Chapter 9 #2
That, he did know about. They'd been teenagers, and Frank hadn't known how to process his anger at his father--or his sorrow over his mom. More than once, Lyle had hauled his friend home after way too many beers or an entire bottle of Jack Daniels.
Heather drove into town to stock up on supplies and decided to check with her realtor on the ten-acre property she was hoping to purchase. The small office was tucked between Candi Lee’s Nail Salon and Dirk’s saddles. A bell tinkled as she pushed open the wooden door.
Shonda Reilly stood up from behind a small metal desk, a petite brunette around the same age as Heather.
“Oh, hey, Heather. I was just about to give you a call.”
“What’s up? Good news, I hope?”
Shonda shook her head. “Not exactly. Someone’s put in a contingent offer for the Waverly property and it’s significantly higher than yours. They’re asking for additional property inspections, though, which seems odd, because that’s going to delay the process—not only for you, but for them as well.”
“I thought I was the only offer. Did you show the place to someone else?”
“No. As far as I can tell, the offer was submitted sight unseen. I’ve checked the lock box and no one has accessed it. Since I’m the only realtor in town, I’d know if anyone had requested a viewing. The only thing I can speculate on is that the buyer approached the family’s heirs directly.”
“Can you tell me who the other bidder is?”
Shonda shook her head. “It’s a company out of Dallas.”
Heather felt as though a rock was sitting in the pit of her stomach. “Does the name Darren Richards ring any bells?”
“Should it?”
Heather wasn’t sure if Shonda could legally or ethically disclose the other buyer’s information, but this seemed to come out of nowhere and it seemed awfully suspicious.
“I don’t know. He showed up a couple times out at the ranch offering to go into partnership with me or buy my business outright.
He said he was looking to start a dog training operation in Bear Valley. ”
“That’s weird. Did you tell Mr. Richards you’d made an offer on the Waverly place?”
“No, I didn’t tell him.”
“Well, it’s not as though that acreage is actually set up for dog training. You’d have to do some renovations to create what you want. So it could just be a coincidence?”
“Maybe I’m wrong. I’ve got his card. I’ll take a look and see if he works for a company in Dallas. Meanwhile, what can I do?”
“Do you want to raise your offer? The probate hasn’t been settled yet, so you have a little time.”
Heather took a deep breath. She had some money in savings, but she’d planned to use that on renovations. And she wasn’t sure she could qualify for a larger mortgage loan.
“Let me talk to the bank and see what they can do. You say these inspections are going to cause a delay?”
“Yes. Which tells me the company looking to purchase the property isn’t in a huge hurry.”
“Lucky for me, I guess. Thanks, Shonda. I’ll make some calls and be in touch.”
Lyle was driving through town after their visit with Dolly when he saw Heather coming out of the realtor's office. She looked as though she'd lost her last friend.
He pulled up next to her, powered down the window. “Hey. I didn’t know you’d be in town today. Feel like getting a bite to eat at Cooters with us?”
“I’m afraid I wouldn’t be very good company right now.”
“What’s up?”
“You know that ten acres I told you about? I thought we were getting close to closing. I just found out someone has topped my bid.”
“Who?”
“It’s a company out of Dallas. I’m pretty sure the proposal that Darren Richards gave me lists his company, BMG Industries, being located in Dallas. I think he’s involved, but I’m not positive.”
“That son of a gun. I knew he was shady. Of all the parcels of land around here, why would he try to snatch yours?”
“I’m beginning to wonder about that myself. I don’t know the man, so I don’t know why he’d target me. And that’s what it’s beginning to feel like. That he’s doing it on purpose. If it’s even him, of course. I’m assuming a lot here.”
“Do you have wiggle room? Is the property worth raising your bid?”
“I think it’s worth it. It’s not as though I’m buying it for an investment to flip. I’d intended to make it my forever home as well as my business. The problem is, I don’t think I can match his bid.”
Lyle tugged his hat lower on his brow. “Why don’t you show me the place? Maybe we can figure something out. I’ve got some time. Charlotte and I just came from a visit with her grandmother. We did a lot of sitting. Be good for us to stretch our legs.”
Heather glanced in the back seat, saw Charlotte in her booster seat holding Pudge who wore a harness with a leash attached. She smiled, feeling a little lighter than she had moments ago leaving the realtor’s office. “I’m not sure what looking at the property will do.”
“I’d like to see what you find so special about it.”
She nodded. “I do love it. Okay. I’m parked right over there if you want to follow me.”
The drive out to the property wasn't far from town.
Lyle followed behind in his truck, the gravel road crunching beneath his tires, the landscape of Bear Valley blurring into a shifting palette of greens and browns.
He didn't know what Heather's financial situation was, but he could tell she was upset over an unknown corporation outbidding her.
He found himself wanting to slay her dragons, make life easier for her.
He wasn't sure she would let him, though. She had a thing about being in control and tended to push back when someone offered help. Independence was a good thing, but sometime stubbornness could get in a person's way, crush a dream.
When they arrived, Heather's Jeep came to a stop in front of a charming old farmhouse, its weathered wooden boards painted a faded yellow that blended harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.
It had a wrap-around porch that beckoned with the promise of lazy summer evenings and barbeques, complete with a swing that creaked softly in the breeze.
Surprisingly, it reminded him of his farmhouse in Shotgun Ridge, which made him love it on sight.
Lyle stepped out of his truck, glancing around to take in the place.
The property was framed by a line of grand oak trees, offering shade and protection from the elements.
In the distance, he could see a spacious barn that looked in decent shape—tin roof gleaming in the afternoon sun and tall enough to allow for livestock. It wasn’t new, but it had character.
“Well, this is it,” Heather said, her barely restrained enthusiasm pulling him from his thoughts as she gestured toward the house. “I can already imagine sitting on the porch, watching the dogs play in the yard.”
Charlotte jumped out of the truck and stood in awe. “It’s so pretty! Can we go inside?”
“I'm pretty sure it's locked up.” Heather said, leading the way as they approached the front door. "But we can at least look in the window."
As they stepped onto the porch, the floorboards creaked beneath them, giving a sense of history as if the house were welcoming them back after years of absence.
Lyle watched as Heather’s fingers brushed over the railing, her expression turning contemplative.
She tried the door, surprised when it opened.
"Whoa. I wonder who left it like this. Shonda said no one has accessed the lockbox. It's computerized, so she can tell if anyone has used the key."
Lyle stepped in front of her. "Hang on. Let me go in first. Charlotte, you wait right here on the porch."
He disappeared inside. Heather was tempted to go right in behind him, but she didn't want to leave Charlotte by herself. After a couple of minutes, Lyle returned.
"Doesn't look like anyone's been in here or messed with anything. You should call your realtor and let her know that the place was unlocked, though."
"I will." She raised her cell to her ear and Lyle listened as she recounted the incident. He could tell from this end that Shonda was as surprised as they were.
Heather hung up. “Shonda thinks it could have been curious kids.”
“Seems there would be broken windows or destruction if it was a break in.”
Heather took a breath and shrugged. “Well, we might as well go in.”