Page 24 of The Cowboy’s Reckoning

Connery played with his pen, studying it thoughtfully.

Finally, he looked up, his expression blank. “Give them time to think.”

Jordan narrowed his eyes. “I thought this deal was on fire.”

“It is,” Connery said offhandedly, “but I’ll explain things to the buyer.”

Something was off, or maybe Jess was now looking at the situation in a new light. Jordan waited a beat, studying Connery before matter-of-factly dropping his bombshell. “I think someone is screwing with the McAllen sisters’ property. Cutting fences. Letting their cattle out.”

A flash of irritation crossed the broker’s face. “What the actual fuck? You think I’m doing that?”

The reaction seemed genuine, but Jordan didn’t know this guy. It could be that he was one hell of an actor.

“Didn’t say that.” He’d been careful not to.

Connery set the pen on the desk as color rose from his collar. “Then tell me what you’re talking about.”

“That’s it. Cut fences. Several times in the past weeks, from what I can tell.”

“You think someone is trying to chase the women off the property?”

Jordan merely raised his eyebrows. Yeah. He kinda did. This deal would bring in a big chunk of money for the man. “I’m saying that they’re having a lot of trouble with their boundary fence and things get serious when livestock trespasses on conservatory land.”

“That’s not the way I operate.”

“Who’s the buyer?”

Connery didn’t so much as twitch. “I’m working with a representative.”

Which didn’t answer the question.

“Is there any way the buyer will agree to let the McAllens stay until the end of the lease?”

Connery shook his head. “They want to take up residence.”

“Why are they so hot to get hold of this place? Is there something special about it?”

“The location,” Connery said sharply. “They value their privacy.”

He emphasized the last word, indicating that the interested party was someone who had reason to seek isolation. A celebrity or a wealthy individual who wanted a quiet piece of Montana where they wouldn’t be bothered. The Willow Creek Ranch fit the bill.

Jordan pulled in a deep breath as he contemplated the woodgrain of Connery’s desk. Selling the Willow Creek and buying the Reed property was a multi-win situation. He’d be happy, the buyer would be happy, Jim Reed would be happy, and Connery would earn his commission.

The McAllen sisters would not be happy.

The inconvenient truth was that as much as he wanted to help his dad buy the Reed parcel, he couldn’t force those women out. He’d done some checking, had his brothers do the same. Even cold-hearted Wade had agreed that Lil was correct when she said she’d never get a lease as favorable as the one she had with Jordan’s late father. It was a done deal, and he could not undo it.

And there was something about this whole mystery buyer affair that made him suspicious. Legitimate questions, like how Connery knew about the inheritance before it was common knowledge, had not being answered. Jordan also had the feeling that Connery knew about Jordan’s time constraints, even though he’d never mentioned the Reed property sale.

Jordan pushed back his chair and stood. “You’re right. This deal isn’t going to work out.”

Connery also stood, quickly enough that Jordan knew he’d rattled the man. That had not been his intention. Well … maybe a little, but he hadn’t expected the stunned look on the broker’s face.

“Because of some cut fences? I swear to you I had nothing to do with that.”

Jordan shrugged. “Because I can’t meet your terms.”

“Wait.” When Jordan turned back, Connery said, “Give yourself some time. Think about this. It’s possibly the best offer you’re going to get.” When Jordan didn’t answer, he said, “Give it a few days, then let me know for certain.”