Page 65 of Pick Your Spot

Jay’s plans had been for slow growth. Reclaiming the land and making it healthy again. He’d wanted to learn the whole process and see the farm in all the seasons before making decisions. He’d be thrilled to know his relatives had purchased the Worminator and were moving forward with his vision. She wished he was here to see it.

Using her own key, Thea grabbed the hose from the shed. It would last longer being protected from the weather, but the thrill of being trusted with her own keys was the real bonus. She was smiling as she hooked the hose to the spigot.

“Hello, Thea.”

She jolted at the familiar voice. Not Knox. Triple-A.

Thea stood with a jerk, wishing she held something more useful than the hose. Too bad she hadn’t been using the chainsaw. “What are you doing here?”

“I told you we needed to speak face to face.”

“As I said on the phone, I’m not interested in your job offer.”

He waved that away. “Of course, you are. You’re just playing hard to get. You’re a good negotiator, I’ll give you that. There’s a bonus in it for you as long as you start on Monday.”

“No. Now get off my property.” How had he found her? She wanted to ask but mostly she wanted rid of him. The desperation in his voice had nerves skittering down her spine.

“Don’t be ridiculous. It’s a generous offer and you need to take it. I’ll find you a place to stay and cover the first month’s rent. I need you back at work.”

“Then you shouldn’t have lied and taken credit for my ideas. Now, go.”

If he came any closer, she’d turn on the hose and spray him. First, she pulled her phone out of her pocket and opened the voice app to record whatever he said next.

Andy held up his hands. “Listen to reason, Thea. There’s no way this pathetic farm is paying you decent money. You’ve got clients waiting for you. It’s the right job for you and you know it.”

She shook her head. “I don’t know how many ways I can say no. This is my home ,and I have no interest in returning to Iowa. Certainly not to work for you. This is your last warning. Get off my land.”

He raised an eyebrow with a smug smile “It’s not your land.”

“But it is mine.”

Relief poured through Thea at Knox’s voice. She hadn’t been afraid of Andy as much as annoyed and thrown off that he’d found her. Still, it was nice to have backup.

Andy whirled around to face Knox. His face changed from arrogant to furious. Maybe he was more dangerous than she’d thought.

Knox’s voice was low and menacing. “The lady has given you an answer several times. That answer is no. Now, get off our land and don’t come back. You’re not welcome here.”

Andy tried for haughty. “I have every right to speak to an employee.”

Thea cranked the hose. “I’m not your employee. I haven’t been for over a year. In case it isn’t clear, I’ll never work with you again.”

Andy scowled. “Of course, you will. This isn’t over.”

Knox stepped closer. “She’s been very clear that it’s over. Now, go.”

Andy studied Knox, then without a word stalked away through the trees.

Knox sent her a nod and followed Andy.

Thea turned off the hose and jogged to catch up. She grabbed Knox’s hand as they walked. He blew out a deep breath and smiled at her. “You might have just saved him from having his ass kicked.”

She shook her head. “He’s not worth it. He’s exactly the type to press charges.”

“If he comes here again, he’ll be the one facing charges. I’m going to talk to Marcus Ramirez in Phail and see what it takes to get a restraining order.”

That sent a shiver down her spine. “I hope he got the message this time. How did he even find me?”

Knox grunted but didn’t answer. They kept walking, keeping Andy in sight. They were about halfway to the front of the property when Fox came bounding in. Instead of stopping them for his usual rubdown, he walked on Thea’s other side and kept his attention on Andy who was a dozen yards ahead.

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