Page 114 of The Texas Sterling Collection
Wyl chuckled. “I’m glad Shifty is out of our hair, Jack. Do you have any ideas about this person Shifty may have worked with? Felipe said Shifty had no friends, so it seems odd that he would find a partner in crime.”
“True, but everything points to someone paying him to set the fire and throw the rock. Do you and Rod have any known enemies?”
Wyl glanced at Rod as he spoke. “Nobody that I think would stoop to those tactics. My ex-sister-in-law has been after Sterling money since before Walt died, but I can’t imagine she would be involved. She’s more the blackmail and extortion type. She’s not afraid to barge into our home with baseless demands, but stooping to the destruction of property isn’t like her.”
“Are you talking about Mitzi?”
“Yes,” Wyl said.
“I never thought she and Walt fit together. Not like you and Rod. I could tell at the fire that you two are tight.”
“Thanks, Jack. I can’t imagine she would deal with Shifty, but you never know.”
“We kept the details of the fire and the vandalism out of the newspaper. The fire department reported the fire ata location west of the city, but Sterling Ranch wasn’t identified. If anything comes to mind, let me know. The investigation is at a standstill unless a viable lead emerges,” Jack said.
“Thanks for nabbing Shifty, Jack. Rod and I will breathe easier knowing he’s not out there trying to cause trouble. And thanks for keeping the ranch out of the news. We won’t be hounded with many inquiries about fire cleanup, rebuilding, insurance, and prevention.”
“Speaking of Rod, I saw the video you two did. That took a lot of balls, but if anyone could pull it off, you two did. We try to keep up with things like that around the station. And I have to tell you; the reactions have been positive. I thought you’d like to know.”
“Thanks for the words, Jack. I’ll admit to being apprehensive when Rod proposed the idea. Your support helps me breathe easier about the whole thing.”
“Glad I can help. Best to Rod.” Jack hung up.
“What was that all about?” Rod came to Wyl.
Wyl wrapped Rod in his arms. “Jack’s deputies pulled Shifty in on a DWI. It was his third offense, so he’ll serve time. When they cleaned out his rented trailer house, they found used cans of red spray paint. Jack leaned on him, and he confessed to the gate vandalism and the barn fire.”
“I caught you glancing my way.” Rod wrapped his arms around Wyl’s neck. “I wondered if the conversation had something to do with me.”
“No.” Wyl shook his head. “Jack asked if we knew of anyone besides Shifty who would want to bring harm to us. I thought of your boldness with both Shifty and Mitzi, and it made my heart swell a bit, and I just had to gaze at you.”
Rod smiled and planted a quick kiss on his husband’s full lips. “Those are the only two I can think of who have us in their crosshairs.”
“Wow… you’ve never used a rifle reference before,” Wyl chuckled.
Rod grinned. “I used to watch a lot of television.”
“The same television that taught you all ranches were like Bonanza and Big Valley?”
Rod raised an eyebrow. “You’re not supposed to remember everything.”
“That was during your first visit to the ranch. I’ll always remember that night because it was our first kiss.” Wyl leaned in for another quick kiss.
They settled into a routine over the next few days, and the memory of Shifty’s deed faded. Their confidence blossomed at the lack of negativity resulting from Mitzi’s online posting and the success of their video. But they knew Mitzi wouldn’t back down. What would she try next? They were in the calm eye of a hurricane and waiting for the second wall to hit.
Chapter Fifteen
They had a three-hour layover at DFW Airport on the Sunday flight to San Francisco. They settled in the airline club and ordered sandwiches and beer for lunch.
“Joe scheduled a limo to pick us up at SFO,” Wyl said. “The high-rise condo he suggested sounds like a nice place. I was impressed with the staff when I contracted the rental. I bet we’ll like it.”
“I’m sure Joe got a sense of the type of place we expect.”
Wyl grasped Rod’s hand. “Are you at all uneasy about this trip and our appearance in front of Joe’s group?”
Wyl knew the situations with Mitzi and Shifty affected Rod. His husband had proved he could shove his fears aside and boldly face anything. Still, Wyl’s protective instinct kicked in when things got tough, and he needed Rod to know he was there to support and encourage him.
Rod shook his head. “No, babe. Joe’s visit showed me just how inspirational our story is. What better place to share in person than San Francisco?”
