Smokescreen (Pros and Cons Mysteries #2)

Chapter 39

CHAPTER 39

“ W hile I’m thinking about it, I’m going to call my friend with the Bureau of Land Management.” Reid remained at his desk, his gaze set with determination.

Olive wondered where he was going with this. Why would he call this friend?

As if reading her mind, he explained, “I keep hearing these rumors that the government might be interested in taking over land here. But no one has actually talked to me about it. I want to know what’s really going on.”

Olive nodded slowly. “Seems like a good move.”

He put his desk phone on speaker and dialed. A moment later, a man answered.

“Zane, this is Reid Harrison.”

“Reid . . . it’s been a long time.” Zane’s voice sounded casual and friendly. “What’s going on? I’m assuming you’re not just calling to catch up.”

Reid remained calm as he leaned closer to the phone, a dead serious look in his eyes. “Look, I keep hearing rumors the government wants to take away some of my land. I decided to verify whether or not that was true. Have you heard anything?”

“Why would the government try to take away part of your land?”

“You have to admit that it’s not all that unusual,” Reid said. “They’ve done it to people in the past.”

“That’s true. Considering this whole county was once confiscated from the Native Americans, no one can deny that. But I’ve been working in this area for a long time, and I haven’t heard anything.”

“Nothing at all?” A knot of confusion formed in between Reid’s eyes.

“No, I haven’t heard anything,” Zane said. “Plus, I think my colleagues would come to you and make a nice offer before letting the rumor mill get out of control.”

“One of my neighbors said they’d had an offer,” Reid continued. “Could that be fake?”

“Without seeing the offer, it’s hard to say. Can you get your hands on the paperwork?”

“I have a feeling there isn’t any paperwork. But I’m not sure why people are saying this is going to happen if you have no knowledge of it.” Reid leaned back, his gaze laser-focused as he seemed to think everything through.

“I can’t answer that for you,” Zane said. “All I can tell you is what I’ve heard on my end. Taking your land has never come up in conversation.”

“And you’re saying this is something you would have heard about if it was in the works?”

“Considering I work in this area, I think so. In fact, if what you’re saying is true and I wasn’t in the loop on this, I’d be quite insulted.”

“Thanks for your time, Zane,” Reid told him. “If you do hear anything, I’d appreciate it if you’d let me know.”

“Of course.”

The two hung up, and Olive and Reid glanced at each other.

“That’s strange,” Olive said. “Why would these other people lie about it?”

“Why would Zane lie about it?” Reid countered.

“Unless the government’s trying to do something underhanded and take your properties out from beneath you—which they very well could do—I’d say the government is more inclined to lie about this than anyone here in town.”

“I find it all strange.” Reid took his hat off and raked a hand through his hair. “What if none of this is true, and someone simply started this rumor?”

“Why would someone start a rumor like that?”

“That’s what I want to figure out,” Reid said. “Maybe to distract us from what’s really going on?”

Olive slowly nodded. “That’s one theory.”

Just then, someone banged on the front door. “Reid! I need you. Now!”

Reid and Olive darted toward the door.

When Reid opened it, Cooper stood there. His eyes were wide and his breathing heavy.

“Boss . . . look over there.” Cooper pointed to the west.

Olive glanced in the direction Cooper indicated.

Her breath caught when she saw a plume of smoke rising from the horizon.

“My property is on fire,” Reid muttered.

“Olive, call 911,” Reid shouted as he stepped farther outside. “Cooper, you and I need to round up the guys. We need to move all the cattle to the east. We don’t want them to get caught in this.”

“Yes, sir. I’m on it.” Cooper sprinted toward the bunkhouse.

Reid took off after him, jumping into action.

Pacing on the porch, Olive quickly called 911 and explained the situation. The operator promised to send a crew out.

She stuffed her phone in her back pocket and stepped off the porch just as Reid rode up on his horse.

“How can I help?” she rushed.

Reid pulled back the reins, pausing a minute. “We need to be ready to evacuate if it comes down to it. It will take a while for the fire to get this far, but the wind is strong today. That won’t work in our favor.”

Olive remembered the beautiful countryside she’d seen when they were out this morning. The forest with all its animals and mountains and streams was like a scene from a fairy tale. She could hardly stomach the thought of that beauty being destroyed.

“I hope they get here in time.”

“Me too.” Reid nudged his heels into the horse’s side, and Blaze started to trot away. But not before Reid could say, “I’m going to go help my guys wrangle the cattle. Tell the staff what’s going on and make sure they have a go bag ready just in case.”

“I’m on it.” But Olive couldn’t ignore the wave of anxiety bubbling inside her.