by Piper Stone
“To write a new will as well as a separate agreement, one similar to the one you found.”
“That doesn’t make any sense.”
She snorted as she continued to stare out the window. “Exactly.”
“How does that affect Scorpion?”
When she turned to face me, her eyes continued to dart toward the window leading to the outer offices. What the hell was she afraid of?
“I already told you that Scorpion and his posse were involved in a mission in Afghanistan.”
“Yes, so what?”
“So, the situation is still under investigation. The outcome could mean court-martial,” she barely managed to say, her voice breaking.
“What? That’s crazy. Scorpion is a hero.”
She smiled. “I have no doubt. Certain members of the Marines see it differently, but I don’t know all the details. Jasper did. Scorpion might have told you that he’s been estranged from his family for two decades. Why, I don’t know. His reasons to make changes in his will were very personal, including hoping that Scorpion could find solace and a different purpose than being in the military.”
My thoughts drifted to Snake and the story Scorpion had told me. “This holding company belongs to Jasper. Doesn’t it?”
“From what Jasper told me, yes. All I know is that Jasper wanted to make certain Scorpion had a legacy, including the bar and the ranch. He was a little scattered by that point, insisting that I handle things exactly the way he requested.”
“The will and agreement you drew up are entirely different than the will that Scorpion knows about. Isn’t it?”
Brandy nodded. “It’s client privilege but yes. The will hadn’t been recorded but that wasn’t going to happen for some time.”
“Why?”
“Because... Because Jasper detailed certain conditions. I can’t tell you what they are. I just can’t.”
Uh-huh. My anger increased, a realization that I’d been used in some manner pissing me off.
“And that agreement?” There was no way to keep the frustration out of my voice.
She seemed even more nervous, her mouth twisting. “Let’s just say the agreement I drew up is signed and waiting for Scorpion’s signature, and as I said, similar to the one you brought me. Something about it bothers me and I need to read it carefully. However, someone is definitely out to get Scorpion, or at least force him to sell and leave town.”
“I need to tell him.”
“You need to allow me some time, cuz. You have to trust me.”
I studied her, the way her body remained tense. Trust. I had a distinct feeling that she knew who had created the agreement I’d given her, which could mean someone had been lying to Jasper. And why did I have a sick feeling I’d been placed in the middle of whatever was going on? “Why am I here? I know there’s a reason. Why would a man like Jasper, especially if he had money, contact a firm in Nashville? I’ve been trying to figure that out since before I boarded the plane. I’ve also wondered why my father would push me into coming. Oh, sure, he said he wanted to expand the business, but that wasn’t like my father. Did you have something to do with that?”
A flush crept up along her cheeks, her entire body sagging. “Jasper and I talked. He knew your dad from years before when he lived in Montana. When he made the connection, he believed it was karma talking to him. He wanted nothing more than for Scorpion to make Raunchy Ride a destination. Jasper loved hearing the stories from Scorpion’s past,” she said with a faraway look in her eyes. “Something that he hadn’t experienced because Scorpion’s father wouldn’t allow contact. He knew his decision was the right thing to do. Plus, he didn’t trust his advisor, although he refused to tell me who it was. I also asked him why he wasn’t using his regular attorney and he declined to answer. Jasper was a very private person. What I did learn from our conversation was that he was in the middle of a business transaction that troubled him.”
“Meaning the agreement and whatever the holding company was involved in, which involved every piece of land.”
Once again, she nodded. “You need to listen to me. When the will and the agreement are executed, it is likely going to rock several people. I have a feeling that Jasper was right to come to me. I think someone either gave him misinformation or didn’t tell him something about the land surrounding the bar. Maybe Jasper found out the person was lying to him. Maybe he was tricked into signing another agreement then found out what this advisor had been hiding. I just don’t know, but that’s something I’m going to look into. The information you provided might give me some answers, but it doesn’t change Jasper’s wishes. At least not entirely.”
“You didn’t expect Scorpion to be threatened.”
Brandy laughed. “Why would I? I thought I was merely providing a dying man’s last wishes, hope that his troubled nephew would finally accept Montana as his home. Since I wasn’t privy to information regarding the holding company, I had no way of knowing that Scorpion might be hurt by Jasper’s decision in any way.”
My cousin was obviously more troubled than she could display. The danger was real.
The realization as to why was likely detailed in the file.
“Brandy, I’m going to ask you again. Why am I here?”
Her face almost expressionless, she finally offered a smile as she walked closer. “I hadn’t talked to your dad in a long time. Life just kind of moved on after Uncle Steve moved away. When I did because of Jasper’s request, he couldn’t speak highly enough of you and your accomplishments. Then he told me what that asshole from Steele Rhythm did to you. One thing led to another and I had a feeling from everything your dad told me that you might be good for Scorpion, or at least help him see that the bar was worthwhile keeping.”
“You and my father used me. My God.”
“We didn’t use you, Caroline. We both wanted the best for you. Your dad thought maybe you could find a new life.”
I laughed as I walked toward the window viewing the office, glaring out at the people passing by. “Because I fucked up my other one. You don’t even know me, Brandy. We haven’t seen each other in years.”
She walked back to her desk, opening a drawer. When she pulled out a CD, I instantly recognized it. “I might not know you, but I lived vicariously through music that you were a part of. When your father told me how callous Maverick had been, it resonated with being dumped by a man I thought I was going to marry. He was everything to me, but after finding several texts sent to him by another woman and confronting him, I realized he didn’t give a shit about me. Your music helped me get through some of my darkest days.”
“So you thought that I’d hit it off with Scorpion.”
“I honestly thought it would at least allow you to realize there are decent men out there. Scorpion is one of those men.”
“You cared about him and still do.”
“Of course I do, Caroline. You didn’t understand what it meant to be in the posse. Granted, what few girls were allowed into the inner circle were almost like groupies of your country bands, but everyone was tight. We were like family. You know?”
Maybe I couldn’t understand, at least not completely. I turned back toward the window, unsure of how to react. When two figures drifted into my periphery of vision, a solid chill shifted down the length of my body. I slunk away, hiding behind the door.
“What is it?”
“Scorpion. He’s here. He can’t see me.”
As Brandy walked closer to the window, I could tell instantly that something was wrong.
“What is it?” I asked after Scorpion and another man passed by.
After staring after them for a few minutes, she moved closer. “You need to listen to me. Go back to the townhouse and wait. I’m going to find out what the hell is going on, but if what I suspect is true, what Jasper owned is worth dying for. Worth killing for. And Scorpion is a clear target.”
Chapter Twelve
Scorpion
Home.
How
many years had I avoided the concept, including anytime Snake pushed me on where I’d go after the military contract ended. Maybe because there’d always been extreme discord in my family, my parents never really getting along. I’d often wondered why they’d gotten married in the first place, their bitter arguments often extending into the night. Their relationship was in direct conflict to everything Snake had told me about his parents.
Maybe I was too jaded to consider building a life, especially with someone to share it.
But I hadn’t been able to get Caroline out of my mind. Maybe that was the reason the bar had become much more important to me.
It was without a doubt the reason I was determined to get some answers. That’s why I’d made the appointment with the attorney in the first place.
“Cooper. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” He didn’t bother holding out his hand in a gesture of good will. He simply greeted me as if my insistence had conflicted with a very important day.
I glared at the man after he escorted me to his office, closing the door behind us. And I remained quiet. Douglas Graham was entirely different than I thought he’d be. He wasn’t a balding little man with age spots. Instead, he was a powerhouse in a four-thousand-dollar suit, his entire demeanor screaming of superiority. Even his office matched his persona, rich and ruthless, his massive desk as highly polished as his five-hundred-dollar shoes.
He gave me a onceover, showing his disdain of my scuffed boots and faded blue jeans with the glint in his eyes. As he pointed toward one of the chairs opposite his desk, he finally offered what I would call a knowing smile. “Have a seat.”
I couldn’t help but notice the man seemed more conceited than I would have expected.
“I’m fine standing,” I answered, my grip on the file I’d brought with me remaining firm. After the incident the night before, I was forced to realize that my uncle wasn’t the man I thought he’d been.
Or the man my father had represented.
I’d gone back to the bar, searching for the file Caroline had found. Either she’d stashed it in a different box than the one we were searching, or she’d taken it. While her meddling pissed me off, it also showed how much she cared. What I had found were several sheets of paper that she hadn’t collected, as well as two additional files, the financial numbers indicating a company that certainly seemed healthy.
I’d also found something else.
“I take it that you’ve decided to go through with the sale?” he asked as if he didn’t give a shit.
But I knew better.
“I’m still uncertain; however, you were going to provide me with some potential purchasers for the bar.”
Douglas grinned, his eyes lighting up.
Uh-huh. The change in his expression was interesting.
He shifted through the various papers on his desk, securing a single piece of paper. “You’re absolutely right. I know I should have called you, but I wanted you to get settled. I have three potential purchasers, although in my professional opinion, only one of them is viable. They are offering more than what the property is worth. However, they are insistent that the transaction needs to be complete within thirty days. That should give you enough time to settle Jasper’s estate, I would think.”
“And why is that?”
“What do you mean?”
I chuckled softly as I moved closer to his desk, refusing to take my eyes off him. “Why would anyone pay higher than the going rate?”
“Because the area is considered up and coming on several data sheets.”
“Interesting. Then why should I sell?”
“Because that’s what your uncle wanted, to provide you with a tidy sum in order for you to live your life.” He reached out, offering me the piece of paper. “I can certainly make arrangements for you to talk with one or all three of the potential purchasers. Anything I can do to make this difficult time easier.”
I took the offering, briefly glancing down at the names before answering. “While I appreciate that, I’m not certain I’m interested in selling.”
There was no surprise on his face or even any reservation. There was simply a blank look, as if what I’d told him didn’t matter. Then he laughed. “You are seriously considering trying to renovate that piece of crap?”
I leaned over his desk, making certain he could feel the heat from my anger. “That piece of crap was something important to my uncle. Why he willed it to me, I have no idea and I’m not entirely certain it matters. The man is dead. What I don’t like is being pushed into a decision. I just came back into town after several years of being away.”
Douglas seemed miffed, his entire expression changing. “I’m simply trying to do what’s best for you, Cooper. Your uncle seemed to care about you very much.”
“My name is Scorpion. I want to make certain you understand something, Mr. Graham, because you just helped me make my final decision. At this point, I fully intend on keeping Raunchy Ride. I might even attempt to expand just like it would appear Uncle Jasper wanted. While that might take every penny I have as well as one hell of a long time, it’s something I want to explore and I have the means of doing so. What I won’t tolerate is anyone continuing to threaten me or try and coerce me into accepting a deal. You can kindly tell the purchasers that I’m not interested.”
“I’m not certain I understand.”
I smiled as I tossed the paper back onto his desk. “Let’s just say that I believe there’s something devious going on and I am determined to find out what that is.” I tossed the file I’d brought onto the surface, waiting with a smile on my face as he picked it up, flipping through the papers.
There was no sign he had any idea what he was looking at.
Although looks could be deceiving.
“I don’t understand, Cooper. What am I looking at?”
I shook my head, shifting my gaze toward the copies I’d made. There was a reason Jasper had hidden them in the attic of the bar. You bet I was going to find out why. “That’s what you’re going to tell me. While I might never have run a corporation, it’s easy to tell from this as well as dozens of other files that my uncle was involved in a holding company. If I had to make a guess, I’d say that he is likely worth quite a bit more money than what it appears given his rundown shithole of a bar and ranch. Now, I realize that looks can be deceiving, but I’ve always followed my gut, Mr. Graham. It’s never been wrong.”
Douglas glanced at the information before placing it on his desk. “I assure you that I have no idea what he could have been involved in. Although if he was the principal of this corporation, then it will be a matter of public record. I can certainly check if you’d like. Of course, that goes beyond the scope of what I was paid to do. I’m certain you can understand.”
Greedy son of a bitch.
“All right. However, you are my attorney. Is that correct?”
“We can certainly set up an agreement if you would like. Of course, the firm would be happy to represent you.”
Easing back, I jerked out my wallet, pulling out several hundred-dollar bills and tossing them in his direction. “While I’m certain your fee will be much higher, this should get us started. There’s more where this came from, but from here on out, anything I tell you is protected.” This wasn’t a question. It was a statement.
Douglas barely glanced at the money, a smile crossing his face. “Absolutely. I’ll have my secretary draw up the papers, Cooper. It will be a pleasure to continue working with your family.”
“I will expect answers within twenty-four hours, Mr. Graham. My patience is gone and you won’t like it when I get angry.”
“Understood.”
After grinning once more, I walked toward the door, just as unsettled as before. “That’s good to hear. And the name is Scorpion. I suggest you remember that.”
* * *
“What do you think, Bella?” I patted the side of the mare’s head as she grazed on the tender grass. She whinnied her answer as I kept my ga
ze on the beautiful lake only a few hundred yards from the house. The location was gorgeous, the vibrant color of the leaves creating an incredible view with the backdrop of the mountains. I’d been too young and stupid to appreciate the beauty of the natural surroundings before enlisting.
Granted, I’d given a shit about almost nothing at that point in my life, just doing my best to fight my way through any ordeal. Bulking up fifty pounds when I’d turned eighteen had certainly helped. By then, there’d been few people in town who hadn’t been terrified of my explosive nature, the damage I could do.
And I’d been proud of my actions back then.
Bella huffed, tossing her head as if I was ignoring her.
“Yeah, I know. She should be here.” I whispered the words, apprehensive to say her name. Caroline. Merely thinking about her only added to the confusion of what the hell was going on. And I had no idea where to get all the answers, although certain things were starting to unravel. “All right, baby. Let’s get going. I have a hell of a lot of work to do, including finding at least some local band.” As if I knew what in God’s name I was doing. Still, I refused to ignore my duties. At some point I’d hire someone to run the place.
That is if I was staying.
What I’d said to Douglas was to help uncover the identity of the asshole attempting to derail me. I couldn’t wait to see what he did with the information.
I gazed up at the mountains one last time, savoring the view, wondering what Snake’s words of wisdom would be. He’d been more like the soothsayer, finding ways to make sense of every situation. We’d all made fun of him at first until so much of what he suggested either came true or made too much sense to ignore.
I tugged on the reins, pulling Bella in the opposite direction before leaning over. “Why don’t we go for a run. What do you think?”
Bella snorted, pawing the turf.
“Good girl.” As soon as I pressed my knees against her chest, she took off, galloping out of the meadow and toward the bank of trees. She seemed to know exactly where she was going, her stride even. There was such joy in her movements as she weaved through the forest, completely relaxed. Since the moment I’d laid eyes on her, I’d fallen in love, remnants of the few horses my father had kept through the years coming to the forefront of my mind.
