Chapter 57

57

He needed to take care of this little problem, too.

Meyra Talley, Gerald Talley's daughter. She was a complication he hadn't anticipated. A big one.

He studied the building around them. It was a simple metal pole barn office. It had been a private office for some of Morris's minor holdings. It had been foreclosed on recently. It was perfect for what he intended. Morris's office, the place of the final showdown for Brandt Barratt and the goons the boy had "hired." He just needed a few more bodies to make it believable.

But how to make the narrative work with Brandt's girlfriend thrown into the mix? She was just going to have to be one of those bodies.

Dale had seen so many possible scenarios in his life—including murders and attempted murders. Occasionally, simple was best.

Brandt Barratt wouldn't have killed the girlfriend. Not with the relationship being so new. Still in a honeymoon type phase. So romantic, so sweet. But if one of his associates killed the girl—Barratt could reciprocate from the rage and grief.

And die in the attempt.

But that meant someone else would have to die. A worthy opponent of a young man like Brandt Barratt.

That somewhat limited Dale's options. He couldn't exactly kill his own nephew. For one thing, the boy was family and Michelle was quite fond of her sister's only son. Ashton was out, as well. The boys were cousins. And Michelle probably wouldn't stand for it.

There were a few other young men there that he had no attachment to. But how to make it work? Believably? Without angering Ashton and Kurt, as well? They were all fools and morons, but they were fiercely loyal to each other. That could be a problem.

"Ashton, Kurt, get out of here. Meet up with Will. He'll have some money for you. Cross the border and settle there. You'll know where, Kurt. Stay there until I get word to you. But first, take Barratt into the back office. And take him out."

Kurt practically crowed as Ashton dumped the girl into a supply closet.

Dale would never forget the girl's green eyes as she looked him like a monster. His own daughter had green eyes and hair of a similar color. They had grown up together, Sierra and Meyra. He would admit, he regretted her a bit. She was just an innocent young woman at the wrong place at the wrong time.

But sometimes, the cost was significant. And Dale wouldn't stop until he ensured Michelle was safe.

If Gerald Talley's daughter was the price, then so be it.