“You ever even wonder?” Dodge presses.
The silence between us is heavier than stale whiskey.
“No,” I admit finally.
I refused to. Dad made sure the deputy sheriff buried it and made sure no record ever existed. Even Sarah’s father backed Landon, calling her a liar.
Maybe Sam chose the easier road, too, Cade.
Before I can think that through, Dean—loudmouth rancher east of town—slaps my shoulder. “You headin’ to the sale next week, Cade? They’re bringin’ Brangus bulls that’ll make your Thunder Ridge look like a bargain.”
I sip my bourbon, keeping my tone casual. “Maybe.”
Dean smirks, knowing full well that even though I may be there, I won’t be buying. I can’t afford it, not after Thunder.
The High Country Bull & Genetics Sale in Grand Junction draws the best stock in the Rockies—Angus,Brangus, Charolais, add semen rights to that, and it’s gonna cost you an arm, a leg, and everything else in between and then some.
Dean struts off with his little dig.
Hank from Two Rivers slides in next. “Heard a rumor you’re selling, Cade. That true?”
Fucking Jessup and Madison. “Not a chance in hell.”
Hank grins, lifts his bottle. “Didn’t think so. A Mercer without Blue Rock would be like a cowboy without a horse.”
The men drift back to their game. Dodge watches them go. “This place listens, Cade. You sneeze, half the Canyon’s got a story before sundown.”
He’s right. Gossip moves faster here than a brushfire, truth optional.
A familiar voice slides in smooth as oil. “Still sitting in this dump?”
I turn. Landon’s already pulling up a stool beside me. His tie is loosened, and he’s flashing a polished smile at Jose.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I’m more than a little rattled to see him now, considering what’s going on in my head. “Thought you’d be off schmoozing Aspen donors.”
He grins, clapping my back. “I had a campaign stop in Junction City and was thinking of coming by to Blue Rock, and I saw your truck here, so....”
Soon enough,cowboys crowd him, eager to shake hands.
Landon’s respected here, admired.
He asks Jose about his sister and beams when Jose says she’s off to college. The man remembers everything. Helps everyone.
And I let myself believe in him again.
That he’s a good man. That Sarah is wrong. That I don’t need to dig deeper.
Just like always, Cade.
I push the thought down. He’s my brother. Not a rapist.
But Dodge’s words, Kaz’s warning, Sarah’s broken voice—those splinters won’t work their way out.
Not with all the bourbon in the world.
CHAPTER 20
sarah
