Chapter 50
CHAPTER FIFTY
Clint
The sun’s barely up, and already the heat’s starting to settle in, thick and heavy. I’m out by the stables, checking the horses and making sure everything’s good to go for the day, when I see Sheriff Miller’s truck coming down the driveway.
It’s been a while since I’ve had to deal with the sheriff, and I’ve got a feeling this isn’t going to be just a social visit.
I wipe my hand across my forehead, the dust sticking to my skin, and stand tall as he pulls up. His boots hit the gravel hard when he gets out, and I see that look on his face.
The one that says he’s got something to say, but it’s gonna take a minute to get to the point.
“Morning, Clint,” Miller calls, tipping his hat as he steps toward me.
“Morning,” I reply, keeping my eyes on him. “What’s going on?”
He looks me up and down, his mouth pulling into a tight line before he speaks. “Got some news about Thomas Buck.”
I freeze.
I don’t know if I’m ready for this, but then again, when the hell have I ever been ready for anything with that son of a bitch?
The man’s been a thorn in our side long enough that I’m not sure there’s ever been a day without his name on my mind.
“What’s he done now?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.
Thomas has a way of making everything harder than it needs to be, dragging us through a mess of legal battles and dirty tricks. It’s been a damn nightmare.
“Locked up,” Miller says, and I let out a breath. “His trial’s set to start soon. And it’s all coming down on him. He won’t be walking free anytime soon.”
I’m quiet, everything sinking in. It’s one thing to fight him, but it’s another to know the bastard won’t be around causing trouble anymore. I never thought I’d say it, but hearing that news is utterly thrilling.
I look over at the land, taking in the sight of the rebuilt barn, the corral, and the cattle all grazing in the distance. It’s still our land, still High Ridge Ranch, and now, we’ve got a chance to breathe.
“So he admitted it?” I ask. “What he did to us?”
Miller smirks. “Sort of. But it’ll be the financial crimes that really get him.
I know that isn’t what you want to hear, but it’s the best way to take him down.
No more interference. Everything’s cleared up.
You’ve got a chance to move forward, Clint.
For the ranch. For you, and for… well, everything. ”
I look back at him, surprised by the change in his tone. The sheriff’s always been serious, but right now, there’s something different in his eyes.
Maybe it’s relief, too. Maybe it’s knowing that we’ve all fought through hell for this.
“Guess that means we don’t have to look over our shoulders anymore,” I mutter.
Miller gives a short nod. “Yeah. That’s what I’m saying.”
I stand there for a minute longer, thinking about what this means. It’s been a battle every damn day, keeping the ranch together, keeping everything going while we dealt with the issues Buck caused, and finally rebuilding what he destroyed.
But now, it’s over.
Finally.
“You’re sure?” I ask again, even though I’m starting to believe it. It’s hard to shake the feeling that it’s too good to be true, that something’s gonna pop up to ruin it all.
Miller gives me a tight smile. “I’m sure. He’s done. It’s just a matter of the court doing its thing now.”
I nod, finally feeling the weight lift off my chest. The sun’s starting to get hotter, the heat turning the world thick and dry, but I can finally breathe.
I give the sheriff a grateful nod. “Thanks, Miller.”
“Anytime, Clint. Keep everything on the up and up.”
“Yeah. I’ll handle it.” I watch him head back to his truck and get in, pulling out slowly down the gravel road.
Once he’s gone, I let out a long breath and stand there, looking out over the land, knowing everything’s going to be alright.
I head straight for the barn to find Reid and Sawyer. I can’t keep this to myself. They’ve been my crew, my brothers through this mess, and they need to hear the news.
When I get there, Reid’s leaning against the barn door, taking a swig from his water bottle, and Sawyer’s got his nose buried in the feed charts.
“You guys got a minute?” I ask, trying to keep the grin off my face, but it’s hard. Harder than I thought.
Reid looks up first, sensing something. “What’s up? You look like you’ve heard something good.”
Sawyer glances over his shoulder, catching my eye. “Yeah, you definitely don’t look like someone with a problem. What’s goin’ on?”
I let the silence hang for a beat, just to let it sink in, before I drop the news. “It’s over. Thomas Buck’s locked up. For good. Sheriff Miller says it’s all finally done.”
Sawyer straightens up, his brows shooting up. “Wait. For real?”
I nod, a small chuckle escaping me. “For real. His trial’s set. Miller says he won’t be walkin’ free for a long while. Not after everything he did.”
Reid lets out a whoop, tossing his water bottle up into the air, and it lands with a soft thud in the dirt. “Hell yeah! That son of a bitch finally got what’s coming to him!”
Sawyer shakes his head with a grin. “Took long enough.”
Relief floods me. Instantly, I feel so much better about everything. About the future, about my family, about the ranch.
It’s been a long time coming, but finally, we’ve got a win.