Page 18 of Finding Home

“Probably,” Cole replied. “I kept thinking that once a project finished, once a deal was closed, I’d have time to focus on us. But there was always another project, another deal. She left four years ago. I was so busy that it barely registered for a month.”

Julie studied him, seeing past the confident developer to the person underneath. Someone as uncertain about his path as she was about hers. “What happens if I get a job before I discover who’s behind the sabotage at Finley Point?”

“Then you leave.” Cole’s voice remained steady, but something flickered in his eyes. “And I’ll figure out the rest on my own. But I hope you’ll finish what you started here, regardless of where you end up. Even if you have to wrap things up remotely.”

“I’ll try,” Julie told him. The promise felt important. “If I need to leave, I’ll make sure you have everything you need to see this through. I can send you copies of all my notes, my sources, and any follow-up questions. I won’t just disappear.”

“I appreciate that.” Cole held her gaze a moment longer than necessary. “Although the idea of you leaving feels like another setback that I’m not ready to deal with.”

The vulnerability in those words settled between them, changing the temperature of the room. Julie broke eye contact first, reaching for her laptop. “Then let’s make sure we solve this before any job offers come through. I’ve made progress.”

Cole visibly shifted gears, his professional focus returning. “What did you find?”

“I’ve spent three days interviewing construction workers, suppliers, and local business owners. Plus, I drove out to Finley Point again this morning and took another look at the machinery.” Julie opened her notes on her laptop. “Whoever did this knew which equipment to target for maximum disruption.”

Cole nodded. “I thought the same thing.”

“They might have construction knowledge,” Julie said. “Or access to someone who has it.” She clicked through her interview notes. “Allen Terry at the general store was particularly informative. He mentioned a competing bid for the Finley Point property last year. A development group from Missoula wanted to build luxury vacation homes instead of a resort.”

Cole’s jaw tightened. “The Sargeson Group. They weren’t pleased when the seller chose my offer.”

“Allen said their local representative, Tom Abraham, still comes to Sapphire Bay.” Julie watched Cole’s reaction carefully. “The timing of his visits is interesting. He was here a week before someone damaged the machinery.”

“He called me three months ago,” Cole told her. “The Sargeson Group is still interested in the property if Noah and I want to sell. I told him no. He was professional but persistent. I didn’t think much of it at the time.”

Julie added what Cole had said to her document. “I also spoke with your construction crew. Most seemed genuinely concerned about the sabotage, but Derek Anderson was evasive about his whereabouts during the equipment damage. Is he your newest hire?”

“He’s had two weeks on the job,” Cole told her. “His references came from a Kalispell contractor. Do you think he’s connected to what happened?”

Julie wasn’t ready to link anyone to what had happened. She’d learned early on in her career that it wasn’t worth throwing false accusations around unless each detail was accurate. “I think the timing is suspicious. I’d like to verify his references and run background checks on anyone who’s had regular site access.” Julie handed Cole her suspect list. “Including Tom Abraham and anyone associated with The Sargeson Group.”

Cole studied the list she’d compiled, and his eyebrows rose slightly. “You’ve already categorized them by potential motive, opportunity, and capability. This is thorough work.”

“It’s just speculation at this point. Until I discover more about each person, they’re as innocent in all of this as you or me.” Even so, Julie felt a flush of satisfaction at his approval. “I looked into Doug Waterson, a former employee. He’s been living in California since he was fired, so he’s not involved. Is there any way you can give me access to your employee records and contractor agreements? It would make it easier to cross people off my list.”

“Done.” Cole’s response came without hesitation. “What else?”

“A timeline of your and Noah’s interactions with Tom Abraham would be helpful, along with any emails or written correspondence with The Sargeson Group. If there’s anyone else who’s contacted you outside of the people on my list, let me know as soon as possible.” Julie glanced up from her typing. “The sabotage feels timed to create the maximum amount of pressure. Whoever’s behind it understands your vulnerabilities. That means they’ve either done extensive research about the resort or they have inside information.”

“Which is worse?” Cole’s voice carried an edge of frustration.

“I think they’re as bad as each other. Inside information is usually easier to trace.” Julie saved her notes. “Research means we’re dealing with someone patient and methodical. Someone who plans long-term.”

Cole handed her the set of folders he’d brought with him. “These financial spreadsheets show what’s at stake. Every week of delay costs us about twelve thousand dollars in extended equipment rentals, labor inefficiencies, and loan interest. We’re already twelve weeks behind schedule.”

Julie studied the numbers, her analytical mind automatically calculating timelines and thresholds. “How long before the situation becomes critical?”

“Two months, maybe three, before I’d need to secure additional financing. That means convincing my investors the project is still viable despite the setbacks.” Cole paused, and when he continued, his voice was quieter. “After that, I’d have to sell. Probably at a loss that would wipe out most of what I’ve built over the past decade.”

Julie bit back her sigh. “And your reputation.”

“Everything.” The single word carried the weight of years of work, of Cole’s very identity. “This was supposed to be my first independent development, proof that I could operate successfully without my former firm’s resources and reputation backing me. If I fail here, I’m just another developer who couldn’t make it on his own.”

The honesty in that admission resonated with Julie’s own fears. She understood that pressure, that desperate need to prove continuing relevance in a world that seemed ready to write you off. “We won’t let that happen.”

“I’m counting on that.” Cole met her eyes. “Thank you for taking this seriously. Some people would treat it like it’s a way to fill in time while they wait for their real life to resume.”

“This is real life,” she said quietly. “Maybe that’s what we’re both trying to figure out.”