Page 40

Finn

A fter a long while, I see the sun coming through the curtains and sit up on the side of the bed, turning to face Wyatt.

It’s a new dawn… a new day. I want to confess everything I know and there’s no doubt it’s the right thing to do.

But it’s hard. If I can’t open up to him will I ever be able to open up with anyone?

I take a deep breath, steadying myself before I begin. The weight of the secrets I’ve been carrying about Wildwood is almost suffocating, but I know I can’t keep them from Wyatt any longer. His eyes are fixed on me, a mix of concern etched across his face.

“Wyatt, I think it’s time for me to tell you something important,” I start, my voice trembling slightly. “It’s about Mr. Oliver. And the threats we’ve been getting.”

Wyatt’s expression shifts instantly. His jaw tightens, and I can see the muscles in his neck tense. “Tell me everything,” he says, his voice low and dangerous.

I swallow hard, the words threatening to choke me. “He’s not just a banker. He’s been involved with some very dangerous people. Criminals. They’re the ones who want to take Wildwood, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to get it.”

Wyatt’s eyes widen in shock, and then narrow with fury. He starts pacing the room, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. “Are you telling me that we’re being threatened by a bunch of criminals, including Oliver?” His voice rises, each word laced with anger.

I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. “Yes. He made it clear that if we don’t give in, they’ll take it by force.”

Wyatt’s face contorts with rage. He stops pacing and turns to face me, his eyes blazing. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me this sooner, Finn?” he demands, his voice shaking with intensity.

“I’m sorry, Wyatt,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “I knew that we were on the verge of having our home taken away, but I had no idea it would be by force or any means necessary. I only found out about that last night.”

Wyatt lets out a bitter laugh, running a hand through his hair. “What could he possibly want with this place? Sure, it’s beautiful land, but it’s Alaska, there’s plenty of land for sale.” He moves to the wall and punches it hard with his fist, the sound echoing through the room.

I flinch at the impact, but I can’t tear my eyes away from him. “I have no idea, but it must be pretty important.”

A primal growl emanates from Wyatt’s throat. A sound I haven’t heard before, but one that worries me. “Wyatt, please. We have to keep a level head and figure this out together. There’s no other choice.”

He turns to me, his expression softening just a fraction.

“I know, Finn.” He turns back to the dent in the wall and his shoulders sag.

“I’m sorry for losing my temper. But there’s one thing I will never allow to happen and that’s for you, Miranda, and Doris to be hurt.

And I’ll be damned if I let anyone take our home without a fight. ”

Wyatt’s rage is palpable, but I can see the worry in his eyes as well. I need to do something, anything, to take control of this situation and keep him from getting himself in trouble.

“Wyatt, I have an idea,” I say, my mind racing. “I’m going to go down to the bank and confront Mr. Oliver. Maybe I can get him to back off, or at least figure out what their next move is.”

Wyatt’s eyes widen in surprise, and he shakes his head vehemently. “No way, Finn. You’re not going down there alone. It’s too dangerous.”

“I have to,” I insist, stepping closer to him.

“There’s always a chance I can get the few days back and we can go from there.

Four or five days longer could give us a way to get another loan in our names to pay this one off.

I need you to stay here though, if we both leave, there’s a chance they could come here while we’re gone.

Someone needs to stay and stand watch, just in case. ”

Wyatt’s face hardens, and he looks like he’s about to argue, but then he sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Fine. But you better be careful. And you call me the second something happens.”

“I will,” I promise, placing a hand on his arm. “I won’t be long.”

Wyatt looks at me, his eyes searching mine for a moment before he nods. “Alright. But if you’re not back in an hour, I’m coming after you.”

“It’ll take me at least twenty minutes to get there.”

Wyatt blinks as if he’s waiting for me to elaborate on my argument. Then I let my shoulders sag a bit with a sigh. “Okay, give me an hour and a half.”

He chews the inside of his cheek and breathes heavily through his nose. “Fine. Ninety minutes and not a second more.”

I give him a tight smile and a quick kiss on the cheek before grabbing my jacket and keys.

The drive to the bank feels longer than usual, the tension in my chest growing with every passing mile.

I park a little way down the street and walk the rest of the way, trying to keep my mind focused on what I need to say.

As I enter the bank, I traverse the marble floors and head straight for the elevators. Once I get to the third floor, I see Oliver in his office, talking to someone I don’t recognize. The door is slightly ajar, and I can hear snippets of their conversation.

“...make sure the papers are ready. We need to move fast,” Oliver is saying, his voice low but urgent.

“We’ve got everything in place. They won’t know what hit them,” the other man replies, his tone menacing.

My heart races as I crouch just outside the door, listening intently. This is worse than I thought.

Taking a deep breath, I push the door open and step inside. “Mr. Oliver, we need to talk,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear churning inside me.

Oliver’s eyes snap to me, surprise flickering across his face before he masks it with a cold smile. “Finn, what a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you? Have you had time to come to your senses?”

I square my shoulders, refusing to let him intimidate me. “You know exactly why I’m here. I can’t allow you to take Wildwood. I will have the money for you by the deadline. So all of this.” I motion between the two of them. “This ends now.”

Oliver’s smile is like ice, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous glint under the bright lights of the office. “You’re making a big mistake coming here, Finn,” he says smoothly, his voice dripping with disgust.

I can feel my pulse quickening, but I force myself to stand my ground. “No, Oliver. The mistake was thinking you could threaten us and get away with it. The Wildwood B&B is our home, and we’re not going to let you or your asshole friends take it from us.”

Oliver’s expression darkens even further.

He stands and takes a step forward. The man sitting across from him, tall and built like a linebacker, does the same.

Their combined presence is terrifying and my heart beats so violently, it’s threatening to tear loose through my chest. I take a step back, but I refuse to outwardly show any more fear.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Finn,” Oliver sneers.

“Hold, on Oliver,” the large man next to him warns. “Keep your mouth shut.”

Mr. Oliver sneers my way, holding eye contact. “There’s nothing this little pissant can do to stop me. I want to tell him what’s happening just to twist the knife a little deeper.” His expression hardens even further.

“What are you talking about, man?” I ask.

He takes an ominous step toward me. “You have no idea what’s at stake here. That lodge? We don’t give a fuck about it and we don’t give a fuck about you. We’ll tear it down and work the land. There are minerals there that will make us so much money we could buy the entire state if we wanted.”

His words hit me like a punch to the gut, but I clench my fists, my resolve hardening. “I don’t care what you think of me. I won’t let you destroy our lives. You can try to scare me all you want, but I’m not giving up without a fight.”

Oliver laughs, a cold, cruel sound that echoes in the small office. “A fight? Against us? You’re delusional. You and your little B&B are nothing but collateral damage—an afterthought. We will get that land, and no one will stand in our way.”

The large man steps closer revealing he has a gun holstered to his hip, his presence looming over me.

“What’s a few idiots who can ‘disappear’ into the forest, never to be seen again?

” he growls, his eyes glinting with malice.

“You’re not worth the trouble, kid. But that property?

It’s valuable to us, and we’ll stop at nothing to get it. ”

I swallow hard, my mind racing for a way out.

“We’ll see about that,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear gnawing at me.

“First of all, I will have the money for you, which makes all of this shit a moot point. Secondly, you might think you’re untouchable, can do whatever to whoever you want, but everyone makes mistakes.

And fucking with me and my chosen family is the biggest one there is. ”

Oliver’s eyes narrow, and he takes another step forward. “Get out of my office, Finn. And don’t come back unless you want to regret it.”

I back away slowly, not taking my eyes off them until I’m out of the room.

My heart is pounding, but I can’t let them see how shaken I am.

As soon as I’m out of Oliver’s office, I break into a run.

The cold air of the bank’s lobby hits me, but I barely notice.

I hear heavy footsteps behind me and glance back to see one of Oliver’s cronies charging after me.

Panic surges through me, but I force myself to stay focused. I sprint towards the stairwell, taking the steps two at a time. The thug is gaining on me, his footsteps echoing in the enclosed space. I push the door to the second floor open and dash through, not slowing down for a second.

I dart down the hallway, my breath coming in short, sharp gasps.

There’s another stairwell at the end of the corridor, and I throw myself through the door, taking the stairs as fast as I can.

My legs are burning, but I don’t dare stop.

I can’t let him catch me. I have to get home and warn Wyatt and the others.

Bursting through a side door, I find myself in a narrow alleyway.

I duck behind a dumpster, holding my breath as I listen for my pursuer.

The armed man bursts out the door a moment later, looking around wildly.

He doesn’t see me. I wait, my heart pounding in my ears, as he curses and runs off in the wrong direction.

I give it a few more seconds before slipping out from my hiding spot and sprinting down the alleyway. My car is parked a few blocks away, and I reach it, fumbling with the keys in my haste to get inside. My hands are shaking as I finally manage to unlock the door and slide behind the wheel.

I don’t waste any time, starting the engine and peeling out of my parking spot. My mind is racing as fast as the car, thoughts of Wyatt and the others at Wildwood filling my head. I have to warn them. I have to protect them.

The drive back feels like a blur, my knuckles white as I grip the steering wheel.

After the confrontation, I drive around a bit to try and clear my mind, but it’s not helping.

The days are very short this time of year in Alaska and the sun is already starting to set, casting long shadows across the road.

I push the car faster, urging it to go as quickly as possible.

When I finally reach home, I screech to a halt in front of the lodge. I leap out of the car and race inside, calling for Wyatt.

“Wyatt! They’re coming! We have to get ready!”

Wyatt appears from the kitchen, a look of alarm on his face. “Finn, what happened?”

I grab his arm, my breath coming in ragged gasps. “Oliver and his men... they’re after us. There are minerals on the land, worth millions, maybe even billions. They’ll stop at nothing to get it. We have to protect the lodge and everyone here.”

Wyatt’s eyes widen, and he nods, his jaw set in determination. “Alright. We’ll be ready. They won’t take our home without a fight.”

“Shouldn’t we call the police?” I ask.

“Here? In Angel Falls?” he asks with a shake of the head. “If the sheriff himself isn’t involved in this somehow, it’ll be a miracle. Nothing in this town happens without him knowing about it. It’s something I learned a long time ago from my father… and yours.”

As we move to prepare, I know we’re in for the battle of our lives.

The four of us are truly on our own. Hoping Wyatt will have something up his sleeves to save us, I rush into the kitchen to warn Doris and Miranda of the impending battle.

This is a situation that almost seems unfathomable to me, but I will not be threatened, harassed, and dominated by some old piece-of-shit banker and his organized group of thieves. Fuck them.