Chapter 16 #3
I took a purposeful step away, shoving my hands into my pockets and taking a deep breath. “Do you know what you did to me and to my family? Do you know?” My voice had raised to the point I was almost yelling. The bastard simply stared at me. “Who did you hire?”
He stumbled backwards, fisting his hands. Oh, I wanted the bastard to take a swing.
“Who?”
“You know the expression, Montgomery.” He took his time, every word dripping with venom. “Everyone has a price. Loyalty means nothing. Nothing.”
As I allowed his words to sink in, a sudden calm washed over me. He’d given me exactly what I needed to finally find peace. “You’re going to rot in hell, Prescott. There is no need for me to get dirty in the process.” I walked out, satisfied with the outcome.
When I moved through the front door, I took a satisfied deep breath, yanking off the watch I’d been given as I approached one of the five cars that had rolled into the driveway. I stared at Agent Thomas, handing him the watch. “I think you should have everything you need.”
“Things started to get messy,” he said as he stared at the house.
I shifted my gaze, giving him a smile before grabbing my sunglasses. “Not messy enough.” As I walked toward the car, Bryce stopped me.
“You did good in there. Shame that you couldn’t get him to tell you who the actual arsonist is,” Bryce said quietly.
“I know who it is. Trust me, I know. Get ready to send a cleanup crew. Time to take out the trash.”
“What the hell?”
“Just be prepared. I’d send a couple of your deputies to the other side of the estate to wait. You’ll know the right time.”
While I was seething inside, at least I had everything I needed. Sadly, the information fit everything that had occurred.
Except for the reason why. While every person might have a price to sell their soul, to do so in such a blatant manner indicated a worthless man. If only I could handle the asshole’s punishment my way.
However, that wouldn’t bring back what I’d lost in the battle.
After sliding into my truck, I called Jackson before starting the engine. “We have what we need.”
I could tell by my brother’s reaction that he was as shocked at the news as I was. This was going to take significant time to get over.
But I would.
After all, I was a Wolfe, a member of the Cheyenne nation. I would survive. No, I would thrive.
A quiet level of peace kept me from doing anything rash as I drove through the estate.
For the first time in so long I enjoyed the sights around me.
The vineyards, the production facilities, and the incredible dining and wine-tasting building.
Maybe I could add some additional space, including enlarging the deck in order to hold weddings. That would be lovely.
I had enough additional land that with Jackson’s help, we could turn the place into a vacation destination while keeping the land pristine, the environment clean. That sounded like a good plan.
If only…
When I pulled down the long gravel driveway, I eased my hand under my seat, pulling the weapon I’d owned for years into my fingers. A part of me hoped it would be necessary to use it. Hissing, I stopped the truck, Jackson pulling in seconds behind me.
We both climbed out and he flanked my side, remaining quiet for a few seconds. I slipped the gun into the front waistband of my jeans, prompting Jackson to open his eyes wide.
“Are you certain about this?” he asked.
“Do you remember when we were little that Pops used to share various Cheyenne sayings with us about nature and love, trust and family?”
“Yeah, then he stopped talking about our heritage altogether,” Jackson answered. “That always bothered me.”
“It didn’t for me until recently. What I remember the most is that he talked about how you could only place your trust in family.
Somehow, I forgot all about that, which almost caused me to lose my own brother.
I placed my faith in the wrong people and I paid a significant price.
While I can’t go back and undo my actions, I can learn from them. I can share in the joys of tomorrow.”
“The way of our people.”
I glanced at Jackson, nodding several times. “We need to do this.”
“I’m right by your side.”
“I know that. I will always know that.” Sighing, I took what seemed to be the longest steps of my life toward the front porch, hesitating before knocking. I could hear music coming from somewhere in the small house. The man was enjoying his day off.
When he opened the door, his smile was immediate.
Until he noticed my weapon.
“What’s going on?” he asked, darting a look at Jackson.
“How much?” I asked.
He seemed confused. “I don’t understand.”
I crowded his space, forcing him against the door. “How much money for you to sell your soul to the devil, Joshua? How much for you to be the man responsible for killing my wife?”
Joshua’s eyes opened wide, his body starting to shake. “I’m so… sorry. She wasn’t supposed to be there.” While his voice was breaking up, I didn’t give a rat’s ass.
“You disgust me,” I snarled.
“You don’t understand. Prescott kept hounding me. I did one little thing for him that had nothing to do with you, but he had me on tape. Then he blackmailed me.” Joshua was becoming unglued, his body sagging against the wood.
“I don’t give a fuck. My wife is dead! Dead. And you fucking took care of her horse for two years as if you actually gave a damn. You torched and tried to kill an entire family! They have nothing, you fucking piece of shit!” My anger had risen to the level I could lose it at any moment.
Jackson moved closer, touching my shoulder. “Don’t, brother. He’s not worth it.”
I took a deep breath, holding it for a full minute while Joshua started to sob. When I breathed out, I shot Jackson a look. “I’m fine and you’re right.” I was able to hear the crunch of several sets of tires rolling down the driveway.
“And you followed Aspen to her villa. Of course she’d let you in because she trusted you. After knocking her unconscious, you locked her in the wine cellar knowing she would die. You knew what you were doing. You fucking worthless piece of garbage.”
“Yes,” he wailed. “I just… I had no other choice. You have to believe me.”
I shoved the weapon into his mouth, ready to pull the trigger.
“I trusted you and you betrayed me. I should put a bullet into your brain right now.” I was shaking given the level of anger I felt. “Tell me. What did it feel like to know my wife burned? What?”
Tears streamed down Joshua’s face. What pissed me off more than anything was that the man didn’t bother fighting.
“You always have a choice, Joshua. Always.” Jackson’s words were as haunting as the way I felt. “Come on, Montgomery. Don’t do it. Think about the future and about how much you have to look forward to.”
I shifted my attention to Bryce as he walked closer, a concerned look on his face.
Goddamn it, I wanted to kill the man. “The future. This asshole changed that.”
“The future is what you make of it,” Jackson stated.
Bryce moved onto the porch. “Jesus. Come on, buddy. Let him go. Where he’s going, he won’t see the light of day ever again. I promise you that.”
Visions rushed into my mind, beautiful images of the two women I’d loved. I was heartbroken yet Jackson was right. There was so much to live for. So. Damn. Much.
I yanked the gun away, clicking on the safety then shoving it into my waistband. After taking a step away, I did exactly what I needed to do to clear my conscience.
I threw a hard punch. My satisfaction was nothing more than to watch as Joshua crumpled to the ground. Then I stormed off the porch, giving Bryce a look before doing so. “I think you can shove his ass into a garbage bag.”
Bryce laughed. “With ease, my friend.”
As Jackson and I walked toward our vehicles, I glanced up at the sky. I’d done the right thing. I’d let go of my demons. Now there was only one thing left to do.
Enjoy the rest of my life with the woman I’d fallen in love with. “Today is a good day.”