Page 82 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“My client wishes to counter with a million-dollar amount.
Sam stood, gathered his papers, and placed them in his briefcase. "We'll see you in court.”
I stood, unsure about what had just happened. We made our way to the dark oak doors, and Sam reached for the knob.
Cromwell spoke up. “Gentlemen…”
Sam and I turned, standing by the door, ready to leave.
Cromwell and Mitzi carried on a heated conversation. She scowled at me. The conversation was not loud enough to hear clearly, but it was loud enough to recognize anger in her voice.
Cromwell spoke. “I have counseled my client, and she has agreed to the half-million-dollar settlement.”
Sam and I again approached the table. “We are prepared to discuss terms,” Sam said.
“A cashier’s check payable to this law firm is sufficient,” Cromwell stated. “I will draw up papers, as requested. My client will not pursue further compensation from or file any future claims against Sterling Ranch.”
“As soon as my office receives the paperwork, we will deliver a cashier’s check as requested,” Sam said.
Jack Cromwell stood and approached Sam. “Nice work, Mr. Collins. Call me if you ever decide to relocate to the Dallas area.”
“Mr. Cromwell, the pleasure is all mine.”
Sam turned to leave, with me following. We exited the lavish suite.
On the way down in the elevator, I asked, “What just happened?”
“We won. Mitzi would have been a bigger fool to pursue a suit. By threatening to walk away, we forced their hand. The settlement cost you half a million, but you saved more in legal fees. A suit would have netted her nothing but a huge debt and no money.”
I stuck out my hand. “Thanks, Sam. I can’t wait to tell Rod.”
Chapter Forty
ROD
Friday afternoon, the ranch house phone rang. I picked up. “Sterling Ranch.”
“Hi, Roddy. We’re leaving Lubbock airport. We’ll be at Sam’s office in about 90 minutes. Can you pick me up?”
Warmth flooded my gut. “Your voice is music to my ears, babe. So what happened?”
“Mitzi took the settlement offer. Her attorney advised her to settle or risk getting nothing. The attorney, of course, got forty percent of the money, so he’ll smile all the way to the bank. Mitzi netted three hundred thousand, all of which she’ll likely spend before the end of the year. But we are free of Mitzi’s claims to the ranch.”
“That’s terrific. I can't wait to hear the details. I’ll be waiting for you at Sam’s office.”
“See you in a bit.”
An hour later, I hurried to my truck and drove into town to meet Wyl and Sam. I stood on the sidewalk outside Sam’s office as they pulled up. Wyl bounded out of Sam’s car and made a beeline toward me. He looked different, but he grabbed me and wrapped me in his arms before I could figure out why.
“God, I missed you,” Wyl whispered.
I nuzzled Wyl’s ear. “I missed you, too, babe. Being alone is no fun.”
Wyl released the hug and tugged me toward Sam. “Let me introduce you. Sam, this is Dr. Rod Bonner. He’s the one I bent your ear about.”
Sam extended his hand. “I’m pleased to meet you, Dr. Bonner. Wyl is a new man since you came along.”
Heat rose into my cheeks as I shook Sam’s hand. I'm sure Wyl didn’t leave out many details. “I’m glad to meet you, Sam. And please, call me Rod.”
