“That’s a serious threat, and I won’t resist if you take me in. However, false arrest is also serious, particularly since you haven’t questioned my side of the story. Sadly, it could be a career-ender if the people of Warrington hear you helped a rich outsider bully a resident who’s legally on her own property.”
The young man swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing with ridiculous speed.
“Not that I want that to happen to you, Officer,” Jamie assured him. “But even if folks appreciate the income Mr. Denning brings to the community, they won’t like him using the sheriff’s office to throw his weight around.”
She turned and assessed Zack Denning.
“You know, Mr. Denning,” she said, “you ought to be law-abiding and neighborly in these rural parts. For example, I could have charged you with trespassing and disturbing my peace, but I chose to let bygones be bygones.”
A second official vehicle drove in and parked near the trailer. “Good God,” the driver exclaimed as he slid from the front seat. “It’s Jamie Conroe—or didn’t you get married?”
“Married, divorced and back to Conroe,” she said. “So you’re finally on the right side of the law, Curt. How did you get elected sheriff after painting Badger’s Suck, Warrington Wolverine’s Rule on the city water tower following your senior homecoming game?”
Curt chuckled. “Easy—I convinced everyone that reformed troublemakers spot trouble quicker than anyone else.” He hauled her into a hug. “This is great. You’re here and the Little Blue Fruit Stand is opening again. Mom will be thrilled. She’s big on organic lately. When did you come back to Warrington?”
“Last September.”
“No kidding? What happened to getting in touch with old friends?”
“I needed to regroup...after losing Granddad.”
Sympathy crossed Curt’s face. “It must have been rough with the two of you being so close. All the same, it’s terrific to see you. What’s going on here?”
Jamie tried not to laugh as she glanced at Zack Denning. The deputy was edging away from the entrepreneur as if he had symptoms of the plague. Nevertheless, the “genius” seemed up for the challenge.
“Sheriff,” he said, “I’m Zack Denning, owner of the Mar Vista Resort.”
“Should we all genuflect when you say that?” Jamie mocked.
He scowled as Curt choked and vigorously rubbed his hand over his mouth before responding. “Curt Saldano, Mr. Denning. I must have missed meeting you at the monthly chamber-of-commerce gatherings. I’m usually asked to attend, along with the Warrington Police chief.”
“Did he go to any of those meetings?” Jamie asked in an aside to Curt, and he gave her a single, negative shake of the head.
Hasn’t joined, he mouthed.
“This woman is intruding on private property,” Denning said, scowling at Jamie. “You don’t have to arrest her as long as she removes those signs and gets that contraption out of here. Immediately. I run a high-end resort and this eyesore is unacceptable.”
Curt pondered it silently and then lifted an eyebrow at Jamie. “What have you got to say, kiddo?”
“This is Granddad’s place.” She folded her arms over her stomach. “And has been for sixty years. He gave it to me in his will.”
“And that wily fox would have nailed it tight with titanium,” Curt affirmed with a grin.
Zack Denning’s features smoothed into the bland mask Jamie had endured at too many official lunches with her ex-husband. Tim loved to spar with people and knew exactly how to conceal his emotions...and the truth. The thought had barely formed before she mentally spanked herself. It wasn’t fair to compare anyone to Tim, and it didn’t encourage her resolve to leave the past behind.
“Sheriff,” said Denning, “I recognize what’s happened. Ms. Conroe trespassed in ignorance. I presume her grandfather was George Jenkins. Apparently, she isn’t aware that he sold this property to me a year and a half ago.”
“’Fraid not,” Jamie countered. “He sold some other pieces. Trust me, he would never sell this parcel.”
“Fortunately, I have the deed in my safe,” Denning said coolly. “I’ll give you four hours to move your belongings. That’s all.”
“Wow. Your staff must tremble when you look at them with that calm, intimidating stare.” Jamie stretched lazily. “Luckily, I don’t work for you and I’m on my own turf, so I’m not quaking in my boots. And by the way, you’re not the only one with a deed.”
“You’re trespassing,” he said furiously. “You have to—ˮ
“We can’t initiate action without proof of who holds the title, Mr. Denning,” Curt interjected. “At present it’s a civil disagreement over boundary lines. Not a criminal matter.”
Denning’s eyes narrowed. “I see. Ms. Conroe, my lawyer will be contacting you.” He climbed into his gleaming-black SUV and sent gravel flying as he made a sharp U-turn.
Curt frowned. “Yikes, Jamie. That’s one angry man. Ring me if he causes trouble.”
“I’ll be fine,” she asserted, her jaw stiffening. Curt had once acted as a big-brother defender during her childhood trips to California. But she’d acquired a few life lessons since then—you had to stand up to bullies, if only for your own self-respect.
* * *
ZACK WENT DIRECTLY toward the office instead of finishing his morning rounds, keeping his speed low to avoid drawing attention. Mar Vista was doing even better than he had hoped and he wouldn’t let anything blow it. Jamie Conroe was a blip on his problem radar. He’d teach that smart-mouthed brunette the definitions of land purchase and title. The sheriff might be swayed by a pretty face, but the state police could be brought in if necessary.
“Boss, have you got your ears on?” Trudy asked over the radio, and Zack grabbed the microphone.
“Here, Trudy.”
“You okay? Did you take care of the intruder? I hope they didn’t have a weapon.”
“No weapon,” he answered, “but her trailer might be lethal.”
“Excuse me?”
“Never mind.” Zack checked his watch. “Call my lawyer. I want a video conference when I get back.”
“She might not be in this early, or she could be with another client.”
“Try. Warn her that she may need to fly here today or tomorrow.”
Trudy whistled. “What’s in the frying pan this time?”
“A property-line dispute. It’s got to be dealt with ASAP.”
“Gotcha.”
Putting the microphone on
