Page 66 of Her Rugged Guardian

“To hell with you. You’re the one who has nothing on this goddamn case.”

He took a sip, studying me for a few seconds. “Just so you know. Malcolm is insistent that the contract for Tangerine Sunset was signed.”

I had no idea what to say. “How would you hear something like that?”

“Because I was at the courthouse and overheard a conversation he had with his attorney. I don’t know what to tell you other than what I heard.”

“That can’t be right. Did you check land records?”

“Well, I actually did and no, the paperwork hasn’t been filed. But if what he’s saying is true, the woman you seem to like so much might not have a leg to stand on other than she’ll be the recipient of the proceeds from the sale of course, which is hefty. To the tune of a couple million, which is more than generous.”

A couple million could easily allow her to start a new life. Somewhere else. My chest tightened from the thought.

“Jesus. I don’t buy it, Bart. You know Malcolm is shady as they come.”

“I know that,” he said. “I’m just warning you of the possibility that the deal is legit. I know that’s not what you want to hear, but a contract is a contract.”

“I’ll buy the contract back.”

“You can’t be fucking serious.”

“Maybe I am. I didn’t spend the money I earned from my hockey contract.”

Bart shook his head. “Two million?”

“I have more than that.”

“Whew. You must really like this girl.”

Exhaling, I nodded. “I do.

“So, what about the call?” he asked.

“As I said, she’s had several unknown callers with no one on the other end of the line. The last time he lingered. She asked what he wanted and he told her everything. I don’t mind telling you Cass was freaked out.”

“Did Ms. Dayne recognize the voice?”

“No.”

“O-kay. I assume you tried the number.”

“You bet I did. The number is no longer in operation. And yeah, I know that means it’s likely a burner phone.”

Bart shook his head. “Then I don’t have shit to go on, Jake. Come on, you know that.” He yanked the cup into his hand, his brow furrowing.

“I’m telling you, Robinson is up to no good. If I were you, I’d be looking at him for the murders.”

He coughed, spitting out the gulp he’d taken, glaring at me when the liquid landed on some of his paperwork. “Robinson? He’s a fucking loser but he’s no killer. Did you fall off that roof you were working on and hit your head? And that girl of yours has really gotten around since arriving. I find it interesting that you’ve developed conspiracy theories when before the entire town could have burned down, and you wouldn’t have cared.”

When I lifted my head, his eyes opened wide.

“Shit, man. That was shitty of me. I’m sorry,” he said.

“She’s not my girl and her mother was the recipient of the threat. Cass picked up some paperwork from Margaret’s post office.” A look crossed his face that troubled me. While Cass had shown me the document, the man had been careful in what he’d said. I couldn’t believe Margaret would have agreed to do business with him.

“Interesting.” He glanced away, tapping his pen. “Very interesting.”

“How so?”

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