Texas Roads (A Miller's Creek Novel)

by Bryant, Cathy

  He grimaced under her blast then offered a sheepish grin. “Could you help me organize these into folders?”

  Wanda glared at him for a long minute, then shook her head and marched around the desk to take the papers, her expression dark. “I don’t get paid enough.”

  Steve held his tongue, the phone ringing just as he transferred the papers to her arms. He made the mistake of making eye contact.

  “Don’t look at me. I’ve got my hands full. You’ll have to get it yourself.” Her tone bristled.

  He snapped the phone to his ear. “City Hall, Steve Miller speaking.”

  “Mr. Miller, glad I caught you. This is Andy Tyler with Tyler and Coleman Law Firm in Dallas.”

  A lawyer from Dallas? “Yes, what can I do for you, Mr. Tyler?”

  “I understand your town’s in the middle of a renovation project.”

  Goose bumps tickled his spine. Had Brighton come through after all this time? He leaned his weight against Wanda’s desk. “Yes sir.”

  “I’m calling regarding a foundation that’s been created to assist Miller’s Creek with funding.”

  Cotton formed in his mouth and his ears roared. Had he heard the man right? He glanced up to see Wanda’s interested stare and upturned ear. “Can you hold just a minute while I transfer this call to my office?” The words came out as a croak. Steve punched the hold button, laid down the phone, and ignored Wanda’s glower as he headed to the privacy of his office. If he wanted the rest of the town to know about this phone call, he’d tell them himself. The office door clicked behind him, and he picked up the phone. “I’m back, Mr. Tyler. Can you give me more details?”

  “Actually, I’d like to schedule a time to visit with you in person. Would that be all right?”

  All right? Did kids like candy? “Sure.”

  “Friday morning at ten okay for you?”

  “That’ll be great.” He provided the man with directions then dropped into his chair. What had just happened? A sudden smile erupted on his face and he squashed the temptation to let out a cowboy yee-haw. The meeting with Mr. Big Wig Brighton had finally paid off. Miller’s Creek had an investor. Wouldn’t Dani be surprised?

  Like gathering storm clouds, he remembered the townspeople’s opposition to outside investors. How would they react when they heard the news? He pushed the question away. After the visit with Mr. Tyler, he’d mention it to the people of Miller’s Creek. Then he’d break out in a sweat.

  ~~o~~

  Andy Tyler wasn’t what Steve expected. He’d imagined someone along the lines of Mr. Brighton, but not this personable man close to his own age. With sand-colored hair and a bright smile that seemed permanently etched on his face, he looked more like a movie star than a lawyer. And better yet he wasn’t wearing a suit.

  “Nice to meet you in person, Mr. Tyler.” Steve shook his hand and motioned for him to take a seat.

  “Call me Andy.” He glanced around the room. “Nice office you got here.”

  Steve folded himself into the desk chair and swiveled to face the attorney. “Thanks. Some friends of mine surprised me earlier this week. Apparently I was close to the top of the renovation list and didn’t know it.”

  Andy laughed. “Your friends must think highly of you.”

  “I don’t know about that, but I think highly of them.”

  “Spoken like a true leader.” The man scrutinized him with lips pursed and eyes narrowed.

  What was he after? Steve intentionally kept his face blank. “I’d like to hear more about this foundation you mentioned.”

  The man nodded and shifted to business-mode. “Okay. The foundation’s been organized so the city and individuals can apply for funding of improvement projects.”

  He thought over the attorney’s words, wanting to believe, but unable to shake his cautious nature. What if the money came from an illegal source? “Where’s the money coming from?”

  “My client wishes to remain anonymous. I’ll be your contact in all business matters.”

  The news sent unease skittering across his scalp. “That didn’t really answer my question.”

  Andy cleared his throat. “Sorry, but I’m bound by contract not to divulge my client’s identity. I assure you the money is from a legitimate source, if that’s your concern.”

  Was this guy honest or just speaking legalese? He brought a hand up to rub his chin. “You have a way to verify that it’s legitimate and legal?”

  “Of course.”

  Steve pondered the information then gave Tyler a hard look. “I must admit this all sounds too good to be true.”

  “I’m sure it does, but it’s the truth.” Andy maintained eye contact, the mark of an honest man.

  Steve leaned forward, propped his elbows on the desk, and steepled his fingers. “I’m going to be upfront with you, Mr. Tyler. This idea won’t fly if your client’s going to call the shots.”

  Andy’s brows darted upward. “What do you mean?”

  “I’m the boss of this operation, not your client.” Sweat trickled down Steve’s back, but he forced himself to remain still. What if Tyler rescinded the offer?

  The man eyed him a moment then spoke. “That’s understandable. The only thing my client will determine is who gets the money.” He removed a file from his briefcase, laid it on the desk, and pushed it toward him. “For the purpose of protecting our resources, the recipients will be required to send in progress reports and financial records.”

  He perused the file. “I’ll want another attorney to check this. Do you mind me asking how much is available?”

  “At least ten million dollars.”

  Steve’s heart skipped a beat. His jaw hinged open and he shifted in his seat, leaning across the desk toward Andy. “I’m sorry. I don’t think I heard you correctly.”

  The attorney chuckled. “You heard me, all right. Ten million dollars.”

  He exhaled a long puff of air between his lips in an attempt to slow his pulse, which had taken off like race horses at an opened gate.

  Andy continued. “My client reserves the right to pull funding at any time, but we’ll protect your interests by stating in a contractual agreement that no project will be left without enough funding to see it through to completion.”

  His mind whirled. They wouldn’t come close to spending ten million dollars.

  The lawyer laced his fingers in front of him and let his elbows rest against the arms of the chair. “The foundation will fund improvements to the downtown area as well as private homes. Money will also be available for advertising and other promotional expenses.”

  The funding covered more than renovations to downtown? There’d be enough money to bring in businesses and customers—a dream come true—no, a prayer answered. He fell back in his chair and let out a low whistle. “Why does your client want to be anonymous?”

  “I’m not at liberty to say, but I assure you my client strongly believes in this town and what it can become.”

  “This person has visited Miller’s Creek?”

  “Yes.”

  Steve mulled over this last piece of information. He couldn’t sneeze without someone in Miller’s Creek calling to say “Bless you.” Whoever this anonymous person was, they knew how to be discreet. Brighton must’ve found an interested investor. Or maybe Brighton was the investor.

  Andy lifted one corner of his mouth. “Trying to figure out who my client is won’t help. If I were you I’d just accept the offer and move ahead with your plans.”

  Would it be that easy? With the town so opposed to an outside investor, he somehow doubted it.

  ~~o~~

  Queasiness roller-coasted in Dani’s stomach and catapulted a vile taste onto her tongue. When Mama Beth mentioned who she’d invited to lunch, Dani had launched into a full-blown panic attack. Now she paced from the kitchen to the front window, then back to the kitchen again.

  The crunch of truck tires on the gravel driveway drew her to the living room window like a magnet. Could she make t
his work? She emitted a slow breath to still her racing heart and returned to the kitchen where her aunt pulled homemade dinner rolls from the oven. Normally the aroma of fresh-baked bread made Dani salivate, but today she pressed a hand to her stomach. “They’re here.”

  “Well, don’t just stand there. Let ‘em in.” Mama Beth dumped steaming baby carrots into a brown earthenware bowl.

  Dani scurried to the front, her heart knocking against her ribs. Steve held the screen door for Andy and motioned for him to enter, but barely glanced at her. She frowned. Why did he look so uncomfortable? The news should have him dancing a jig.

  “Mr. Tyler, this is Mrs. Davis. She’s the niece of the lady I told you about.”

  Mrs. Davis? When had he stopped calling her Dani? And did he still only see her as Mama Beth’s niece? She extended a hand with a warning smile. “Please call me Dani.”

  Andy, a teasing gleam in his eye, seized her hand and held it longer than necessary. His conspiratorial wink sent panic hurtling through her body. Didn’t he realize how serious this was? She ignored him and led the way to the kitchen.

  Mama Beth bustled toward them wiping her hands on her apron, her voice welcoming. “You must be Mr. Tyler.”

  “Yes, and you’re Miss Adams.” Andy took her hand in his. “The food smells awesome.”

  Her aunt’s face lit. Leave it to Andy to win her over. It wouldn’t be long before every female in town lined up for a glimpse of his golden curls, dark lashes, and sea-green eyes.

  After the blessing Andy initiated conversation while the bowls of food made their way around the table. “This is a magnificent house, Miss Adams. Have you lived here all your life?”

  Mama Beth clanked a serving spoon against the bowl of mashed potatoes and shook her head. “I’ve lived in Miller’s Creek all my life, but I’ve lived in this house about thirty years.”

  “My grandfather built this house.” Steve joined the conversation, his tone and expression still somber. “It stayed in our family ’til we moved to the ranch. That’s when Mama Beth bought it.”

  This house once belonged to the Millers? Dani mentally filed the new information.

  Mama Beth passed the mashed potatoes to Steve, but focused her attention on Andy. “Where are you from?”

  “Dallas.”

  “Really? That’s where Dani used to live.”

  Dani choked on a carrot and reached for her water. Stay calm! She darted a peek at each of their faces then took a slow breath. No one seemed to have noticed her nervousness … except maybe Steve.

  Andy continued to cut his pork chop, but glanced at her while he carved the juicy meat. “Miller’s Creek must be quite a change from the Big D.”

  She shot him a look of appreciation. “Definitely, but I still love it.” Steve’s eyes narrowed slightly. With a bite of her hot roll she lowered her gaze. Was he opposed to her living here, or did he already suspect her role in all this? Dani turned to Andy again, but looked past him at Steve. “So what brings you to Miller’s Creek, Mr. Tyler?”

  Various emotions flitted across Steve’s face. Relief. Joy. Indecision. Worry. Why? “Andy has a client that wants to invest in Miller’s Creek. They’ve set up a foundation so people can apply for funding.” His voice was tight, like a kite string in a gust of wind.

  Mama Beth clapped and produced a broad smile. “I told you God would work this out.”

  “Yes, you did.” Steve’s expression and tone momentarily softened, but as soon as his attention shifted back to Dani, he frowned.

  Why was he acting so weird? Had she done something to offend him?

  Several minutes later, Andy pushed his plate away and rubbed a hand over his belly. “That was the best home-cooked meal I’ve had in a long time, Miss Adams. I appreciate you having me over for lunch.”

  “Glad you enjoyed it. I guess your work will be bringing you back here from time to time.” Her aunt sipped her sweet iced tea.

  “Yes, in fact, I need to talk with my client about leasing an office in one of the buildings downtown.”

  Dani struggled to keep the smirk off her face at Andy’s sly hint. Her smile disappeared as quickly as it had come. How could they handle private business in a town with such nosy people? She lifted her head to find Steve staring at her, his eyebrows joined in the middle.

  Mama Beth’s chair scraped against the hardwood floors as she scooted her chair from the table and grabbed Andy’s plate. “Well, if you ever need a place to stay, you’re always welcome at Mama Beth’s Bed and Breakfast.”

  Andy gave a good-natured laugh. “I may have to take you up on that.” He stood and shifted to the window. “Mind if I look around your garden?”

  She jumped at the chance to speak with Andy alone and vaulted to her feet. “I’ll show Mr. Tyler around if you’d like me to.” The words tumbled from her mouth.

  “That’s very thoughtful of you, sweetie. Steve can help me clean up.”

  The glare on Steve’s face propelled paranoia through her insides. Was he just being his usual moody self, or was his behavior based on suspicion?

  ~~o~~

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Secrets Kept

  Elbows propped on the kitchen table, Dani rested her head in her hands and waited for the caffeine from her third cup of coffee to kick in. A yawn crept out. How had she maneuvered herself into this mess? She’d labored on a to-do list until the wee hours of the morning. Now it lay hidden beneath her pillow with no way to make it happen, at least not without arousing suspicion. How could she steal away from Mama Beth long enough to phone Andy?

  Her aunt wandered in from the living room. “You look bushed.”

  “That bad, huh? I didn’t sleep well last night.” She sipped from her cup then grimaced—nothing like strong coffee to make your tongue grow fur.

  Mama Beth pinned her with a quizzical look. “The Holy Grounds coffee klatch is meeting today. Want to come?”

  She brightened. The opportunity she hoped for had just landed in her lap. “No thanks, I’ll hang here or get out and drive around Miller’s Creek.”

  A half hour later her aunt left with a promise to return after lunch, so Dani dragged herself up the stairs for the list. The first order of business: to call Andy. She punched speed dial while she descended the stairs, then plunked the list down on the table and stared out the window at the drought-wilted flowers. Their drooping petals mirrored her energy level. Zapped.

  “I was starting to think you weren’t going to call.” Andy’s cheery voice rang out on the other end.

  If he knew how punchy she felt, he’d be a little more careful about irritating her frayed nerves with his over-exuberance. “Sorry. Lack of privacy is a bigger issue than I expected. How are the plans going on that end?”

  “Great. We’ve received several applications, and I think I located an office space.”

  “Good. Where?”

  “Steve suggested an office at City Hall. There’s even an apartment on an upper floor that I can rent. A little antiquated, but it will do.”

  She tensed. Wasn’t City Hall a little too … public? “I don’t think that’s such a good idea. We should find you a different building where I can come and go without Steve’s knowledge.”

  “You don’t need to worry about Steve. Trust me. He’s completely focused on this project. Besides, it makes sense for me to be near his office for the application process.”

  A niggle in her brain tapped out a warning, but she flicked it away. Andy was right. She was worrying for no reason.

  He rattled on. “Before I forget, I located the owner of the property you’re interested in buying. A Mr. Bo Miller. Any kin to Steve?”

  Her heart fluttered. The Millers? Would they approve of her plan for the land? “His dad, but I had no idea the property belonged to them.”

  A buzz of voices filtered through the phone, and then Andy came back on the line. “Listen, can I call you back? I’ve got something I need to tend to here.”

  “Sure.” The wo
rds were out of her mouth, and the conversation closed, before she realized her error. What if he called back while Mama Beth was home? Well, she couldn’t worry about it at the moment. There was too much to do. Dani checked her call to Andy off the list and studied item number two. She’d rather have her toenails removed with pliers. And no anesthetic. Howard Huff wouldn’t take kindly to her news, but she couldn’t let him stand in the way of her plans.

  The current president of the company her father once owned wore his sneaky-snake reputation like the Congressional Medal of Honor, but the time had come to let him know who was boss. Dani eyed the clock and released a heavy breath. If she didn’t get a move on, there wouldn’t be enough time to visit Trish and big Bo before Mama Beth returned. Plus, she’d promised the old geezers she’d help clean out a couple of the buildings downtown, and she still needed to feed and bathe Little Bit. She pressed the phone key pad with a clenched jaw, while the furry kitten batted at her shoestring.

  “Hampton Enterprises.”

  “This is Dani Hampton-Davis. Mr. Huff, please.”

  “Please hold.”

  The canned music furthered her aggravation until she imagined Howard on the other end sweating bullets. She forced down a smirk. All work and no sleep made her snarly.

  “Dani, how are you?” Howard’s syrupy-sweet voice oozed through the phone. “Haven’t seen you—”

  “Since Richard’s funeral.” She sounded intentionally blunt, already tired of his phony baloney. “I wanted to let you know I’ve reached a decision on what we discussed earlier.”

  “Yes.” He dragged the word out into three sticky syllables.

  “I’ve decided not to sell the company.”

  Silence, then his once-sugary words turned surly. “But we agreed. You have no desire to run the company.”

  Fiery heat blazed through her. He’d picked the wrong day to argue. “You mean I had no desire to run the company—past tense. I’ve changed my mind.”