a new business doesn’t make him an awful person,” Bethany said.
“It does if he closes off land people have been using for free for decades,” Carter said.
“Both of you, stop arguing,” Mom said. “People are here for the one-o’clock tour.” She nodded toward the front window, where they could see half a dozen people getting out of two vehicles. “Boys, get the Jeeps ready.”
Grumbling to themselves, Carter and Dalton exited. Mom and Bethany started checking in new arrivals. As soon as they were out the door the morning tour returned, and they had to see to them. The Hendersons were thrilled with the trip and happy to see Joella and to hear that she had been a perfect angel in their absence. They promised a good review online and left a generous tip.
By the time Mom and Bethany were alone again Mom had apparently forgotten about Ian. “Your dad and I have chiropractor appointments this afternoon,” she said. “You shouldn’t run into any problems, but if you do, you can always call us. And don’t forget to lock up after the last tour returns.”
