Chapter 29
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Derek
“R umor has it David was arrested for a DUI Friday night,” Willie tells me Monday morning when he walks into the kitchen for some coffee.
“I heard and was hoping that was the case.”
“Are you pressing charges for what he did?”
“I was going to let it go, but when I got out Saturday morning and realized that he had gone after about five other trees, I changed my mind. It’s going to take a lot of work and money to salvage them.”
“Yeah, it is. Catching him in the act makes me wonder what else he’s done that we didn’t realize was him.”
“I think all of the little things we’ve found are his sabotage,” I grumble. “I don’t understand it, either. They get a really good monthly paycheck from the orchard. I make sure that any losses don’t touch them.”
“They’re greedy bastards,” he says, shaking his head in disgust.
“I’m headed into town this morning to file the charges and see if Sheriff has any updates. I’m going to call Mike, the lawyer in town. Maybe he can give me some insight on if I have grounds to sue for trespassing or if I can buy them out now.”
“Hopefully, you don’t have to buy them out and can just get rid of them. They’ve always been bad people.”
“I can’t believe you ever worked for them,” I say lightheartedly.
“I was desperate,” he replies.
He starts out of the house, putting his coffee mug up in the air as a goodbye. I grab my phone and call Mike’s office phone number.
The phone rings twice before the secretary answers. “Law office. This is Patty. How can I help you?”
“Hey, Patty, it’s Derek Townson. I need to speak with Mike. Is he available or can I get an appointment to see him?”
There’s a pause, followed by the sound of papers shuffling. “Let me check his schedule. Hold on just a moment.”
I drum my fingers on the kitchen counter, glancing out the window at the barn in the distance. The trees David went after are visible from here, and it makes my jaw tighten every time I see them.
Patty’s voice comes back on the line. “Good news, Derek. We had a cancellation this morning. Mike can see you at ten.”
“Perfect. Thanks, Patty. I’ll be there.”
“See you then.” She hangs up, and I check the clock. It’s just past eight. That gives me a little under two hours.
I grab my keys and head out the door, deciding to pay Sheriff Clark a visit before the meeting. If I’m going to press charges against David, I want all my ducks in a row.
The drive into town is quiet, my thoughts anything but. David’s been a thorn in my side for a long time now. They wanted out of the orchard business but held on because Sharon asked them to. It’s no secret that they resent me now. It’s wild to think they would sabotage what’s giving them all of their income.
The idea of David’s smug face as he hacked that tree down makes my blood boil. I’ve held back on pushing them out too much, only because of the kids. It’s been two years, and they rarely see them or put in any effort, and this has to end.
By the time I pull into the parking lot of the sheriff’s office, I’m wound tighter than a coiled spring. I step inside. Sheriff Clark is in his office but looks up from his desk and waves me over.
“Morning, Derek. What brings you in?”
I sit down across from him, leaning forward with my elbows on my knees. “I want to press charges against David. For the tree and for trespassing.”
Clark nods slowly, his weathered face unreadable. “Figured you’d come in about that. Can’t say I blame you. That man’s been a problem for as long as I can remember.”
“It’s not just the tree,” I say, my voice tight. “I’m meeting with Mike in a bit to see what my options are, but, as you know, I’m convinced he’s been sabotaging the farm. Equipment’s been tampered with, tools go missing…it all adds up.”
He leans back in his chair, rubbing his chin. “You might be onto something. He was picked up the night of the tree incident for DUI. Sat in jail until this morning when the judge released him on bail.”
“I heard.”
Clark nods. “Yep. Blew way over the limit. We found him passed out in his truck on the side of the road. Got him on video swerving all over before he pulled off.”
“How the hell did he get bail?” I mutter, running a hand through my hair.
Clark shrugs. “Judge’s call. You know how it is. But here’s the thing—when we searched his truck, we found copper wiring, spark plugs, and some other questionable items. Could be evidence. We’re treating it as such.”
My stomach churns. “You think it’s my missing stuff.”
“It’s a strong possibility,” Clark says. “You’re not the only one who’s been having odd issues like this. Some of the other farms and ranches are having little instances of tampering happen. Nothing huge like the fire, but enough that they’re concerned. I’ve been told that the Livesays have been talking to a development company and the research I’ve done shows they’ve done this in the past. I’ll need to prove it. That’s where your statement comes in. Tell me everything you’ve noticed, no matter how small.”
I spend the next twenty minutes detailing every suspicious incident from the past few months. Clark takes notes, occasionally nodding or asking for clarification. When I’m done, he sets his pen down and looks at me.
“Derek, I don’t know how you put up with them for in-laws.”
I let out a dry laugh. “I barely saw them when Sharon was alive. They only started showing up after she passed and only to cause problems.”
He shakes his head. “Figures. Well, we’ll do what we can on our end. I’ll keep you updated.”
“Thanks, Sheriff.” I stand and offer him a firm handshake. “I’ve got to head to Mike’s office now. Appreciate your help.”
“Anytime, Derek. Take care.”
I leave the office feeling a mix of frustration and relief. At least something’s being done, but it doesn’t erase the damage David’s already caused.
By the time I pull into Mike’s office parking lot, I’ve managed to push my anger to the back burner. Patty greets me with a warm smile when I walk in.
“Derek, good to see you. Mike’s ready for you. Go on in.”
“Thanks, Patty.” I make my way to Mike’s office, knocking lightly before stepping inside.
Mike looks up from his desk, his sharp eyes immediately locking onto mine. “Derek. Come on in. Have a seat.”
I sit down, and Mike leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers. “Patty said you’ve got a situation with David. What’s going on?”
I take a deep breath and lay it all out for him—the tree, the trespassing, the sabotage. Mike listens intently, occasionally jotting down notes.
When I’m finished, he leans forward, his expression serious. “You’ve got a solid case for pressing charges on the tree and trespassing. As for the sabotage, we’ll need more evidence. But if the sheriff’s office is already investigating, that’s a good start.”
“What about keeping him off my property?” I ask. “Can we get a restraining order?”
Mike nods. “Absolutely. I’ll draft the paperwork today. You’ll need to sign it, and then we’ll file it with the court. It may be tricky since it’s his property and all, but the police report and documents showing the land was deeded to you in exchange for royalties should help. Once it’s approved, he’ll be legally barred from coming anywhere near your property.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “Thanks, Mike. I appreciate it.”
“That’s what I’m here for,” he assures. “We’ll get this sorted out. Don’t worry. I’ll have Patty make you a follow-up appointment for next week so we can move on to the next steps.”
“I’d like to try to buy them out again.”
“I assumed.” He smiles. “We’ll get it taken care of next week.”
I leave his office feeling a bit lighter. There’s still a long road ahead, but at least I’ve taken the first steps.