Chapter 2
Chapter Two
KADE
“You have a meeting at two with Raven to discuss her newest acquisition, and after that you’ll need to brief the investors.”
“Got it. And all—”
Kelly hands me a stack of papers as we round the corner into my office. “Everything is in here about the company. I made a few notes for you that Raven is worried about that you’ll need to discuss with her.”
I smile at my assistant as I loosen the tie at my neck. “What would I do without you?”
“Miss the meeting entirely. Do you need anything else?”
“No. Enjoy your lunch. I’ll review everything here before my meeting.”
She sets another stack of papers down. “Okay. Here’s everything needed for the meeting with the investors, including stock options for them.”
“It’s like you read my mind.”
“Can I order you anything for lunch?” she asks, tucking a lock of auburn hair behind her ear, glancing down at the tablet in her hand. “We’re trying the new place down the street.”
“I’ll take my usual salad. Just make sure—”
“There’s no strawberries. I know your allergies by now.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it. Anything else?”
“Yes.” Kelly straightens, looking up, her lips pursed. “Your mother has called again, and I’ve forwarded you another message from an attorney in—”
“That’s all.”
My voice is clipped.
She nods. “Let me know if there is anything else you need.”
She spins on her heel and leaves my office. Thankfully, she’s used to my mood.
I blow out a breath, undoing my tie completely as I stare out the windows facing downtown Seattle. Clouds hang low over the mountains in the distance. Ferries come and go from the various islands surrounding the city.
It’s about as different from where I grew up as it could be.
I’ve been ignoring the messages for a week now. All from the same attorney from back home in Montana. No.
Not home.
Seattle is home now. The city has been home for the last six years. I’ve been back a few times since I left, but never stay long. Even if my mom and sister yell at me for it.
I’d rather pay for them to come visit me than go back there.
Tossing my tie onto my desk, I plop down into my black leather chair and drop my elbows onto the heavy wooden desk.
I don’t know why someone from back home is wanting to get in touch with me so badly, but it’s not something I can focus on right now.
This acquisition demands my undivided attention.
I’ve been working on it for months. Coming in early. Staying late. We’re in the homestretch. Only a few more hoops to jump through before it can be finalized.
Who knew I had a knack for this kind of stuff? I always enjoyed math in high school, but it wasn’t until college that I found out I was really good at it. Enough to do something with it for a living.
I bury myself in papers, eating my lunch as I study the numbers to make sure everything is in line for the deal. This is how I made a name for myself here. I can find anything that is out of line on a balance sheet of the company being acquired.
“Mr. Miller?”
Kelly knocks on the door, peeking her head in.
“Is Raven here?”
I glance at the watch on my wrist, seeing I still have thirty minutes before my meeting starts. I know she likes to get here early, but not by this much. Not that I paid attention to how much time had passed since Kelly last came in here.
“There’s an attorney here to see you.”
“What?”
She looks nervous, chewing her bottom lip. “The one that’s been calling you? He says he won’t leave until he gets a word with you.”
“Fuck,” I mutter, scrubbing a hand down my face.
This is not what I need to deal with today. I have too much on my plate. I’ve borrowed from tomorrow’s plate. Hell, even next week’s plate.
Being one of the youngest investment bankers at my company doesn’t leave a lot of free time. My calendar is scheduled down to the minute. Not a lot of room for unannounced meetings.
“What do you want me to tell him?”
I look down at the stack of papers sitting on my desk. I don’t need the interruption right now, but given how persistent he’s been, I doubt he’ll leave until he’s spoken with me.
“Give me five and then send him in.”
“Okay, Mr. Miller.”
She nods before heading out and shutting the door behind her.
Grabbing my tie from the desk, I loop it around my neck and tighten it. Taking a deep breath, I ready myself for whatever this attorney has to say.
Nervous? I don’t get nervous.
I have to be calm, cool, and collected in my line of business. Any sign of weakness, and I’ll be taken advantage of.
A knock sounds on the door. Stuffing my hands in my pockets, I turn to see Kelly leading an older man with glasses and a mustache into my office.
“Kade Miller. How are you?” He walks right over to me and extends a hand, which I shake.
“Good. How can I help you today, Mister…”
“Mr. Simms.” He adjusts his glasses, dropping into the chair across from my desk and popping open his briefcase. “I’m here regarding the will of Mr. Verne Walters.”
“Verne died?”
It’s a gut punch. I was home only a few months ago and popped into the ranch to see him. He looked the same as always. I can still picture him with that old Stetson, cigarette hanging from his mouth. His skin was leathery from working out in the sun.
“I’m sorry. Did no one inform you of his passing?”
“No.” I scrub a hand down my face. “It’s been a busy week and—”
It’s why my mom has been calling and texting. She told me to call her as soon as I could. I passed it off as her wanting to catch up, but since I’d only just talked to her, I put it off.
“I’m very sorry for your loss, but it’s important I speak with you regarding his will.”
“Right.”
I smooth a hand down my tie, shifting in my seat.
“Have you heard of The Lost Spur ranch?”
“Yes.”
My senses prickle. What in the world is going on?
“He’s left it to you.” He hands over a sheet of paper.
“What? He left me the ranch?”
“He did. It was all he had left, and with no family remaining, all his possessions are now yours.”
“Mine?” I ask. “He never mentioned it.”
“The Lost Spur is yours. I should mention there are a few liens on the property that will need to be handled should you keep it, but if you sell—”
“I’m aware of how the process works,” I interject. “What do you mean by a few?”
A thick manila envelope is passed over. “Everything is in this file. Profit and loss statements. Current operating costs. Reservations.”
“When do I have to make a decision?”
“I’m sorry, a decision?” he asks.
“On what I want to do.”
“Mr. Miller. The ranch is yours. There will be some paperwork for you to sign, but once complete, the property and cattle business is yours.”
“Is this something I can do here?”
He shakes his head. “I’m afraid not. Due to probate, it will need to be handled in Pinecrest.”
Shit.
“When’s the soonest this can be done?” I ask.
“Given that I know the county judge, we can get the paperwork done fairly quickly.”
“And what then?”
“Then?” He adjust his glasses. “You would be the owner of the ranch.”
A ranch in Pinecrest. It sounds like my nightmare.
“Could I sell it?”
“It does require some work.”
Of course it couldn’t be as easy as signing some paperwork and then selling.
“I have money. Would that help move the process?”
“Mr. Miller.” He shifts in his seat. “You cannot throw money at this to make it go away.”
Great. And now I sound like a dick.
“I didn’t mean it like that.”
He stands, looking thoroughly annoyed with me. “I recommend sending all of this over to your attorney and making them aware of what is going on. I’ll be in contact with your assistant to let her know the time and place of your meeting. I understand this is a lot, but these things take time.”
“Right.” I stand, shaking his hand. “Thank you for coming down here to meet with me.”
“I wouldn’t have had to if you had taken my phone call.”
He snaps his briefcase shut before leaving.
Okay then.
I drop down into my chair, the leather squeaking under me.
I inherited a ranch. A place I worked during high school and during the few summers I came home. Back when I thought…well, that life is gone now.
My life is here.
In what seems like the blink of an eye, my life has changed.
Again.