Page 86 of Her Rugged Guardian

“What I know is that I tried to be a hero and failed. I deserved to be the one who died in that fire.”

“That’s just not true. You’re my hero and you deserve to live your life.”

“No, baby. I’m no one’s hero. The sooner you get that out of your mind the better. However, you’re right in that we won’t allow Malcolm to win.”

“Then what do we do?”

I thought about her question as I made the turn down the street where the winery was located. “We fight fire with fire.”

“Meaning what?”

“Meaning we’ll try and gather the evidence you talked about. One step at a time. It’s not something I’m good at but I’ll try.”

Cassandra exhaled as if relieved. “Good. We’ll lay out a plan just like we talked about. My friend from DC might be able to help. Her father is with the FBI. I don’t know if he can do anything but it’s worth a try.”

“That’ll be tough but exactly what’s needed. They’ve had the town in such a stranglehold it’s pathetic. I’ll get you what I know on Malcolm’s organization.”

“I wish my mother would have told me what was going on. Maybe she left some other boxes that I haven’t found. Maybe she found something on him.”

I threw her a look as I pulled down the long driveway. “Maybe. She didn’t tell you because she didn’t want to worry you. She knew you were busy.”

“Busy. Something I’ll never forgive myself for. What else did my mother say, anything about Malcolm?”

“Your mother was private. She also had pride and didn’t want to appear as if she needed anything from anyone.”

“I thought you two were friends.”

“We were to a point, Cass. However, she was motherly, including to me. She spent more time trying to drag me out of my shell. She was that kind of person.”

“Yeah, she was. Is there anything your friend can to do help with Malcolm?”

“I doubt it. Besides, he’s got his hands full with the recent murder.” As soon as I threw the gear into park, she opened the door then hesitated. “What is it?”

She shifted uncomfortably in the seat. “The school where the fire occurred. What did it turn into?”

“Several businesses. The school was rebuilt but on another location.”

“Are these businesses owned by Malcolm?”

“No, even though the fire was suspicious, it was ruled an accident. However, I checked on that at the time. The way the fire burned bothered me. A group of investors bought the property from the owner. They’re from out of town with no connection to the Robinson organization.”

“Are you sure about that?” She tipped her head, a smile on her face. “Haven’t you ever heard of dummy corporations? If there is a dummy company, they might have it locked down but maybe they got sloppy since they believe no one can break the thick veil they have wrapped around their power.”

“Whatever you do, just be careful and you’re not doing a single thing without my involvement. Do you hear me?”

“Why, yes, sir.”

Chuckling, I studied the main house, the lights shining on the darkened windows. We’d left a light on for Moose, the warm glow barely peeking through the open blinds on one window. “Still, I wasn’t born yesterday. I traced the lineage of the company as far as it would go.”

“I’m sure you did. It can’t hurt to have another pair of eyes or two on it. Make sure and provide all the information you have.I’m going to have my friend check it out herself. Can’t hurt. And the murders. What if the two girls are connected by properties somehow?”

“What are you getting at?” I cut the engine, yanking the keys from the ignition.

“I don’t know what I’m thinking other than there must be a connection. There are too many coincidences.”

“We’re not going to solve anything tonight. I’m going to take you up on that shower.” I grinned before opening the door, trying to make light out of the situation. If Malcolm had resorted to murder, then it meant he was desperate. But for what reason? Nothing added up. As soon as I climbed out, the sound of crunching gravel assaulted my senses. Moose started barking right after that, which drowned out the noise, but I had no doubt Malcolm had made good on his threat.

“He called the cops,” Cassandra said from beside me.

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