“I haven’t thought that far ahead.I know nothing about farming, but I wanted the property.”
Felix exchanged a look with Saber.“We could do with additional grazing for our alpacas.Would you be willing to lease the land to us?”
“The fences aren’t stock-proof.My aunt’s health meant the property deteriorated toward the end.How about this?Repair the fences, and you have two years grazing rights.My rugby means traveling often, and I won’t have time to deal with it.If you prefer a written deal, fine, but truthfully, the land would’ve become a problem.”
Saber extended his hand.“Are you happy to shake on the deal?”
“Absolutely.”Maia took his hand to seal their gentleman’s agreement.
Maia enjoyed meeting other locals who came up to say hello.Choosing to confront her here had been a big mistake for Samuel, considering the cafe was the town’s heart.After leaving, Henry gave her a town tour and introduced her to everyone they met until names stuffed her head.
Maia recognized Samuel’s furious shouts when they entered the police station.
“Thank goodness you’re here.”Charlie stepped away from the desk when she handed over the scones.“That man is driving us crazy, saying he must leave because he’s playing in an important rugby match tomorrow.We’ll be pleased to get rid of him.”
“He should’ve thought of that before he caused trouble,” Maia said.“My walking away from him hurt his pride.He thought he could snap his fingers, and I’d return to Auckland with him as his fiancee.The books were an excuse.”
“What if he’s lying about the game and doesn’t leave Middlemarch?”Henry asked before she could.
“We suggest a restraining order.If he ignores that, we can add additional charges.He’s an idiot to hit you in public.Joe and Sly did witness statements for us.Saber offered if we needed another.”
“I want to press charges.He’s a spoiled brat who thinks his parents’ wealth gives him rights.”
“Excellent.This way,” Charlie said.
The formalities didn’t take long, and they left the police station less than half an hour later, with Samuel’s curses ringing in their ears.He wasn’t happy, and Maia wondered if he’d get his father involved.She’d met his parents once and hadn’t envied Samuel their unreasonable expectations.Yeah, she’d never told Samuel she’d overheard his mother telling a friend Samuel was playing with Maia and would soon see sense.Heck, his parents had rivaled her aunt, which had brought out her empathy.
That sympathy bubble had burst quick-smart.
“This isn’t your fault,” Henry said as they left the station.
“I know.”Maia thought back to the time she’d spent with Samuel.“I think he was telling the truth.An attack isn’t his way.Samuel is a loner.He has lots of acquaintances but no one close.His parents taught him to distrust, and he always questioned me about what I was doing or where I’d be.His possessiveness drove me crazy, and when it spilled over into physical abuse, I decided enough.No, Samuel came to Middlemarch because my leaving stung his pride.I’ll discuss it with my friend, Bryce, but my guess is Samuel wanted to end our relationship on his terms, not mine.”She glanced out the window.“I’ll deliver the books to Laura, and Samuel can take them.Where are we going?”
“We’re stopping by Gavin’s surgery to pick up the puppy.He can check your head wound.How’s your headache?”
“The light is hurting my eyes, making my head pound.”
“Grab the pair of sunglasses in the glove box.”
She fumbled with the latch and rifled through before pouncing on a leather case.Maia slid the glasses on with relief.“Isn’t Gavin a vet?”
“We don’t have a doctor’s office in Middlemarch.Gavin is the nearest thing we have, and we trust him implicitly.”
Well, that made sense.Vets trained as long as doctors did, and while they couldn’t prescribe drugs, they had a vast knowledge of bones and muscles.
Henry parked and aided her exit from the vehicle.She would’ve objected, but her head and leg were aching.Now was not the time to reject help.
“Ah, excellent timing,” Gavin said.
Maia smiled at the dark-haired man while his green eyes assessed her.“Why do so many Middlemarch residents have green eyes?”
Gavin chuckled.“It’s the Celtic blood.Many of us have roots in Scotland.”
“Oh.”She removed the sunglasses and winced at the bright light in the surgery.
Gavin noticed.“Sit,” he said, pulling out a chair.“Your head giving you problems?”
“The doctor says it’s the concussion, and the headaches will tail off given time and rest.It’s challenging because I need to do computer work.Working on a screen makes the pain worse.”
