Page 29 of Fortune’s Control (Fortune’s Creek #1)

I looked up, surprised. “Sam, how are you? Sophie is inside the house if you’re looking for her.”

“No, you’re the man I want.” Sam removed his fisherman’s cap and set it on the workbench, right on top of a pile of sawdust. “I took the mayor’s job to honor your father.

He was a good man, and I see much of him in you.

” His eyes roamed the workshop interior.

“One of his wooden chests sits at the foot of my bed. All that work for an evening drinking beer.”

My smile softened at his memory. “He planned to spend his retirement here.”

“And now you are.” Sam shook his head to chase the cobwebs of old memories away. “Town elections are this fall.”

Casually dropped and full of meaning. “I’m not interested in taking up that role, Sam. You know that.”

“Your last name on the ballot makes it an easy win. You wouldn’t even need to campaign.”

Sophie could do the job if that were the only requirement. “You should ask one of your sons. It would create a new tradition.”

It was Sam’s turn to remind me of my father.

His sharp stare disabused my idea. “Aiden is finally developing responsibility at thirty years of age, and his…relationships with women would create a county-wide scandal. Dean’s responsibility isn’t a problem: part-time volunteer firefighter and a game warden.

I’m a damn proud father. For them, for all of you. But Dean, he lacks the people skills. ”

Sam, despite all his protests, enjoyed the spotlight. He marched at the head of every Christmas parade and kicked off every fall festival. Dean would struggle with both. Like Aiden, Sam made friends with everyone. Dean saw criminal suspects until proven otherwise.

“You love the job, Sam. Are you sure you want to give it up?”

“Well, here’s the thing.” Sam picked up his fisherman’s cap, causing a cloud of dust to plume around his head. “I have a good feeling about your sweetheart’s proposal. Fortune’s Creek will get it; when we do, it’ll come with reports, forms, and updates.”

I nodded, understanding. “Sounds miserable.”

“Your sister has her plans, which I’m sure you know about.”

“I do.” Her job and career. She left Fortune’s Creek behind, and all we’d get were visits. “She has a busy life of her own.”

“It might grow worse.”

“I’m afraid you’re out of Wilcotts, Sam. That’s not my strength either.”

“You’re a vigorous man, Shane. It’s in you.”

I held back a laugh at his awkward praise. “I plan to grow this business. Pete suggested I hire an apprentice, which sounds like a decent idea. I’m also firing my rental management company.”

His eyes widened. “Why?”

“They keep suggesting I sell to a developer.”

“Your father would have never allowed that.”

That land sat on the river, undeveloped, as it ought to be.

“I also decided to stay on as our baseball team’s captain.

” I deliberated about the next piece of news and spilled it.

Sam could make friends with a box of rocks, but he knew when to shut up, too.

“I’m in talks with our school to coach their baseball teams, the younger kids and the varsity. ”

“The coach retires at the end of the year.” Sam picked up his hat, trying and failing to wipe some of the dust away. “Your father would be proud of you, Shane. Real proud. We miss him, but we’re damned lucky he left you here.”

My discomfort at his praise grew. My cheeks burned. “Can I offer a better suggestion?” It was the perfect solution. “If you want a Wilcott to help, go ask my wife. If this project of yours happens like you say it will, hire her to manage the ugly parts, and keep what you enjoy.”

“Like a town manager?”

I didn’t think Lilah would care what title he used. “Bring up tax forms and tax tables. She’ll agree.”

It would further tie Lilah to Fortune’s Creek and prove my decision to put off her job search was the correct one.

*****

“Aiden’s job is wrapping up soon.” I shoved the last bench off the truck bed, towards Jack’s waiting arms. “Do you have anything new lined up?”

“Your question makes me suspicious,” Jack said.

I sat on the open gate to help myself down. “It was an honest question. I have work for you.”

His wary eyes narrowed. “Is it permanent?”

It would be, but we weren’t there yet. “I’m taking over my rental properties and want some remodeling done.”

“Let’s talk later. I’ll finish putting these away while you collect your money.”

I grabbed my latest item from the rear seat floor and went in search of Pete .

A tourist couple browsed through a bin of art prints, but the gallery was otherwise empty. I knocked on the countertop and waited.

Diane emerged from the back office. “Shane Wilcott. Will you be leading us at the baseball game this weekend?”

“This weekend, and every one after. I trust you’ll be there to cheer us on?”

“You know everyone in Fortune’s Creek will be there.” Diane leaned across the countertop and lowered her voice after glancing at the tourist couple. “How’s your wife?”

We were married, with an annulment no longer available. I had taken some steps and planned more, but it wasn’t complete. We weren’t there…yet.

“She’s doing well. The mayor is at our house to talk up their grant proposal.”

“Oh, I hope that comes through. We could update our downtown and grow the public dock. We’re lucky you found her, Shane.”

“Yes, ma’am, I am lucky.”

“Have you figured out who was looking for her the other day?” She shook her head and tsked. “Pete said he was a jealous ex-boyfriend. Such high drama for our little town.”

The tale we floated through town. “Tell me if you or Pete see him again.”

“Why would I do that?” Diane pulled a cast-iron frying pan from under the countertop. “I’ll be sure and take him out first.”

“I already feel sorry for the guy. Say, is Pete here?”

“Right behind you.” The door opened as Pete announced himself. “Welcome to Fortune’s Creek’s baseball hero and future mayor.”

The tourist couple checked me out, and I cringed. “ I’ll take credit for the first one, but Sam is already our beloved mayor.”

Pete pulled his glasses down to peer up at me. “He’s getting up there in years.”

Did anyone else in town plan a surprise attack?

“Sam has more energy than almost anyone I know. What would we do without Sam at our summer movie nights?” I kept going before Pete could respond.

“This is Lilah’s idea.” I set the latest cat bed on the countertop. “It’s a cat bed shaped like a rowboat.”

“Because cats don’t like water,” Diane said. She stroked the wood, picking up a few decorative elements. “Just like your father, Shane. It’s stunning.”

I was destined to repeat every conversation today.

“I’ll see you both at the game this weekend. Appreciate it.” I pointed at the door, and Jack followed me out.

“Are you running for mayor?” Jack asked as I started up the truck’s ignition.

“No way in hell. I have other plans.”

“Do you?”

His strange smile got to me. “What does that mean?”

“Not that long ago, you needed to be dragged out of the house. I forced you to join us at the Gator Tale that night, if you’ll recall. Now, for some strange reason, you’re making plans. I’m sure it’s just a coincidence.”

“You should talk less.”

“Is that an order?”

“In this case, absolutely.”

He kept talking. “Where are we going? Home is in the opposite direction.”

“I have one more quick stop.”

**** *

I pulled up to Evelyn Carter’s home and placed the truck in park. “Hell.”

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s for sale.” I double-checked the numbers on the mailbox to confirm the address.

“Are you moving?”

“Sophie interviewed a woman who lived here several years ago. She gave me this address.”

Jack’s lips tightened at my sister’s name. “Is she moving here?”

I couldn’t tell if it was hope or worry in his voice. “Sophie moving back to Fortune’s Creek? I doubt it. She’s moved on, and she isn’t coming back.”

He looked out the window to hide his expression. “We ended years ago, Shane. Your sister and I are old news. You don’t need to worry about me.”

I’d believe Jack once he kept a permanent job. Driftless and listless, that was my oldest friend. Rather than push, I changed the subject. “It’s possible Lilah’s grandmother lived here.”

I grabbed my phone from the center console and dialed before putting it on speakerphone.

“Dean, get Alex to run the name Evelyn Carter for me. I have an address, but it isn’t her latest.” I gave the number and street name as Jack crossed his arms and leaned back against the door.

“Put a rush on this for me. Also, one more thing.”

“Don’t tell anyone,” Dean said, like it pained him.

“You’re doing it again,” Jack pointed out.

“It’s fine. Telling Shane to ask is like telling a shark not to eat the yummy, yummy people,” Dean said.

Deciding it was best to ignore the comparison between me and a flesh-eating creature from the deep, I kept going. “This may be Lilah’s grandmother, so keep it quiet.”

“Is there a reason to believe she’s broken any laws?” Dean asked.

“What? No, I want an address.” We hung up, and I turned the truck around to go home. “We need to stop and get ice cream first.”