Hunter
Chapter Ten
Hunter
I ’d faced corporate raiders, hostile takeovers, and countless business threats. But watching Amelia light up at the sight of Claire Thompson walking into Pine Haven made something uncomfortable twist in my gut. After everything we’d been through, seeing someone else command Amelia’s complete attention shouldn’t bother me. But it did.
“Claire! I can’t believe you’re here!” Amelia flew across the lobby, embracing the tall, polished woman who’d just arrived. The joy in her voice was something I hadn’t heard since before the threats started.
“Like I’d let you handle this mess alone.” Claire’s laugh was warm and confident as she hugged Amelia back, their embrace speaking of years of shared history. “Besides, someone needs to rescue your marketing strategy.”
I straightened from where I’d been reviewing security plans, clearing my throat. “The marketing strategy is fine.”
“Hunter!” Amelia turned, her smile making my heart flip despite my unease. “This is Claire Thompson, my roommate from college. She’s brilliant at digital marketing.”
Claire’s assessing gaze swept over me—the look I recognized from boardroom battles. “So you’re the famous Hunter Miller. Amelia’s told me...” She paused. “Quite a lot about you.”
Something in her tone made me wonder what Amelia had shared. Before I could respond, Amelia was already pulling Claire toward the conference room, chattering about social media strategies and influencer partnerships.
“You should join us,” Amelia called over her shoulder, but Claire was already commanding her full attention again, their heads bent together like they were sharing secrets.
I watched them disappear into the conference room, trying to squash the irrational surge of jealousy. A wave of contentment washed over me. Pine Haven needed all the help it could get. And Amelia deserved to have moments of normal friendship amid all the chaos—moments that didn’t involve threats or danger or watching over her shoulder.
Still, when their laughter drifted through the door an hour later, I couldn’t help but feel like an outsider. Like I was intruding on something I hadn’t earned the right to be part of yet.
“Mr. Miller?” Sophie’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. Something in her tone made me tense. “Mr. Wheeler is here. He’s insisting on speaking with Ms. Horton.”
My blood ran cold. “Where is he?”
“Main entrance.”
I found James Wheeler in the lobby, looking expensive and dangerous in his tailored suit. His smile didn’t reach his eyes—the same cold look I remembered from photos of my father’s business rivals before the end.
“Miller,” he nodded. “Quite the operation you’re running here.”
“Wheeler.” I kept my voice neutral, though my hands wanted to clench into fists. “What do you want?”
“Just a friendly chat with Ms. Horton.” His gaze shifted past me, and his smile widened into something predatory. “Ah, there she is.”
I turned to see Amelia approaching, Claire close behind her. Something protective flared within me at the calculated way Wheeler watched them.
“Mr. Wheeler,” Amelia’s professional mask slipped into place, though I caught the slight tremor in her hands. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”
“Can’t a public servant check on one of the county’s most valuable properties?” He spread his hands innocently, but there was nothing innocent about the gleam in his eyes. “Especially with this festival of yours coming up. Lots of permits to review, safety regulations to consider.”
The threat was apparent beneath his smooth words. Amelia’s spine straightened—the same way she’d stood when defending our debate team’s championship.
“Everything is in order,” she said firmly. “But you’re welcome to review our paperwork.”
“Oh, I intend to.” Wheeler’s eyes glittered. “Carefully. Would hate for any accidents to happen during such a large public event.”
I stepped closer to Amelia, not caring if it looked possessive. My body angled slightly between her and Wheeler. “Is that a threat, Wheeler?”
“A concern,” he corrected smoothly. “Speaking of concerns...” He pulled out his phone and showed us a photo that made my stomach turn. “Isn’t this your father’s hospital room? Shame about that break-in. Makes one wonder about security around here.”
Amelia’s sharp intake of breath was the only sign that his words had landed. I felt Claire move protectively to Amelia’s other side, forming a barrier between her friend and Wheeler.
“If you’re quite finished,” Claire’s voice was ice, every inch the federal judge’s daughter, “we have work to do.”
Wheeler’s eyes narrowed at being dismissed. Something dangerous flickered across his face. “Indeed. But Ms. Horton?” His smile turned predatory. “Do consider what’s at stake here. Family is so precious.”
After he left, Amelia sagged slightly. Without thinking, I pulled her into my arms, needing to feel her solid and safe against me.
“He will not touch you or your family,” I promised, the words carrying echoes of promises I couldn’t keep for my father.
“We won’t let him,” Claire added, her hand on Amelia’s shoulder. The protective instinct in her voice matched my own.
I caught Claire’s eye over Amelia’s head, seeing my determination mirrored there. Maybe I’d been wrong about her arrival. This wasn’t about territory—it was about keeping Amelia safe.
“Oh!” Claire straightened, checking her phone. Something in her expression made me tense. “That’s interesting.”
“What?” Amelia pulled back from my embrace, though she held my hand like an anchor.
“Just got an email from Crystal Ridge Resort. They’re offering me a job.” Claire’s expression turned calculating—the look I recognized from strategic negotiations. “Head of digital marketing, salary triple what I make now.”
“They’re trying to buy you off,” I said, pieces clicking into place.
“Obviously.” Claire rolled her eyes. “But don’t you see? This is an opportunity.”
Understanding dawned. “You could be our inside source.”
“That’s out of the question,” Amelia protested, her grip tightening on my hand. “It’s too dangerous.”
“That’s why I’m doing this,” she stated with unwavering determination, reminding me of Amelia’s determination. “Besides, someone needs to monitor your competition.”
I watched Amelia argue with her friend, seeing the genuine concern in her eyes and felt ashamed of my earlier jealousy. Claire wasn’t a threat—she was what we needed. Another person willing to fight for Pine Haven.
“She’s right,” I said, squeezing Amelia’s hand. “We need eyes inside Crystal Ridge.”
Amelia looked between us, then sighed. “I hate this.”
“I know.” I pressed a kiss to her temple, not caring who saw. “But we’re not alone in this fight anymore.”
Claire’s phone chimed again. The color drained from her face as she read the message.
“What is it?” Amelia asked, her body tensing against mine.
“They knew I’d be here,” Claire whispered, her usual confidence cracking. “The job offer came with a warning—accept it, or they release evidence about some scandal involving my father.”
“But your father’s a federal judge,” Amelia frowned.
“Exactly.” Claire’s hands shook slightly as she gripped her phone. “They have dirt on everyone, don’t they?”
I thought of Wheeler’s smooth threats, my father’s accident, and all the pieces falling into place. Crystal Ridge’s pattern was becoming clear.
“No,” I said. “They just want us to think they do.”
“What do you mean?” Claire asked, looking up from her phone.
I began pacing, pieces clicking into place. “Think about it. Wheeler shows up right when you arrive. Crystal Ridge immediately offers you a job with threats attached... they’re scrambling.”
Amelia moved to my side, her presence steadying me. “Because of the festival?”
“Because of your mother’s letters.” I turned to face them, energy surging as the pattern emerged. “They don’t know what evidence we have. They’re trying to control everyone who might help us expose them.”
Claire’s expression turned thoughtful. “Then let’s use that. I accept their offer, play along...”
“No.” Amelia’s voice was firm, that same protective instinct I’d felt earlier. “I’ve already put Hunter at risk. I won’t risk you too.”
“Actually,” Claire smiled, a strategic glint in her eye, “I have an idea that might help protect all of us.” She pulled out her laptop. “But first, look at this email trail I found while updating Pine Haven’s marketing contacts.”
We huddled around her screen. Buried in old correspondence were emails between Wheeler and Crystal Ridge, dating back years. Nothing incriminating, but a pattern emerged—every time Wheeler inspected a property Crystal Ridge wanted, problems mysteriously arose.
“This is good,” I said, recognizing the same tactics that had surrounded my father’s company, “but not enough to prove corruption.”
“No,” Claire agreed, “but it gives us leverage. Especially combined with this.” She pulled up a news article from three years ago—Wheeler’s wife’s sudden rise in the real estate world.
Amelia gasped. “Those are all properties Crystal Ridge acquired.”
“Through her company,” Claire nodded, her fingers flying across the keyboard. “A company that, according to public records, didn’t exist until the day after Wheeler became county inspector.”
I felt a smile spreading across my face. “Claire Thompson, I think I love you.”
“Hey!” Amelia poked my ribs, but she was smiling too—the first real smile I’d seen since Wheeler’s visit.
“Save it for your girlfriend, Miller.” Claire winked. “Speaking of which, don’t you two have a dinner date tonight?”
I’d almost forgotten in all the chaos. Turning to Amelia, I saw the same realization in her eyes. After everything—the threats, the investigations, the constant tension—we still hadn’t had that normal date I’d promised her.
“We don’t have to. With everything going on,” I said, though letting go of this chance felt like admitting defeat.
“No.” She took my hand, determination replacing the worry in her eyes. “We deserve one normal evening. Besides,” she smiled up at me, “I’ve been looking forward to it all day.”
Claire made a gagging noise. “You two are disgustingly cute. Be romantic. I’ll hold down the fort.”
“Are you sure?” Amelia asked though I could see how much she wanted this moment of normalcy.
“Positive. The festival setup is under control, security is in place, and I have more digging on Wheeler’s wife’s company.”
I studied Claire carefully. “Why are you helping us?”
Her expression softened as she looked at Amelia. “Because ten years ago, when my world was falling apart, this one drove six hours just to sit with me and eat ice cream. Real friends are rare in this world.” She turned to me, her gaze sharpening. “And anyone who looks at her the way you do is worth fighting for.”
Warmth flowed through me as Amelia squeezed my hand.
“Now go.” Claire shooed us toward the door. “Before I change my mind about being noble and stealing him myself.”
“As if you could,” Amelia laughed, but she tugged me toward the exit possessively.
In the doorway, I glanced back at Claire, now absorbed in her laptop. “Thank you.”
She looked up, her expression serious. “Just take care of her, Miller. Or you’ll have me to deal with.”
“I will,” I promised, pulling Amelia closer. “With everything I have.”
***
The evening sun streamed through Pine Haven’s windows as I waited for Amelia in the lobby. Despite everything else swirling around us, I’d changed into a fresh suit, wanting to do this properly—our first actual date. The weight of her mom’s letter in Amelia’s office still lingered in my mind: someone worth fighting for.
“Nervous?” Claire appeared beside me, grinning at my obvious fidgeting with my tie.
“Of course not,” I lied, adjusting it for the tenth time.
“Liar.” She patted my shoulder. “But it’s cute. Just remember—”
“If I hurt her, you’ll destroy me?”
“Oh good, you’ve been paying attention.” Her smile turned serious. “She deserves some happiness, Hunter. After everything with Pine Haven, her father...”
“I know.” I met her eyes. “I want to be that happiness.”
Before Claire could respond, Amelia appeared at the top of the stairs. My breath caught. She wore a simple blue dress that made her eyes sparkle, her hair loose around her shoulders. But it was her smile, soft and just for me, that made my heart race. For a moment, I could almost forget about Crystal Ridge, Wheeler, and all the threats surrounding us.
“You look beautiful,” I said when she reached us.
A blush colored her cheeks. “You clean up pretty well yourself.”
“Okay, you two are going to give me cavities,” Claire interrupted, but she was smiling. “Go, enjoy your date. I’ll call if anything urgent comes up.”
I offered Amelia my arm, loving how naturally she fit beside me. We’d barely made it to my car when Claire came running out, something in her expression making my stomach drop.
“Wait!” She thrust a folder into Amelia’s hands. “This just came by courier. You need to see it.”
Inside was a single photo, dated that afternoon, Wheeler’s wife leaving Crystal Ridge’s offices. But it was the document in her hand that caught my attention. The Pine Haven logo was visible, the red stamp across it unmistakable.
“Are those the festival permits?” Amelia’s voice shook slightly, her earlier happiness vanishing.
“Must be,” Claire said. “They’re up to something.”
I should have canceled our date and stayed to figure out what Wheeler was planning. It was the smart move, the safe move. But looking at Amelia, seeing the mix of worry and disappointment in her eyes, I made a different choice.
“No.” I took the folder and handed it back to Claire. “Whatever they’re planning can wait two hours. Tonight is about us.”
“Hunter—” Amelia started.
“Please.” I took her hands in mine, feeling them tremble. “Let me give you one perfect evening. Just us, no threats, no Crystal Ridge, no Wheeler. Just dinner and maybe a walk in the moonlight?”
Her expression softened. “That sounds wonderful.”
“You two are ridiculous,” Claire said, but she was smiling as she took the folder. “Go. I’ll dig into this and brief you later.”
I couldn’t help stealing glances at Amelia as we drove into town. The sunset caught her hair as she gazed out the window, and for a moment, she looked like the girl from our high school debate club—before threats and corporate takeovers complicated everything. She caught me looking and smiled.
“What?”
“Just thinking how lucky I am. Despite everything, having you here, getting to take you to dinner... I wouldn’t change it.”
She reached over, lacing her fingers with mine. “Me neither.”
My phone buzzed in my pocket. Then Amelia’s. Then again. And again.
She pulled hers out, face turning ashen as she read the screen. “Hunter...”
A message from another anonymous number with a photo—Wheeler’s wife leaving Crystal Ridge, but now we could see what was on the permits she held.
A demolition order for Pine Haven dated tomorrow.
The final message read: Enjoy your date night, lovebirds. It might be the last one you get at Pine Haven.