“What do you think?” Cody asked.
“I think we’ve pissed off a few people.”
A lot of people loved this town. A lot of people had strong feelings about what was about to happen to it. I didn’t want to jump to conclusions, but I had a feeling Summer might have an idea about the most likely suspects. It didn’t have to be anyone in her circle but she would know who was doing it.
Judd came back down the stairs. “This cannot happen again,” he said, trying to sound tough but looking like a pouting toddler. “My lawyer is reaching out to the local cops. If they can’t get their shit together, we’ll take it to the state level. I know people.”
“I’ve got a crew coming in,” I said. “We’ll figure out the rest after this gets sorted out.”
“I suppose that local yokel quit?”
“He did.”
“Fuck!” Judd cursed and kicked the sand. “I want security on this site.”
I nodded. “I’ll arrange it.”
He looked at me like I was the one that had done the vandalizing. “You vouched for this town, Colt. You told me the community would adapt. You told me people would see the benefit once the money started flowing.” He straightened his jacket. “I am starting to question your read on this situation. Handle it.”
He walked away, got back in his car, and drove away.
Cody looked at me with one eyebrow raised. “You good?”
“No,” I said honestly. “This is a fucking mess.”
“You think you know who did this.”
“I don’t know anything,” I said. “I have a theory.”
“A theory that involves a certain surf instructor.”
“I said I don’t know.”
“But you’re going to find out.”
“Do I have a choice?” I asked. “We’re going to lose a lot of money if this keeps up. We haven’t even started construction. What happens when the equipment and materials are on site? I don’t want to lose thousands, possibly millions. I definitely don’t want to have locals arrested left and right. That’s not going to ingratiate us with the community.”
“That’s assuming you can get the local police to do anything,” Cody said.
“Good point.”
“So? What’s the play?”
“Take me home,” I said. “I think I need to have a difficult conversation.”
We left the site and headed up to the parking lot. Sure enough, the artist had practiced his dicks on the pavement. There were cocks and balls in various shapes and colors all over the parking lot.
Cody laughed. “Been a while since I’ve seen such rudimentary artwork.”
“Either someone that’s never done this or a kid,” I said.
Cody pulled up to the house and I got out. I stood on the driveway for a moment, looking at the Banks house next door. Dad had taught us to face our problems head on.
I walked next door and knocked.
CHAPTER 13
SUMMER
