Heart's Desire (18 page)

Nathan reached for a copy of the latest bank statement, his eyes falling on the deposits to Heart Fire Industries. The company remained a mystery. Internet searches had come up empty, and records searches were proving futile so far. It was as if Heart Fire Industries didn't exist.

A knot twisted in his gut, bile rising in his throat. It wouldn't be the first time he'd caught a dummy company, set up to embezzle funds. But who would want to do that to Jessie or have the access to the ranch to make it possible to pull it off successfully? Right now, he could only see a few people with access to the accounts, and two of them were family. Both Julia and Justin seemed shocked when he'd mentioned the missing money. It could have been an act, but it would be near impossible to do anything with the ranch finances without Brendon's knowledge.

That was where Nathan was betting his money. Julia mentioned that Brendon had been a friend of Justin's since childhood. Surely, he'd know the ranch's inner workings, especially as their accountant. If Jessie dumped him, he might have an entirely different motive to get his hands on the place. Either way, Brendon was at the top of Nathan's list of suspects, and he was determined to get to the bottom of this.

His cell phone vibrated on the table, and Nathan picked it up, glancing at the screen. This was the fourth message from his father this morning. The man never contacted him unless he wanted to use Nathan to drum up family goodwill or contribute to his latest reelection campaign.

He opened the message and wasn't surprised to see yet another demand from his father that he meet him in New York. Years of rejection from his father had taught him not to get sentimental. It was nothing but a fool's game. He sent a return message letting his father know he was away on another job and would return in a few days. His gut twisted as the thought began to grasp hold. He didn't have long before he would be leaving again.

The crunch of tires on the gravel driveway alerted him to visitors, and he poked his head out the front door, tucking his cell phone back into his pocket. The unfamiliar pickup was likely the two cowboys Jessie's friend had promised to send over. The two men exited the truck and one saw him, holding up a hand in greeting. Nathan returned the gesture, albeit reservedly. Leaning against the porch rail, he waited for what seemed like an eternity, when the pair shrugged and headed in his direction.

Nathan met them at the bottom of the cabin porch. “I assume you two are looking for Jessie?”

“Yep,” the first cowboy answered, looking back at the main house. “Jennifer Graham from Findley Brothers sent us over to help out for a few days.”

Nathan was at a loss. He didn't have any idea what Jess needed these two to do, or sign for that matter, but no one came out of the house to meet them. “Um, she should be at the main house. I haven't seen her leave.” He wondered if he should go look for her and leave these two waiting or take them inside. “Why don't you both wait on the porch, and I'll see if I can find her?”

Nathan felt strange walking into the house without an invitation, almost as uncomfortable as he had taking a shower in her room. Thinking back at how well that had turned out, he stepped inside the kitchen. He looked around and saw her keys and phone, but no one was nearby. He didn't hear any sounds in the house either. The quiet was eerie after having the teens present all weekend, but Michael had returned to school this morning and Aleta had gone with her foster mother to visit her mom in prison. He walked down the hall and poked his head into her office.

Jessie lay with her head on her folded arms, sound asleep. He was so surprised to find her sleeping, for a moment he didn't move, content to simply watch her. It was the first time he'd seen her completely relaxed. Her face was tranquil, completely serene in a way he hadn't seen yet. Even when they'd made love, she'd been battling with herself, trying to hide her emotions. But now, there was nothing to stop him from seeing the real Jessie, exposed and vulnerable. And she was stunning.

His phone vibrated again. He pulled out, silencing the notification with the push of a button. It was from Justin, letting him know they would be meeting with the lawyer and accountant in one hour at the house. When he looked up again, Jessie was awake, rubbing her eyes, and turning toward him.

Nathan leaned against the doorframe. “Good morning, beautiful. You have company on the porch.”

She frowned at him. “You don't knock?”

Nathan arched a brow. “You don't say thank you?”

She moved from behind the desk, having the decency to look apologetic. “Thank you. Who is it?”

“The cowboys you were waiting for.” He moved, blocking her exit, and held his phone out so she could see the screen. “Your brother set up the appointment with the attorney. They should be here within the hour.”

“What?” She stopped, unable to move past him. “I love how he just makes plans without even checking with me, like I have all the time in the world.”

Nathan reached for her waist and felt her stiffen. “Make time. Don't take too long with the two on the porch,” he said, his hand skimming her spine, making her shiver and lean into him. She looked past his shoulder, as if she was afraid someone might see them. He loved the way she responded to him without thinking.

He tipped her chin up to look at him, and the worry in her eyes faded for a moment. “I have an idea to run past you. Come to the cabin after you finish with these two so I can show you.”

She quirked a brow and gave him a dubious look. “I think you already showed me.”

He gave her a lopsided grin and his fingers squeezed her hips at the thought of last night. “As much fun as it would be to show you that again, this is something else, but I think you might be just as happy with it.” Jess eyed him with distrust. “I promise. Go meet with your new crew.”

She brushed past him and walked into the hallway. “But, Jess?” She turned to face him. “If you want the other, I'm happy to show you that again, too.”

Jess flipped her middle finger up at him and hurried out the front door.

“Is that a yes?” he called after her.

A
KNOCK AT
the front door signaled the arrival of Brendon and his father, Trevor Gray. Jessie's parents had been friends with the Grays forever, and she remembered Justin and Brendon being inseparable growing up, even playing football on the same high school team. But there was something about Brendon she couldn't stomach.

“I'm sorry. I have to get that.” She rose from behind the desk as the pair of cowboys in front followed her to the door. “Thanks again. I really appreciate you both coming on such short notice.” She opened the front door to see Brendon leaning against the frame.

I can't stand this cocky son of a bitch.

Brendon, surprised to see two men in her house, frowned and took a few steps backward, bumping into his father.

“Easy, son,” he scolded, moving Brendon aside. “You almost knocked me down the steps.”

“Hey, Uncle Trevor.” Jessie greeted the older man with a warm hug around his ample waist, while her newest employees, Mitch and Clint, trotted down the porch to their truck, Brendon still giving them the evil eye.

Jessie had always liked Trevor. He'd been an adoptive uncle for the three of them since they didn't have much family around. He also didn't mind spoiling those he loved, and he'd loved her parents and the three of them as if they were blood relatives. He pressed a quick kiss to the top of her head.

“Come on; let's get this
meeting
over with. I don't know what this friend of Justin's hopes to accomplish that we haven't already done, but what do you say we humor him?” He didn't bother to hide the derision in his voice, and Jessie wondered if his feelings were hurt that they were trusting Nathan's advice over his.

N
ATHAN SAT AT
the head of the kitchen table, looking around at the faces surrounding him. Jessie and Julia flanked him on either side with Justin on Julia's right. Jessie refused to meet her brother's eye, and he wondered if they'd even spoken since his verbal attack in the kitchen. Bailey was seated on the edge of the island. At the other end of the table sat the Hart family attorney, Trevor Gray, with his son, Brendon, to his right. Brendon hadn't taken his eyes off Jessie, and Nathan didn't like the looks he was casting her direction, as if she were property and he was prepared to stake his claim.

“So, what I'm gathering from all of this”—Trevor waved his hands at the documents Nathan had spread out for them all to see—“is that you feel Brendon and I have been remiss in our duties as counsel to the Hart family, both in their businesses and personal finances. Would that be safe for me to assume?” Trevor tented his index fingers and pressed them to his lips, waiting for Nathan's response.

Nathan had dealt with enough hard-hitting attorneys in his career to know when one was trying to put him on the defensive. He wasn't about to fall for the bait. “Yes, it is.”

Trevor smiled at him, but Nathan knew it was only for show. He recognized the hostility in the man's gaze. “I see.”

Brendon's eyes swung to him, malice clearly written across his face. “You think running a dude ranch is the same as running a Fortune 500 company? You have no clue what needs to be done.” Trevor silenced him with a hand on his arm.

“Now, son, I'm sure Mr. Kerrington has had plenty of clients within the equine industries. Perhaps he has insight to offer that we haven't considered.” He cocked his head to the side, giving Nathan a patronizing glance. “By all means, Mr. Kerrington, please, enlighten us.”

“One of the things Nathan has suggested is that we incorporate,” Justin broke in.

Nathan didn't miss the awkwardness that seemed to hang in the air. Justin had friends at opposite ends of this debate, but Nathan knew he was right and had their interests in mind.

Trevor laughed at the suggestion. “At this point, that's not necessary.”

Nathan folded his hands over the folder on the table. “Mr. Gray, I assure you that the liability each of them faces, especially from clients, could prove devastating if anyone were to sue. It is absolutely necessary to consider—”

Trevor pinched his lips and smiled pretentiously. “I mean, it's not necessary because that's already been taken care of.” He looked at Justin. “Your parents filed for incorporation just before they died. I'd been badgering your father for years about it and finally convinced him.” He looked back at Nathan and gathered his own documents. “If that's the extent of your expertise, I'm sure you'll understand if we head back to town before we waste any more of our time.” He rose from the chair and Brendon followed suit.

“Heart Fire Industries.”

Trevor froze with his hand over his briefcase and looked up at Nathan. “What about it?”

“Is that the name you filed it under?”

This time it was Brendon who spoke up. “Yes. Why?”

“Why didn't either of you tell them about this?” Nathan stared down Brendon before looking at each of the siblings in turn. “When are the stockholder meetings? Where is the documentation? And why is Heart Fire Ranch paying Heart Fire Industries a stipend each month?”

Brendon blanched as he looked at his father. “What are you trying to imply?”

“What do you think?” It was Nathan's turn to relax as the control of the conversation shifted.

Trevor leaned over the table, bracing his hands on either side. He homed on Nathan, ignoring everyone else. “Young man, I assure you that I've done nothing short of my best for this family. They weren't told because the documentation isn't finalized. I'm sure you are aware that incorporation is a long process.” Trevor's voice was overly authoritative in the quiet kitchen. As if realizing he'd begun to lose his composure, he cleared his throat and stood upright, squaring his shoulders. “And I have no idea why Heart Fire Industries is receiving any payments from the ranch, unless that's something Colton set up before his death.” He looked to Brendon for confirmation.

“Six months is an inordinate delay, wouldn't you agree?” Nathan pointed out, arching a brow at the pair. This wasn't adding up, but he wasn't sure which of these two was to blame.

“I think we've wasted enough of everyone's time. The incorporation should be completed soon enough, all three businesses will be encompassed under the Heart Fire Industries umbrella, and the three of you will be equal shareholders. That is why the will was changed; to stipulate that no one may sell the property and all assets are held in equal shares. I did explain that to you at the reading, remember?”

Nathan glanced at Jessie and Julia. While Julia looked slightly shell-shocked from this revelation, Jessie was furious. As much as he wanted to, Nathan couldn't pause to guess at the reason. He had to get to the bottom of the fund transfers and stop the slow bleed on Jessie, at least for now. It would buy her some time to figure out what to do with the ranch and her future.

“Brendon, I'd like to see the records for the Heart Fire Industries account.” He pointed to the statement where the transfers were evident. “Was this something Colton set up with you?”

Brendon's overconfidence disappeared like smoke in a windstorm. He shot his father an anxious glance before turning back to Nathan. “A percentage of the net income of each business is sent to an account held for Heart Fire Industries. Colton started with Heart Fire Ranch but never set up the other two before his accident.”

“This isn't a portion of the net income,” Nathan said. “This is a significant portion of the gross profit, putting the ranch into the red each and every month. I doubt that was Colton's intent. Why didn't you ever tell Jessie?”

“I'll look into it,” Brendan muttered.

“I'm sorry.” Nathan tipped his head down dramatically and pressed on. “I think I speak for Justin and Julia, as well as Jessie, when I tell you to stop any and all transfers immediately until further notice.”

“You can't make that call,” Trevor interrupted.

“You're right, that would be up to the equal shareholders.” He turned to look at the three of them.

Justin was the first to speak up for the entire family. “Brendon, stop the payments, at least for the time being.”

Brendon spun on his friend. “Justin, are you really going to trust this city slicker who didn't even know you father—or what he wanted this place to become—over me? I've known you since we were in diapers. You're going to take this joker's recommendation over mine? Over my father's?”

Nathan wanted to laugh at Brendon's scrambling. Brendon shook his head in disgust and pushed himself away from the table when Justin didn't answer. “Fine. I see where I stand.”

He scooped up his paperwork, stuffed it into his distressed briefcase, and stormed through the kitchen door, letting the screen slam behind him. Trevor slowly tucked his files into his case.

“I hope the three of you understand that Brendon and I are only complying with your father's wishes. Once all of the businesses are under this umbrella, and I'm sure your
expert
here can attest to this, you'll be safer. However, it will mean more paperwork and documentation. Not to mention that you will be able to sell off portions of your shares or your entire business if you choose.” He turned to look at Jessie, who had her head in her hands. “But bear in mind, everything but this house and two acres, belongs to Heart Fire Industries. That means the barns, the cabins, the rest of the outbuildings, and land . . . ”

He shook his head. “If you have any further questions, Mr. Kerrington, please make an appointment with my secretary. I'm a busy man and I thought this was important, or I wouldn't have bothered to clear my afternoon.”

Bailey slid from the counter and held the door open for him. “Uncle Trevor, Nathan is just trying to help.”

As much as Nathan appreciated Bailey's vote of confidence, especially after their last argument, he wished it had come from Jessie instead.

“I know, Bailey.” Trevor patted her cheek gently. “But sometimes, we go looking for help and all we find is more trouble.” He glanced back at the siblings seated around the table. “I have a feeling this is one of those times.”

J
ESSIE SMACKED HER
hands against the kitchen table and stood, glaring at Justin. “You sure know how to pick your friends, don't you.”

Screw this
.

Jessie walked out. There was no use relying on anyone else to figure out a remedy for this situation she was in. Not Trevor or Brendon or Nathan. No one was offering her any concrete answers. She wasn't going to stand there letting everyone else decide what she should do any longer. She was going to do what she should have done months ago and take this situation into her own hands, starting now. She left all four of them standing in the kitchen. Just a few minutes alone, that was all she needed. Just some time to process the information and figure out a solution.

Sliding open the tack room, she pulled out her saddle and a bridle with one arm and jerked a blanket from the rack with the other. She dropped them outside the stall door and went in to retrieve one of her mares. Normally, she'd scold one of the kids for not grooming the horse before riding it, but right now, she needed to feel the wind in her face and the strength of her horse beneath her.

On second thought . . .

She reached for the bridle and slipped it over the mare's head, leading her out of the barn before hopping onto her, bareback. She saw Nathan heading toward the cabin, his arms full of files, when he stopped and looked her way.

“Jess,” he began.

“Not now, Nathan.” She held up a hand to stop him. “I just need some time.” She tapped the horse with her heels and leaned forward to open the gate to the pasture.

“Will you just wait for two seconds?”

She clipped the latch closed. “I said, ‘not now.' ”

Turning the mare, she let the horse have her head and gave herself over to the animal's slow lope. She heard Nathan's voice calling to her but tuned it out as he faded into the distance behind her. She needed some time to let what her father had done sink in and decide what she was going to do about it.

Jessie rode for the one place that had always given her clarity, away from the responsibilities of the ranch, away from anyone pressing her for her time, away from the voices that blamed then demanded more from her. As the mare picked her path to the river, Jessie could hear the sounds of the water, rushing over the rocks and branches, and inhaled deeply, anticipating the comfort she always found here. It was her spot. No one, not even Julia, knew how to find it.