Page 44 of Canyon Killer
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Steam wasn’t exactlycoming out of Aaron’s ears, but he definitely looked uncomfortable, Bethany thought, as she perched on the side of Ian’s bed.
“We have to go,” Gage said, and Aaron reluctantly followed.
“That was the best medicine I’ve had all day,” Ian said. “Even if you kissed me to get a rise out of your brother.”
“That wasn’t the only reason—I promise.” She patted his hand. “How are you feeling?”
“Better. They’re kicking me out of here. I need to get dressed.”
“Need any help?” The look she sent gave him something to think about beside his aches and pains.
“I think I can manage. But I could use a ride back to the canyon.”
“I can do that.”
“Thanks.” His expression sobered. “I’m sorry you had to see me like that, though. It must have been a shock.”
“It was.” She cleared her throat. “The paramedics told us they were pretty sure you were still breathing, but until someone could climb up there, we didn’t know how bad off you were. What did the doctor say?”
“I’ve got a couple of broken ribs and a few stitches in my thigh. Nothing that won’t heal in a few weeks.”
“What happened? Tony said someone cut through some supports where you were climbing.”
“I think so. No idea who, though.”
“Is that why Aaron and Gage were here?”
“Yes. They wanted to find out what I knew.”
“Why would someone cut the catwalk supports?” she asked. “They couldn’t have known you would climb up there.”
“No. But the construction crew would have been up there to finish the work. One of them might have been hurt or even killed. Even if they had noticed the damage right away, it’s going to set back the project—probably a few days. They’ll have to remove the damaged support, cut new ones and install them.”
“This isn’t peaceful protesting,” she said.
“No. Someone really wants this project to stop. If we learn why, maybe we can figure out who’s responsible.”
“I still think Walt Spies is suspicious,” she said.
“I can’t see him climbing up to cut those beams,” Ian said. “He must be at least seventy.”
“There are plenty of seventy-year-olds in this town who are in great shape. Craig Boston was on a challenging trail when he injured his ankle the other day.”
“I can’t see why Walt would go to so much trouble. He’s in a position to vote against the project—and probably to influence other commissioners to join him. He doesn’t have to risk his own safety to attack me and my project.”
They fell silent. Bethany weighed the wisdom of saying what was on her mind, then decided she had to go for it. “What about your dad? You said he was upset that you outbid him for the property.”
“He was. He is. He hasn’t spoken to me since it happened, but that’s not unusual. Unlike your family, mine isn’t close. Dad pretty much disinherited me when I chose climbing over a job in the family business. It’s one reason my grandmother bypassed him and left all her money to me. But it was something else for him to resent.”
“Would your father hire someone to sabotage the via ferrata—as a way to get back at you or to force you to give up? Then maybe he could buy the property and mine it?”
“I don’t know. I hate to think of it, but maybe he would.”
“I’m sorry.” Bethany rubbed his hand again. “I have a confession to make,” she said. She had to get this out before she lost her nerve. “Promise you won’t be angry with me.”
“Why would I be angry?”
