Page 67 of Meant for Her

“I found Pete Rizolli.”

“That’s great. Where?” She hoped he didn’t say the man was in some cemetery.

“He’s in Willows Point. I’ll text you the address.”

“Thanks. Did you learn anything about him?”

“Nothing major, but I did a Google search of his home. Be aware that the man seems to be on hard times.”

“That’s a shame. It’s possible he hasn’t worked since Mr. Lattimore passed. Any news on the location of Luke and Ryan’s mom?”

“Not yet,” Mason said. “I’ll keep looking.”

“I appreciate it.”

“At some point, I’d like an invitation to meet these two men in your life. I heard your parents and the twins have met them. What am I? Chump meat?”

She laughed. “We’ll be sure to set up a dinner date.”

“You better.” Someone knocked on his office door. “I gotta go,” he said and then disconnected.

Malia debated emailing the information to Luke and Ryan, but knowing them, they’d visit Pete without her. On the other hand, Luke and Ryan might need to have some closure with the man who was more of a father figure than their own dad.

In the end, she sent Ryan and Luke an email with Pete’s address. If they wanted her to come, they would invite her. If they didn’t, then Malia could actually relax at home for a change.

Just as her shift ended, she received a note from Luke saying thanks. Ryan also sent a note, but his said that they were going to speak with him alone. When their father was killed, Pete became rather distant.

She immediately wrote back:Let me know what happens. Good luck.

* * *

When Malia didn’t insist she go with them, Ryan was relieved. He’d been serious about Pete having a personality change. After their father died, Pete became distant. Then he stopped taking their calls altogether. If Malia came with them, no telling how the man would react if he saw a pretty face. If he learned she was a Granger, Pete’s reaction might not be a good one.

“What do you want to do?” he asked Luke, whose feet were propped up on the living room coffee table.

“I want to see him. For starters, I’d like to know where he buried Dad’s body.”

“Why? I hate to be graphic, but since Pete wouldn’t have put him in a casket, he’ll be all bones.”

“I know. Call it closure.”

Ryan shrugged. “Then ask him. Be my guest if you want to dig him up.”

“I just might.”

“When do you want to talk to him?” Ryan asked. The sooner they found out who their father had owed more money to, the better.

They’d theorized—along with Malia’s help—that one of their dad’s gambling buddies wanted his money. Since their father was basically broke when he was killed, someone might have decided to wait until the ranch was up and running again before stealing the cows. Ryan had no proof of any of this, but it was as good a theory as any.

Luke stood. “We have the address. I say we go now. I definitely don’t want Malia to stop by and insist she come with us.”

“She won’t. I told her we were going alone.”

Luke grabbed his jacket and keys. “I’ll drive.”

“Suit yourself.”

Once Ryan got his coat, they left. The trip to Willows Point took over an hour. Thank goodness he had an app on his phone to find the address. When Luke turned off the main road, the homes were not in the best of repair.

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