Chapter 13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
T he roar of a motorcycle reached Reilly from outside. Good, Lynne was home. They had a lot to talk about. Nothing personal, though, just business. He had come very close to humiliating himself last night, when he’d been tempted, too tempted, to kiss her.
Business, just business.
Only after she entered her place did he leave the big house. It wasn't necessary for her to be aware that he'd been observing her. He ambled to the trailer and knocked.
“Hey, come on in. I was just coming to see you.” The room brightened with her smile. “Sit, the couch is comfy.”
He sat down. Why did she want to see him?
“My recent meeting with Carl Rodgers was very insightful, I believe.”
“The banker?”
“Yes! He’s hiding something. I wanted the papers for the mortgage and loan on my grandfather’s property. According to him, they have a brief record retention policy. I told him he had to have them for at least seven years for the IRS.”
“He didn’t give them to you, did he?”
She sighed loudly. “No, he said they can’t be found easily on the computer because it was so long ago. When I said I’d have my lawyer collect the documents, he practically laughed in my face. He informed me that he would know if I had a lawyer. When I said your name, his smile was sickeningly wide. He said you were too busy and successful to represent someone insignificant like me. A nobody.”
She sank back into the chair as though she’d just finished a marathon.
A scowl pulled at Reilly’s brow. “He had the audacity to call you a nobody? I could never stand that pompous idiot. Are you suspecting West's actions were a land grab after your grandfather's death?”
“Something along those lines,” she muttered. “There is so much that doesn’t make sense. I’m upset with myself for letting that happen. I reacted to their actions by withdrawing. I should have asked more questions. I regret not standing up for myself and demanding answers. I’m so stupid.”
“First of all, you are not stupid. Secondly, you defended yourself today. It seems you managed old Carl perfectly.” Reilly smiled. “In the meantime, I met with David West this morning. He’s an overblown liar. He didn’t say anything, but I informed him I was your lawyer and put him on notice I was looking into the clinic as far as your contract is concerned.”
Her eyes widened. “What was his reaction?”
“He turned a bit gray.” His lips ticked up as he recalled the satisfaction of seeing West squirm. “It’s important to stay vigilant about our surroundings. I have a hunch that this involves more than just West and the bank. Did he mention to you about having a new partner?”
“Yes, and they were expanding on a big piece of land. You heard Jennifer last night. West isn’t keeping everyone on. The people I worked with were always top-notch. I never had a problem. I could probably pick up all the employees he’s letting go and set up my own clinic, but there would be no way to compete against the clinic he’s building.” She deflated a bit.
Business, just business. But he desperately wanted to hug her.
“Could I possibly have a personality defect?” she questioned softly.
He hesitated. Was this one of those traps that, no matter what he said, he’d be wrong? “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Do I tolerate others walking all over me without complaint? Your mother told me you sent her to end our relationship, and I never reached out. West welcomed my investment, but later modified the terms verbably, a change I accepted without comment. They kicked me off the farm, and I never protested. Clearly, I'm a weak and easily manipulated person.”
“I wouldn’t say that,” he mused softly. “Why would you even think you were being lied to? You’ve lived in this town all your life. You know all the people involved. The truth is harder and harder to find these days. I recall a time when honesty was common. Although not always the case, you'd expect those you grew up with to be honest. It’s starting to seem like a chaotic jumble to me. For example, is false news actually false? Who decides what is fake? So, what exactly is misinformation? The word misinformation means lie. Newspapers and TV news were once considered reliable sources of truth. The news is now biased, only presenting stories that support a certain agenda. It may be a political issue, or money could be the deciding factor. Speaking one's truth often leads to censorship.” He drew a deep breath then slowly released it. “Once I enjoyed debating ideas, but challenging the dominant narrative is now labeled as ‘misinformation.’ Things are not always as they seem, I've come to believe. We need to ask questions.” He shook his head. “Sorry for the long speech.”
“No, don’t be sorry. You’re savvier than me. And yes, I agree; I never would have guessed West would attempt a deception. My education is costly, but I'm learning. Do you mind me telling Carl that you are representing me?”
He smiled. “No, not at all. I am representing you.”
Lynne nodded. If only she was in a position to tell him she didn’t need him.
“I appreciate it, Reilly. But you don’t need to remain in town for my sake.” He didn’t deny he sent his mother. He’d had the perfect chance, and he’d let it slide by. All that talk about truth was irrelevant if he was lying. His actions seemed to make any relationship impossible. The words his mother spouted that day still haunted her.
She stood. “I’m going to work with the animals and then enjoy a quiet night.”
“I have some work to do, too. Enjoy the rest of your day.” And with that, he left.
What was West up to? Why was he helping her? And why wasn’t he telling her how he was helping? He should have told her directly that his plans did not involve her. Her grandfather's loan wasn’t a secret.
And then it hit her like lightning on a clear day. For an educated woman, she was incredibly stupid. No eviction papers existed. As the estate’s executor, she had been informed that all assets had been transferred to the bank. Grief had taken over. But where had her common sense been?
She stared out the window without seeing anything. She’d spiraled after the loss of Grandpa. What were the stages of grief? Maybe she’d gone through all of them at the same time? It probably didn’t work that way.
She grabbed her Stetson and headed out for the barn. She had animals that needed her. Trusting her instincts about animals had never let her down.
Later that evening, a knock at her door gave her a fright. Upon opening it, she encountered West's angry stare, and her heart rate ramped up. Why hadn’t she used the peephole? He pushed his way past her.
“West, it’s so lovely to see you,” she said, dripping with sarcasm.
“I’d like to talk to you.” His authoritative tone made her want to laugh.
“About what?”
“In reference to you sending your lawyer after me. I’m surprised you aren’t shacking up with him.”
She flicked her outside light a few times as she closed the door.
“So, what was it you wanted to say? You're probably here to offer an apology, right?” She smiled brightly.
“Why apologize? You only have yourself to blame. I had nothing to do?—”
The door swung open, revealing Reilly. “Am I late to the party? Doesn’t matter, I suppose. I have a game we can play. Who here is full of the most nonsense?” His grin was incredible.
“I’m not sure, Reilly,” she started. “Why bother playing a game we’re both going to lose? What’s the fun in that?”
Reilly winked at her, and she started laughing. He had to put a stop to his winking.
West’ eyes glinted. “Reilly, have you told Lynne the truth about why you're in Tyrone? We're all puzzled as to why you abandoned such a stunning wealthy woman.”
Only Reilly's foot-shifting betrayed his discomfort. Lynne forced herself to keep an even expression. She hadn’t known about a woman in his life. The impact was worse than a slap to the face.
“Reilly doesn’t keep secrets from me. West, you should go.” She walked to the door and opened it. She stared at West, who shrugged and then glared at her as he left. The lock on the door engaging was loud in the silent room.
“I'm grateful for your help. I didn’t know what to do, and I hoped the lights would catch your attention. I suppose I should make you number one on my phone. I also should have looked to see who it was before opening the door. You did say to be on the alert.” She plopped down on the couch, leaning her head back. “I have no preservation instincts, it seems.”
Reilly sat down in a chair across from her. He didn’t say a word.
Was he still involved with this woman? His mother probably approved of her.
“If I wasn't staying at your house, would you have made an effort to see me?” Anticipating a harsh response, she held her breath.
“I hadn’t planned on seeing anyone. I just needed some time alone.” He stared just to the right of her.
“I apologize for any inconvenience I’ve caused you.” She released a heavy sigh. “My problems are mine. Don’t make them yours. I’ll be fine. I won’t be here long. My inability to secure a job means I cannot afford my rent. Perhaps a smaller town…or a bigger one, or maybe even moving out of state. I have a lot to think about. Preparations I should have completed.” She offered him a shaky smile. “I’m so tired. Do you mind?”
Sorrow and pity were both evident in Reilly's eyes. It was as if a spike had pierced her heart.
“Of course,” he murmured. “But I wasn’t planning to leave anytime soon. My plans are not definite. I’ll keep you updated on my progress. Good night.”