Chapter 34
Tyler’s phone buzzed sharply in his pocket, alerting him to his security system activating at his house. Almost immediately, a call came in. He quickly glanced at the screen, seeing Frazier’s name flash, ratcheting his pulse higher. He answered swiftly, his voice terse. “What’s happening?”
“Justice is at your house. I have her on the security camera and audio,” Frazier said, voice clipped with tension. “She’s outside your property talking to John McClay.”
A surge of cold sliced through Tyler. “John? Her cousin?”
“Affirmative.”
“Where exactly are they?”
“Near your goat pen. Cory’s already en route.”
“I was stuck in traffic, but it’s finally cleared. I’ll be there soon,” Tyler said, gripping the steering wheel tighter. His mind raced through scenarios, each one worse than the last. “What’s John talking about?”
“He wants her to sign papers agreeing to sell the property to Anthony Milton—”
“What the fuck!”
“Sounds like he feels like he got cheated out of the inheritance that went to his dad—Fuck! He’s got a gun!”
“Goddammit!” Tyler shouted.
“She’s trying to calm him now. The police are on their way, and we've instructed them to approach quietly. We don’t want John spooked into doing anything rash.”
“I’ll head straight to Jack’s place,” Tyler said, determination hardening his voice. “I have my sniper rifle in the back of the SUV.”
There was a brief pause, and then Frazier’s voice returned, cautious but understanding. “Be careful, Tyler. Ensure you understand exactly what’s happening before you take action. We’ll alert the police.”
Tyler’s jaw set firmly. “If he points that gun at Justice, nothing will stop me.”
Ending the call, Tyler quickly dialed Jack’s number. Jack picked up immediately, his voice tight with anxiety. “Tyler? Justice is still over at—”
“I need to warn you… your nephew, John, is at my place with Justice, and he’s armed,” Tyler said succinctly, fighting to keep his voice steady.
“John?” Jack barked. “What the fuck is he doing there?”
“Seems he’s the one who wants to force us to sell to Anthony Milton.”
“Goddammit!” Jack’s response was almost identical to Tyler’s.
“Stay inside and stay safe. Police are on their way but going in quietly. I’m nearly there. I’ll be armed, too.”
Jack’s voice hardened, protective and fierce. “No one’s going to hurt my daughter.”
Tyler disconnected as he turned onto their road. He needed no distractions. Just focus—the same focus he’d used for years. Now if he could just convince his galloping heart.