Page 87 of Her Rugged Guardian

“That’s my guess.”

“Don’t do anything rash.”

“Me? Rash?” I shoved my hands into my pockets, leaning against my truck. Seeing Bart’s car, I felt a sense of relief. He knew how Malcolm was. I only hoped he wouldn’t feel pressured into carting me off to jail, if only for one night. I would need to control my temper.

Bart slowly pulled the car to a stop, taking his time to get out. He even made his visit official by placing the hat on his head. As he walked closer, he glanced from Cass back to me. “Good evening, folks.”

“Cut the crap, Bart. I know Malcolm called you.”

“Yep, but he wasn’t the only one. Two more calls right after it. It seems you were disturbing the peace. The word assault was used as well.” Bart folded his arms, glancing at the house.

“If anyone assaulted anyone, it was that pompous jerk,” Cassandra said as she glared at him.

“We haven’t met. You must be Cassandra Dayne. It’s good to meet you. I’m sorry it’s under these circumstances. Do you want to tell me your version, cause Malcolm acted as if the attack came out of nowhere.”

“That’s bullshit,” Cassandra snapped. “He threatened me then followed up into the parking lot.”

Bart shifted his eyes to me briefly. “He threatened you?”

“Yep.”

“What did he say?”

“That I should watch out in that there were some evil things happening in this town. That Jake wasn’t a good man. That he would manage to get the property out from under me. He asked me how my dog was. He was the one who broke into my house. I know it.”

Bart studied her for a few seconds, then glanced in my direction. “Unfortunately, if that’s what he said to you, then it’s really not a threat. Margaret was in discussions with him regarding selling the property.”

“But she pulled out. I have an unsigned contract,” she insisted. “I also have a threatening letter he sent to my mother as well as notes in her handwriting that she was receiving strange phone calls, just like I’ve been receiving.”

Bart appeared uncomfortable. “Jake mentioned that, but the calls likely came from a burner phone.”

“Meaning there’s no chance of pinning anything on him,” she continued. “This bastard does have you by the balls. What a shame. I’m not falling into that trap. That’s not who my mother raised.”

Bart sighed, appearing more exhausted than before. “I hate to tell you this, but your mother did sign the contract with Malcolm. I couldn’t believe it either, but she did.”

Cassandra gasped, shaking her head. “No way. I don’t believe it. Why wouldn’t she tell me? Her notes indicated she couldn’t stand the man.”

“That’s not possible,” I intervened, remembering what he’d told me before. I couldn’t fathom Margaret getting into business with the man. Unless her death was indeed imminent.

“Look, I don’t know the particulars, Ms. Dayne, other than the paperwork was filed at the courthouse just this morning.”

“You saw the contract?” she countered.

“Yeah, I did. I’m going to guess you’ll be served with eviction papers within ten days, although the systems are slow right now. Maybe your mom knew that you wouldn’t return and didn’t want to worry you,” Bart explained. “Or maybe she was trying to ensure that she’d get top dollar, which she did.”

I remained livid, wishing I’d done more than just punch Malcolm in the face a couple of times. “That’s crazy, Bart, and you know it. Margaret loved this place. I think she was murdered and her signature forged.”

“Whoa,” Bart cautioned. “I don’t think it’s in your best interest to throw out accusations of that nature. I’ve got my hands full right now and the last thing I need is to be forced to come here to arrest your sorry ass.”

I could see the look of amusement on my buddy’s face the moment Cassandra stepped in front of him. “You will not take him away to jail. If you do that, I will file a complaint with the city. And I won’t stop there. I’ll have a discussion with the press. And I’ll be filing charges against Mr. Robinson as well.” She planted her hands on her hips, glaring at him as if Bart was the enemy.

“It’s okay, Cass. He’s just pressured by the mayor,” I intervened.

Bart scratched his head. “You did say she was one tough lady.”

“Yep,” I mused. “I did. This is tame.”

“I’m not taking him in, Ms. Dayne. But I can’t make any promises given Malcolm is buddies with one of the judges in town. I’d lay low if I were you. Don’t go spitting off accusations. Your best bet is getting a copy of that signed contract. You can always head to the county and make that happen.”

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