So far, the trends stay consistent—which means the water main station in the woods near the property line is either an old system the ranch once relied on, or the newer one Gage mentioned, installed just one year ago.
One year ago…
“That’s it,” I whisper as I sift through reports from last year to the most recent one. The smaller stack is easier to manage, and halfway through, I spot it—the shift. The system shows a sudden increase, and I’d bet anything it lines up with the water station service Gage mentioned.
That isn’t a coincidence. Water main systems are serviced to regulate usage for livestock and the surrounding ecosystem, not to increase output. There’s no logical reason for this system to be pushing out more water.
I gather the documents into a folder and leave the office. It might not look like much to Gage yet, but if I can talk to the town assessor, I might be able to trace where the discrepancy starts—especially since the county commissioner was absolutely useless.
I head to my car just as Jesse jogs over to open the gate. I wave, and he nods back as I pull onto the road.
The long stretch of dirt gives me time to think. I want clearer proof, something concrete, but without more data, I’m stuck. I don’t know exactly what’s happening—only that it isn’t good, and it certainly isn’t in the ranch’s best interest.
I’ve had theories for a while now.
Ever since my visit to the county commissioner’s office, I’ve suspected something bigger at work. Seeing Horizon Group marked on the map only sharpened that suspicion.
If they’re trying to buy out the town—and I’d bet they are—then they already know Gage would never sell. I can’t prove the commissioner’s involved, but Horizon Group hovering around Bell River and snapping up parcels for nothing isn’t coincidence.
As the town hall comes into view, I slow and park out front. I step inside with purpose, then stop midway to collect myself. I can’t afford another misstep.
The commissioner already seemed annoyed I was there on Hollis Ranch’s behalf. If I rush this and tip my hand, I’ll lose any chance at real answers.
No. I have to play this smart.
I look down at my boots and wipe them clean of the dry mud, taking an extra second with the soles. They won’t pay any mind to the scuffs themselves, surely.
When I step inside, I walk up to the front desk and smile politely. “Good afternoon. I’m a land researcher with Golden Properties, and I was hoping I could speak with the property assessor,” I lie, giving myself the cover I need to get inside.
I keep the lie light and shallow—no forms, no signatures, nothing that sticks.
The woman lights up. “Sure thing. Let me call up to him for you,” she says. I nod and wander slowly, studying the little plaques and old historical photos lining the walls.
It’s strange to think the town was once smaller than this, yet somehow more bustling.
Now it’s quiet—too quiet. I’d bet a couple hundred, maybe a thousand people live here. It isn’t big, and judging by the emptiness, there aren’t many opportunities left.
No wonder it’s barely thriving.
“Can I help you?”
I whip around as a man in a flannel with a dress jacket stands behind me. I smile softly and hold my hand out.
“Hello, my name is Sloane Carter, and I’m with Golden Properties. I’m researching the town, as we’re looking to build in neighboring areas to bring in more opportunities for growth.
I was hoping you’d have a moment for me,” I say, slipping into a script I’ve delivered more times than I can count. I’ve given versions of this corporate speech so often for my real job that the lie barely registers.
Change a few words, and it may as well be the same thing.
He shakes my hand and releases it. He grimaces and sighs. “Unfortunately, another company beat you to it,” he says, settling his hands on his waist.
My face drops. “Is that right?”
He shrugs. “Horizon Group is buying up parcels fast, much to my dismay, but I can’t really fight the county commissioner,” he says. It’s information I already uncovered, but hearing how quickly they’re buying everything up tightens something in my chest.
If they’re really doing all of this, I shudder to think what they’re capable of when they can’t get Hollis Ranch.
Because they’ll never get it.
