Buddy: Heading to you now. I’ll see where Cullen is. Keep Jack out of sight.
Jack stood. “Why don’t you meet them outside?” He pointed to Trent’s weapon. “Maybe you should take that with you.”
"Don't come out. There’s a rifle in the closet.”
"Not my first rodeo, kid.”
Trent grabbed his phone off the table, holstered his weapon, walked out the side door, and made it halfway to the bridge before the SUV’s engine had been shut off.
Seconds later, Garrett Dutton stepped out of the driver's side with an easy smile, like he was dropping by for a visit. Courtney Kirk came around the passenger side with a leather portfolio tucked under her arm, wearing heels that had absolutely no business on a gravel driveway, and yet she moved like the ground owed her something.
"Mr. Mallor." Dutton looked out at the property. “Wow. This place is breathtaking.”
“Thank you,” Trent said. "What can I do for you?"
"Mind if we come in?" He didn't wait for an answer. Just moved toward the wooden path.
Dolly didn’t much like that. She made herself known by opening her mouth. A few other gators flanked her, doing the same thing.
Courtney stumbled. “Oh my,” she whispered. “Can those things get to the house?”
“No ma’am. They can’t. But if they swim out to the bay, they can get up on the driveway.”
She gasped, clutching her portfolio and grabbing Dutton’s arm.
“I think he’s messing with you,” Dutton said.
“No, sir. I’m not. This land is a natural habitat, and we sit on mostly freshwater. Gators are naturally drawn to this area, and I can’t do much to change that. All I can do is protect my home. That’s why we have the moat.” Not entirely a lie, but not completely the truth, either. But they didn't need to know that.
“We’d like to discuss a business opportunity with you,” Dutton said. “Maybe we can come in?”
“Sure.” Trent turned, strolled up to the porch, and held the door.
They settled at the kitchen table, and Dutton looked around the room with appreciation. It almost felt like he was taking inventory of everything he saw.
Courtney set the portfolio on the table and opened it.
Dutton slid a single sheet of paper across the wood toward Trent. "I'll be direct," he said. "I want this property. And I believe in paying fair value for things." He tapped the paper. "That offer is more than fair. I think you'll find it's actually generous."
“Someone else already made an offer, and I refused.”
“Yes, the Hendersons,” Dutton said. “We’re aware.” He tapped his finger on the paper. “I urge you to look at this offer. It’s more than you’ll ever get for this place. Ever.”
Trent looked at the number, but he didn’t dare touch the paper. "My home isn't for sale."
"Everything's for sale at the right price," Dutton said, pleasantly. Like it was a simple fact of the world.
“Mallor’s Landing has been in my family for three generations. And it’s going to stay that way. No amount of money is going to change that.”
Courtney folded her hands on the table, her long nails perfectly manicured. The only reason he knew anything about that was because for half a minute, he’d dated a chick who’d been obsessed with her nails.
"I understand how this being family land could make this emotional. I respect that,” she said in a voice that sounded sweet and kind but had an edge that he didn’t trust.
Or maybe it was the nails that could take his eyes out faster than Dolly could roll him under the water.
"But I also understand you're currently facing some very serious allegations. Illegal poaching. Evidence of criminal activity found on your property." She paused just long enough to take a breath and tuck a piece of hair behind her ear. "Charges like that could put you away for a few years. Cost you the permits it takes to run this place. Cost you everything you've built here." She pulled out another piece of paper. "I'm in a position to make those go away. All you have to do is sign both these agreements, and I, as your lawyer, will make sure you don’t even have to set foot in a courtroom, much less have a stain on your record or reputation.”
“First, I don't know what you're talking about," Trent said. “And second, my record is already questionable, so I’m not worried.”
