Four

W yatt finally had everything he wanted, including a high-powered position as an attorney for a top-ranked company, a corner office on the top floor, and a great salary. He glanced at the signed agreement in front of him. It was another successful deal for the Alan Corporation. A big win. Big.

Yes, he had everything he'd strived for—except what mattered the most.

He moved to the window and observed an eagle as it tended its nest. Another eagle perched on a branch nearby. The morning sun streamed through the trees. Soon eaglets would peek up over the edge of the intertwined branches. A family. Pressing down, he slid his fingers across the bone above his brow, closed his eyes, and exhaled.

The soft tone on his office phone refocused his attention.

He slid behind his desk and answered. "Yes, Cindy?"

"Mr. Stone, I'm sorry to interrupt, but it's Mr. Landinger. He said it was important. You specifically told me to interrupt if he ever called."

"It's fine, thank you. Please put him through." He leaned back in his leather chair and glanced at his digital calendar. He jarred straight. Rowan's weekly meeting wasn't scheduled for two more days.

"Mr. Stone, this is Rowan Landinger. I–I'm not sure how to start, so I'm just going to tell you the news. It's not good news."

Wyatt wiped his hand on his slacks. "Rowan, what's going on? Is something wrong with the diner?" A sick feeling punched him in the gut. "Is something wrong with Anna—Anna Stanten?"

"I'm an accountant, not a security guard. I have an office, and I'm supposed to be watching the books and keeping an eye on Mr. Gray and Anna when I can. But I'm not a professional bodyguard. I'm an accountant."

Wyatt inhaled, remaining calm while his pulse sprinted to keep up with his pounding heart. "What's going on? Did something happen to Anna?" With his phone on speaker, he stood and paced.

"Something happened in the break room. We're not exactly sure what. But we think someone hiding in there knocked her down. She's okay—a concussion, I heard—but they took her to the hospital."

Now Wyatt dropped into his chair. "They took her to the hospital?" Pressure pushed against the back of his right eye. He closed it to help.

"Which hospital?" Silence. "Which hospital, Rowan?"

"I'm sorry. I'm not sure. The ambulance picked her up a couple of hours ago. I can find out, if you like."

"Yes. I would like that. Call me back when you know something."

"I'm not a bodyguard, for crying out loud."

"Careful, Rowan." He used a professional, even tone. "I don't expect you to be a bodyguard. I know that's not your role. However, I do expect you to call me with comprehensive information. That is your role. This sounds serious, and we need to understand our liability and all the details. How seriously Anna, Ms. Stanten, is injured is something I would expect to know when you call hours after an incident occurs at the diner. That's all. The corporation owns the diner. Someone was injured there." Anna was injured there.

"You're right. It was upsetting to see her on the floor like that. The blood. Everything in turmoil. I'll find out and call back."

Wyatt took a minute to process Rowan's last words. Emotions intruded from an image he pushed away. It felt like a vice tightened around his skull.

"Thank you. Goodbye."

He unclenched his hands, using them to rest his chin.

Option 1: pound his forehead against the desk.

Option 2: still his mind, think clearly.

When Greta Alan suggested—no, demanded—the corporation add the diner to their portfolio, she'd surprised him, and he wasn't easily surprised. The corporation acquired all types of businesses, several of which were in Texas. But large acquisitions like a chain of stores or a line of clothing. Not a diner in an unknown city. Her explanation about Atticus Urbacch and helping his great-niece didn't quite ring true. Greta had cancer. The doctor had a timetable. And Wyatt had a job to do. Her business and her money, right? So he got the deal done.

Then she recommended Rowan for the position in Grandville. That was okay too. Rowan had worked with Greta for over a year. Again, her decision. So Wyatt had Rowan check in weekly. It could've worked.

He needed aspirin. He dialed Cindy.

"Yes, Mr. Stone."

"Cindy, will you please send me a list of all the hospitals in Grandville, Texas, and the number for the police department?"

"Yes, sir."

"Thank you. Do you have any aspirin?"

"I'll get you some. And the numbers."

"Thank you." He started to hang up. "Cindy?"

"Yes, sir."

"If Rowan Landinger calls back, please interrupt me. Even if I'm in a meeting."