Police Chief Barns, Im Heidi Simpson.
I know who you are. The police chief pulled a smartphone out of her pocket and scrolled through the screen. Im looking for Rafe Stryker.
Thats me. Rafe moved toward her. Thank you for coming out here personally.
Your lawyer insisted. The police chief didnt sound pleased about the fact. So, whats going on?
Glen Simpson claimed to be selling the Castle Ranch to my mother for two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. He took her money and gave her fraudulent documents to sign. He doesnt have ownership of the land, never opened escrow and has spent the money. Despite his claims of wanting to work things out, he has no way of paying her back.
May made a soft, distressed sound in the back of her throat. My son is clear on the facts, but hes leaving out an important point.
Which is? Chief Barns asked.
That theres no need for this to involve you and the law.
Id like to agree with you, maam, but your son here has filed an official complaint. I dont suppose you can tell me that he has no legal claim on any of this? Am I getting my hopes up here for nothing?
I signed the documents, as well, Rafe told her. Which was his own damn fault. My mother may believe in Mr. Simpsons innate goodness, but I do not.
Hes not a bad man, Heidi insisted.
The police chief turned to Glen. You have anything to say about this?
Glen looked up at the sky for a moment and back at Chief Barns. Nope.
Then Im going to have to take you in.
You cant. Heidi physically moved between the chief and her grandfather, the goat still at her side. Please dont. My grandfather isnt a young man. Its jail. He could die in there.
Its not Alcatraz, Rafe told her. Its a city jail in a small town. Not exactly hard time.
You know this from personal experience? Heidi asked.
No.
Then stay out of it. Heidis eyes filled with tears as she returned her attention to the police chief. There has to be something you can do.
Youll need to talk to the judge, Chief Barns said, her voice surprisingly kind. Your friend here is right. Its not a bad jail. Hell be fine.
Im not her friend.
Hes not my friend.
Heidi and Rafe looked at each other.
Can I kick him? Heidi asked the police chief. Just once, but really hard?
Maybe later.
Rafe knew better than to protest. The way the two women were glaring at him, getting off with a single kick would be a light sentence.
He wanted to point out that he hadnt done anything wrong here, that Glen was the bad guy. But this wasnt a time for logic. He knew his mother well enough to guess that, and he doubted Heidi was all that much different.
Glen didnt put up a fight. He was quickly handcuffed and put in the back of the car.
Ill be there as soon as I can, Heidi said. To bail you out.
We wont be able to set bail until the morning, Chief Barns told her. But youre welcome to visit. Dont worry. Hell be fine.
The chief got in her car and drove away. Heidi led the goat away, and May turned on her son.
How could you arrest him?
Rafe thought about pointing out that he hadnt arrested Glenhed only arranged to have it done. A detail she wouldnt appreciate.
He stole from you, Mom. You lost this ranch once. Im not going to watch you lose it again.
Her anger visibly faded. Oh, Rafe. Youve always been so good to me. But I can take care of myself.
You just got swindled out of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
May crossed to him. If youre going to bring that up.
He put his arm around her and kissed the top of her head. Despite her height, he was still a good half foot taller.
You know you make me crazy, right? he asked.
She hugged him back. Yes, but I dont do it on purpose.
I know.
She looked up at him. Now what?
Now we get your ranch.
CHAPTER TWO
HEIDI STOOD IN THE MIDDLE of Fools Gold, not sure what to do first. Glen needed her help, and she needed a lawyer. Not that she had any money to pay one, but that was a problem for another time. Right now, the pressing issue was getting her grandfather out of jail.
She turned in a slow circle, seeing the sign for Morgans Books and the Starbucks where she hung out with her friends. There was Jos Bar, but no large banner proclaiming excellent and free legal advice here!
Pulling out her phone, she scrolled until she found Charlies number, then sent a quick text: Urgent. Can we talk?
Seconds later, came the reply: Sure. At the station.
The station being the city fire station. Heidi left her truck where it was and walked the short three blocks to the firehouse.
The firehouse was in the oldest part of town. It was a two-story brick-and-wood structure with big garage doors facing the street. They stood open in the warm April afternoon. Charlie Dixon was waiting by the red fire engine she drove.
Whats up? she asked as Heidi hurried forward.
Theres a problem with Glen.
Charlie, a tall, competent woman who had never met a man she couldnt beat at anything, put her strong hands on her narrow hips and raised her eyebrows.
Hes your grandfather. How much trouble could he be in?
You have no idea.
Heidi quickly brought her friend up to date on Glen, the perky widow hed swindled, the mysterious and ruthless Rafe Stryker, and the fact that Glen was now sitting in the Fools Gold jail.