Page 56 of All We Carry Home

I walked alongside them into the sunlight.

“I’d like to start him on the trailer tomorrow,” Eva said.

The relief of the past few moments gave way to an entirely new fear. I’d been nervous for this next step, after all the trouble and injuries Phantom and I had faced across the country each time I had to load him into the trailer.

Before I could voice my concern, we emerged from the shaded arena and the sight of three black vehicles in the driveway drew our conversation to a stop. Phantom snorted as if sensing trouble in the air.

“I’ll see what this is about,” I said. “You see to Phantom.”

She nodded and watched me as I walked to the host of shiny black sedans. The first two drivers I recognized as the men who’d met with Victor. I hadn’t seen them around in the past week despite my looking for them, listening for any news from Victor.

I glanced around for Eddie or Lucky, but they were nowhere in sight. Either way, I was ready for anything.

“Can I help you gentlemen?”

Four men approached, though why they were in three cars, I wasn’t sure. A show of force, perhaps. The man in front had a barrel chest and suit buttons stretched to their breaking point. He was portly and short but had the air of authority, and he met my gaze without hesitation. The other three were looking around—for Eva, I suspected. Two were thin with black hair and sour expressions, and the third had thick glasses and a dark red beard.

“We’re looking for Miss Bryant,” the leader said, sizing me up with a quick glance.

“She’s busy.” I crossed my arms.

“We can come back tomorrow.”

A threat.

“I’ll take a message. What is this about?”

“I’d rather talk with Miss Bryant directly, Mr. Hayes.”

Another threat. He knew who I was.

Reid Erickson had arrived in town a few days ago and was gathering what information he could on Victor and these visitors. I’d need him to work a bit faster.

“I’d prefer you deal with me.”

“You have no standing here,” the man growled, his hefty chin twitching in anger.

I stepped closer, my blood pressure elevated and my adrenaline surging. “Seems I’m standing exactly where I need to be.”

The two slender men behind him moved toward me as if to engage, but their leader held up a hand. “We don’t want any trouble. If you can give her my card, then,” he said as he handed me a small white card with black text. “We have a very appealing offer, and she’d be a fool not to consider.”

I prayed that Eva didn’t walk up until they left—she probably would once she’d put Phantom in his pen. I didn’t want to give them any sort of opening to pull her into this.

The three other men had started back toward their cars when the leader leaned in and muttered, “If you don’t convey that message, Mr. Hayes, I’ll do so myself.” He looked around, his eyes famished and the farm beyond a feast. His gaze locked in the direction of Phantom’s pen. Eva. “Next time.”

“You’ll try,” I said.

Eva’s warning about the sheriff being in Victor’s pocket came to mind. Right now, Eddie, Lucky, and I were all that stood between these men and Eva. Between this farm being taken out from under her, or worse—physical harm.

“Give my regards to Victor,” I called as they retreated into their vehicles.

They tore out of the driveway, kicking up rocks and dust that swirled around me. They’d be back, and they’d get more forceful each time, until they got what they wanted.

Next time, though, they wouldn’t be the only ones with an army.

Fourteen

Eva