Page 57 of Homicide in Water Creek

King nodded, so she picked it up, opened the flap, and pulled out several sheets of paper. “It’s a copy of her will.”

Rubbing his forehead, he drew a deep breath. “What does it say?”

“The will is dated September 15th, so it’s very recent.” She read it quickly, then handed it to him. “Other than paying out her agent under her contract, you’re her sole beneficiary.”

He took the papers, read the print once, then looked up. “She’s left me everything,” he said, his voice breathy. “Her house, car, investments, savings, and all royalties owed on her work. We’re talking millions, Jacks.”

With one brow raised, she shrugged. “Guess we should have seen that coming.” They should have, but they didn’t. She could tell by the slight tremble in the paper as it shook in his hand.

“Why would she leave me everything? She’s the one who walked away.”

“Maybe she was trying to make amends for leaving. Maybe this was her way of saying she was sorry.”

He flipped through the pages again and pointed to a line. “She left one dollar to any other heir who may come forward and prove they are her biological child.”

“Well, as a woman, I can tell you that doesn’t make sense. We tend to know how many kids we’ve had.”

“Yeah,” he agreed, scratching his head. “Maybe it’s a legal clause they include no matter what?”

“Wait, there’s a cover letter here,” Jacks said, handing it to him. “It basically says to call when you’re ready to discuss the will, since this is a copy and they have the original. Maybe they have more information?”

King shook his head slowly, obviously trying to put his thoughts into words. “The way I see it, we have two problems here. The first is the land contracts. Were they made by her or by someone else?”

“Too bad it’s Saturday and you can’t call them until Monday,” Jacks said. “Wait, what’s the second problem?”

“Her will, Jacks. Don’t you see? It changes everything.”

“What does it change? The balance of your bank account?”

“In this folder is a contract to buy a piece of land, connected to my grandfather, real or not, and a will stating that I’m the sole beneficiary of her Hollywood fortune. I’m no longer a sheriff trying to solve a murder.” He paused, and a chill ran down her spine as she anticipated what he was about to say. “I’m now the prime suspect.”

“You’re sure Jackson never mentioned selling the ranch?” King asked again as they walked up the path toward the Double J. It was nearly lunchtime, so they’d be able to catch Jackson and Keene while the rest of the guys were eating. At the very least, King had to let them know about the land contracts, even if they turned out to be fake. They also needed to know about the will. If anyone else caught wind of it before the case was closed, there was a real chance he’d be arrested on suspicion of murder, even if the only evidence was circumstantial. His alibi was solid, but confirming it would take time, and he couldn’t risk being in a holding cell with Chinos still on the loose.

“King, I’m telling you no. He’s not selling the ranch, and definitely not without asking me first. I get the first chance to buy out his half if he decides to sell, but that won’t happen. He will own half until the day he dies.”

“Did you file the new ownership paperwork with the county?”

“Yes, at least I think so. I’d have to check with the lawyer, but he indicated he would.” Jacks grabbed his arm and held him in place. “King, take a deep breath. Get your head straight before you walk into that house and start accusing them of trying to sell to a woman neither of them liked. We already know they wouldn’t do that. I don’t know how you feel, and I won’t pretend I do, but I can imagine how I’d feel if my absentee mother showed up dead in my town and suddenly, I had something to gain from her death.” She ran her thumb across his lips. “I love you.”

Closing his eyes, he hung his head and took a deep breath. “I love you too. So very much that it hurts, and that’s what’s driving me to fix this, Jacks. I’m not afraid of proving my innocence, but I am deathly afraid of losing you again.”

At his words, her eyes blazed a bright, vibrant blue. “We’ve come too far for that now, King. I’ll be by your side every step of the way. Deep breath in and out,” she said, demonstrating the motion.

Following her lead, he took a deep breath and pulled her to him. “Thank you. You always know how to calm my hot head. Help me with this so I say the right things, please?”

Slipping her hand into his, she smiled. “I’ll walk softly while you carry the big stick. My stick is small.” Jacks held up her crutch with a wink, drawing laughter from his tight chest.

King let her lead, but she never let go of his hand. She tugged him along behind her, and he drank in every last bit of her. She was gorgeous. Everything about her was powerful, from the way her left leg picked up the slack for the right, to the way she wore a denim jacket better than any cowboy in Wisconsin. She was strength, mercy, and beauty, all in one spectacular package. All he could do was pray she was still his after all of this was over.

“I know you’re looking at my ass.”

King snorted and reached forward, giving it a pat. “Not even ashamed.”

“If you’re good, I’ll give you an even better view of it—” She paused, pressing a finger to her lips. In the silence, he heard the faint murmur of a conversation.

They knew exactly who it was.

He cupped his hand around her ear. “We have to go left and work our way up to the berm.”