“These are all applications for permits.” She clicked several emails. “These things go back several years—they’ve all been denied.”
My mouth fell open and a sudden clarity engulfed me. My father had permits going back to the point when the Blue Ridge incorporated the mountain. Based on what I saw, it appeared that he had applied for permits every week, yet he got the same response. I started to feel my stomach tighten up as I saw her scroll back towards the top. I had assumed he just let the resort go downhill on his own, but based on what I saw, it looked like there was something bigger at play that I didn’t quite understand.
“Look.” She opened an email. “It looks like he was talking to a lawyer, too. He was going to challenge the incorporation.”
“Could he do that?” I read through the email.
“They seemed to think he had a case.” She nodded. “He thought the Remingtons were using the incorporation to help their cabin rental business and blocking everything he tried to do.”
“Wait a second—let me see that email again.” I pointed at the screen. “It says he was going to meet them, and he mentioned he had more to discuss than the incorporation—a family matter?”
“There’s nothing after that.” She left the email on the screen as we read it.
“Yeah.” I nodded. “Because that meeting was supposed to take place the day after he died.”
“How did your father pass away?” She tilted her head and looked at me with concern.
“Natural causes…” I took a step back and felt my throat tighten up. “He was already cremated by the time I got here—it was what he asked for in his will.”
I walked to the kitchen, poured whiskey into a glass, and immediately chugged it. I poured a second glass as soon as the first one was done. My head was spinning with what I had read. I never questioned my father’s death. I had no reason to think there could be more to it than a man dying before his time. He didn’t do much to take care of himself, so it didn’t seem to be that unusual. He never seemed to be himself after my mother passed away when I was a teenager. Her death was the part of the reason I chose to leave Blue Ridge behind, although it was own desire for freedom that ultimate pulled me away.
“I think it is time for you to leave.” I walked over to the closet and opened it up.
“Why? What are you going to do?” Her eyes got wide when she saw me pull a shotgun out and start pushing shells into the barrel.
“I’m going to get answers.” I tossed it on my shoulder and started walking towards the door.
Chapter 11: Mandy
When I arrived at Blue Ridge, I had no idea how much my life would change in two days. I didn’t realize how much I cared for Red until I felt panic when he started walking towards the door with a shotgun on his shoulder. The thought of him meeting the same fate as his father brought tears to my eyes. If there was one man I would trust against the world, it was Red, but he was about to something erratic. I couldn’t let him go. If he went to town with his anger on his sleeve, it wouldn’t be pretty. Even if he managed to find answers, he couldn’t very well start killing people—well, he could, but he would just be throwing his life away. I ran to the door and spread my arms, blocking his path.
“Please…” I quickly shook my head back and forth. “You wanted me to beg, well, now I’m begging. Don’t do this.”
“I’m not going to sit up here and watch my permits get denied for years—I’m going to figure out what the fuck is going on.” His rage was a lot more intense than I expected.
“You’re right.” I nodded and kept my hands firmly against the door. “You need answers, but you have to do this the right way. If you carry that shotgun down the mountain, you’re just throwing your life away.”
“My father tried to do things the right way and look where it got him. He died while this place fell apart around him.” Red let the shotgun hang loose on his shoulder. “You saw those emails.”
“I did, but don’t let your temper get the best of you.” I took a step forward, staying close enough that I could keep the door blocked if needed. “You need to talk to his lawyer. If they were working on something for him, they might be able to give you some answers. At least try that before you go down the mountain and start scaring tourists.”
“Fine.” He turned and put his shotgun on the dining room table. “I need a drink.”
A long sigh of relief followed once Red put his shotgun down and poured whiskey in his glass. I went back to the computer and sent an email from Red’s new account to the law firm his father was working with and asked if anyone would be able to meet with Red. A reply came fairly quickly with an appointment the following day. It seemed that my vacation wasn’t over quite yet. I couldn’t let Red meet with the attorney on his own. If there was bad news, or they propped up his growing suspicions in any way, there was a good chance he would lose it. I couldn’t blame him for feeling that way, but I hoped I could at least keep him calm enough to avoid doing something that might very well cost him his life.
“THIS SHIT IS SO FUCKED up.” Red didn’t seem to be drunk, even if he had put away several drinks.
“Yeah, I agree.” I nodded and walked into the kitchen. “You relax for a little bit. I’ll make us some lunch.”
I went through his fridge and finally settled on making sandwiches. He devoured his fairly quickly while I nibbled on mine. I had never met a man like Red before. He might have spent some time in the real world, but it hadn’t done much to change his primal instincts. It was hot at times, but it was also dangerous. After lunch was done, I managed to convince him to put down his glass and follow me to the bedroom. We passed time locked in an embrace of pleasure. I was getting comfortable with doing things for him that I had never done for another man. The way he brought me to the point of no return and sent me spiraling into an orgasm was like something out of a dream. We were exhausted after a couple of hours, but I had trouble closing my eyes. I went back to the living room and poured a glass of wine, watching the sun set in the distance through one of the large windows on the front of his cabin.
This might be my last night here. If that meeting doesn’t go well, I’m not sure I can do much to quell his rage.
I heard footsteps behind me and I turned to see Red in the doorway. He might have gotten a moment of respite, but it was clear that he was struggling to sleep like I was. He walked up to me and put his hands on my hips. I looked into his eyes and I felt my heart skipping a beat. I barely knew him, but there was so much in those eyes that just pulled me in. He started kissing me and I knew I was ready. I was ready to be his. I didn’t care if I didn’t see him once the vacation was over. I couldn’t go home a virgin. He had introduced me to things I never thought were possible. He let his lips linger on my neck, my earlobe, and then he pulled me close. Our lips came together and he crushed mine beneath his powerful kiss. We made out for several seconds before he pulled away. I could feel my heart thumping in my chest and my heart burning with desire.
“I want you.” I leaned against his chest. “I want you so bad.”
“I want you, too.” He kissed me again.