Page 48 of Property of Player

I huff a laugh. “Not much white tail out there anymore. Why don’t you just sell it? Make a mint.”

“I can’t. That land has been in our family for generations. I’m not gonna be the one who sells it off.”

“But it’s just wasting away.”

“The original homestead is still there.”

“Dad, that’s nothing but an old log cabin that’s falling apart.”

“I know that. And when I’m gone, you and your brothers can sell the damn place, but it won’t be me, understand?” He’s pissed now and his voice is raised.

“I understand. Just chill out.”

“This is the second time these jerks have doubled their offer. I need to know what the hell they plan to do with it.”

Drae sits on his other side. “Maybe the government wants to put a nuclear site there.”

He’s joking, but Dad doesn’t laugh; he just glares at Drae.

Drae wisely changes the subject. “So we goin’ to California for the national meet this year?”

Dad drags a hand through his hair. “Shit. It’s in June. How many weeks away is it?”

“About eight. We goin’?”

“Yeah. I forgot that’s coming up. What with Cici graduating and the move and everything.”

“You throwing her a graduation party?” Drae asks.

“Hey, that would cheer her up. A big party at the beach house. We can do a bonfire and volleyball or whatever she wants,” I add.

“Sure, I guess. You two can be in charge of that.”

Drae and I exchange a look. Great. Neither of us are thrilled with that task.

We work out the details of the trip to Cali, and Drae and I each get assigned several tasks like making motel reservations on the way out there. There are too many of us to just wing it, and nobody wants to camp out. Hauling sleeping bags sucks.

At least the place we’re going is in southern California, so it should be nice weather.

“We stoppin’ in Vegas this year?” Drae asks.

“Sure. Get with Cruz and make the route. He’s the Road Captain after all,” Dad says.

“Who’s stayin’ back this year?” I ask.

My father drags a hand down his face. “Guess the prospects and Conman. That’ll give us an even dozen.”

“What about the chase vehicle?”

“Right. Draw straws to see who gets stuck drivin’ it,” he mutters.

I can tell he’s distracted, and I wonder if he knows about Sissy and last night. My eyes cut to Drae, and I give him a look, then jerk my head.

He gets my message.

Leaning over, I kiss Taylor’s forehead. “Be back in a minute, darlin’.” I turn to the prospect bartending and tap my hand on the bar top. “Get the lady another one, Billy Jack.”

“Yes, sir.”