Love Next Door (Lakeside 1)

“How do you know this?”

“I worked on his house last year. I see things. And people talk. Last night I heard them down at the lake, talking about expanding.”

“How did you hear them?”

“My window was open, and I have good hearing. Great hearing.” He tugs on his earlobe. “I’m hungry. I’m going inside. We probably shouldn’t talk about this out here.” And with that he turns around and hobbles back into the house, leaving me baffled, worried, and anxious.

I smooth out the envelope and look around, paranoid. I shake my head at myself for allowing my brother’s conspiracy theories to affect me. Still, I head back to my trailer before I open it up. Inside is a check for ten grand and some legal documents. They look official, and they state that Bee was incompetent at the time she changed her will. There’s a space for my signature.

There’s also a list of the projects my dad and uncle have worked on in the past year, and one in particular is highlighted. There was a dispute regarding inflated charges, but I know it was resolved and was a simple misunderstanding. On top of that are reports on my brother’s DUI charge and all his misdemeanors and run-ins with local law enforcement from when he was a teenager. It’s not much, but it’s enough that I can see where Bradley is going with this.

I need to talk to Bernie and see what recourse we have. If any. So much for Van’s brother being unmotivated. It looks like he just needs the right thing to light a fire under his ass. Like blackmail.

My phone pings with a reminder that I have a dinner date with Van. I run my hand down my face and sigh. I don’t know how I’m going to get out of this situation without someone getting hurt in the process.

CHAPTER 23

PARANOID

Van

I’m standing at the edge of the trees that separate my property from Dillion’s, trying to understand what I’ve just seen. Dillion with my brother. It doesn’t make sense. I try to keep from overreacting. Maybe he tried to stop by and see me, and I was down at the lake so he checked in with Dillion.

Maybe the way he was in her personal space was nothing. Maybe I’m making things up in my head, but I don’t understand why he would be back here so soon after coming for a visit. Especially since he complained the entire time. Apart from when he was drugged, anyway.

Dillion’s brother comes out of the house, so I head back to the cottage, still searching for a way to rationalize things. I pace the length of the living room, my gaze landing on a framed photo of Bee and Dillion. They’re sitting on the front porch peeling peaches, likely for some kind of pie, since that was Grammy Bee’s specialty. And tarts. God, I miss those.

My phone rings, and I nab it from the kitchen counter. My stomach flips as my brother’s name appears on the screen. I answer the call, unable to keep my cool. “What are you doing back in Pearl Lake?”

“I had a little business with your girlfriend. She’s quite the little firecracker. I can see why you like her. You were always a fan of the ones who needed taming.”

“What business could you possibly have with Dillion?”

“Clearly I’m the one who got the brains in this family. I’m the one contesting the will, genius.”

“Why would you do that? You don’t even like it here.” But even as I ask the question, I already know the answer.

“Because it’s an investment property, you idiot. And because you got more than you deserve. That cottage was supposed to be split three ways, and because you’re the suck-up, she gave you more than your share. I’ve done some research, brother, and those big mansions on the other side of the lake go for millions. Once the will is reversed, I’ll have the property reassessed, and then I’ll get what’s rightfully mine.”

“Well, good luck with that; you’ll never make it happen.” But on the off chance he does, it’s going to be a challenge to find the money to buy him out, especially if he wants to sell the property off in pieces. “And I don’t understand why you didn’t come out and tell me you had a problem with the will instead of going behind my back.”

“I knew you’d never agree to sell, so what was the point? I realize your work ethic and mine differ, but I’m of the mindset that less is more. Why should I have to work my ass off for money when it’s sitting there, ripe for the taking? And the best part is, your girlfriend is going to help me.”

“Why the hell would Dillion help you? That doesn’t make sense.”