Page 49 of Destined Chaos
“No, you didn’t,” I said.
“I’ll swear to it in court if it means Dinky goes free.”
“And did you ask him to shoot you too?” Clark asked, raising a brow and crossing his arms over his chest.
“The gun simply misfired. I think I’ll help Dinky sue the gun manufacturer.”
“The only problem with that is that Hugh was there. Is that your statement, Hugh?”
She met my gaze. Hers was pleading.
“On one condition.”
“The property is yours,” she said.
“I don’t want the property this way,” I answered and stared into her eyes. “I think I’m going to need you to stay longer than the thirty days. You know, just to make sure all the Slaughter drama is over.” I grinned.
“The law doesn’t work like that, Hugh. He’s either guilty, or he’s not.”
“He’s not,” Libby offered.
“Is that right, Hugh?”
“He’s guilty of being stupid and not trusting family, but I don’t believe he intended to shoot.” I hoped like hell I was right.
24
Hugh
One month later.
“Come on, we’re going to be late,” Libby yelled from the kitchen as I shoved my foot into my shoe.
“You still haven’t told me where we’re going. Your follow-up appointment isn’t until tomorrow,” I answered, lacing my boot.
I patted my coat pocket and grinned. The reminder of what was happening today was a secret that was getting harder to keep.
She was waiting in the kitchen with a cup of coffee and a smile on her face. She shoved it into my hands and headed for the door.
I climbed in behind the wheel of my truck as she eased into the other seat. Her wounds were healing fast thanks to Dexter, but she was still sore. I’d come clean and told her the truth about my family and what we could all do. She hadn’t been as surprised as I thought she might be.
“You have to tell me where I’m driving.”
“To the Slaughter House property,” she answered.
I threw the truck into gear and drove up the mountain to where nothing remained but a concrete slab and charred black wood.
Three cars were parked in what used to be the driveway. My brother Emmett, Dinky, and Champ were talking as we pulled up.
She got out and greeted them with a smile. “Did you bring what I need?”
“Of course. It’s hot off the press. I had to pull some strings to get it done in time, but you’re worth it,” Champ said as he reached into his car and pulled out some plans. He handed them to her, and she spread them open on the hood of Champ’s car.
“What is this?” I asked. The plans looked similar to the ones I’d designed as an addition onto Slaughter House.
“You should recognize most of it,” Emmett said, patting my back.
“My plan is for the Slaughters and the Bennetts to partner on a new ski lodge, complete with all the amenities.” She smiled and pointed to the building.
