the machine, the overseer of a major operation based out of Milwaukee. His family keeps his shit under the radar and collects their cut.”
Jesus.
I always felt like something bigger was going on, but never would’ve guessed it was this. Goosebumps pepper my arms as my mind races. “That’s why Dad could never go to the police...”
I run a hand through my hair, trying to wrap my head around how deep this goes.
“How do you know all this?”
“Faulkner helped me dig it up. I’ve had him checking into it, and he’s gone a hundred feet down. On the outside, Grendal seems like an upstanding citizen. An angel investor who funnels money into several Milwaukee auto shops, food places, and other small businesses. He even sits on the coalition to address the opioid crisis in Milwaukee.”
“Holy crap...that animal?” I want to vomit. “All those connections, friends in high places...it must be how he’s laundering his dirty money.”
I’ve seen enough crime shows to know that’s key to any successful black-market business.
“Damn right.”
I wish I could thank him for the information, but it’s more like I’ve been whacked on the head with a brick.
Sure, I always knew Clay was evil and powerful, but...
I never imagined it went to this level.
Never wanted to believe my father was a part of something so sinister.
“Does Dad know about all of this?” I ask, holding my breath, dreading the answer.
“Haven’t asked him yet, considering his recovery and all, but I believe he knows most of it.” Ridge looks at me. “He never told you?”
“Never.” I shake my head, feeling this heatwave pulsing through me, pushing the fear aside.
I’m not just scared for my life anymore.
Now?
I’m pissed.
18
No Cold Feet (Ridge)
I close Faulk’s latest email attachments and lean back in my chair.
Had I known how deep, dark, and dangerous Grace and Nelson’s situation was when I first met them, would I have gotten involved? There was no way I could’ve known. Grace doesn’t even know everything. Still doesn’t.
My answer hasn’t changed over the past few days we’ve been lying low, time passing by the melting snow under a sudden warmth with a whiff of spring.
Fuck yes, I would’ve gotten involved.
It’s becoming harder by the hour to imagine my life without this chapter, and without this woman.
Of course it’s insane.
Of course I know how it sounds.
Of course I might be absolutely goddamn punch-drunk on the hottest wall-climbing sex of my life.
And, yeah, of course it’s so reckless I’ll probably earn a lifetime of dirty looks from Tobin if he ever figures out what’s brewing in my head.
I don’t care.
Right now, I’m fixing to shred Grendal and his henchmen with my bare hands to give Grace a second chance—one where she stays in Dallas, if that’s what she decides.
Huffing out a breath, I stand, then walk out of my office.
Our conversation from the drive home the other day sticks in my head, how little she knew about everything I told her. I still don’t know everything I need to, and it’s high time I do.
Grace went over to see her father this morning, and as far as I know, she’s still there.
I don’t want to set Nelson’s health back, but I need to know more, so I can pull Faulk together with the rest of the guys. Get a solid plan in place. End this fuckery once and for all.
I’ve told Grace and Nelson that I already have a plan.
I haven’t lied, I have contingencies for defending the ranch.
Still, they’re a far cry from a real tactical blueprint involving the right crew when there’s so little to go on.
Not yet.
Grace is sitting in the bedroom, talking with her dad when I enter the cabin.
“How’s he doing this afternoon?” I ask Jackie.
“Considering how much he fussed over lunch, I’d say pretty well. He’s making a wonderful recovery, but, as I have to keep reminding him...Nelson still has a ways to go. He needs to take it easy so there aren’t any setbacks.”
I’ve never really wondered before, but ask, “Are you a nurse at the hospital when you aren’t doing this home care thing?”
“No. I only do these jobs to keep my license active and save up for vacations. I retired a few years ago so I could take care of my grandson when my daughter-in-law—well, former daughter-in-law—ran off to become a model.” She shakes her head. “That didn’t work out too well. However, my son did find himself a lovely new woman and married her. My grandson is now in school, so they