Page 84 of It's a Wonderful Knife

“Why not?” Royce asked.

“Leo feels like Mom already has enough stress.” Dakota frowned. “He’s right too. She was sick last month, and I was really worried about her. He said he could handle Jax and not to burden her.”

“Why not tell your dad at least?” Royce asked.

Dakota scowled. “Dad wouldn’t care. He cares more about Jax’s approval than the farm. He envies how Jax does what he wants and lives his life without apology. I think he’s living vicariously through him.”

“But if Jax is doing anything that might hurt the farm…” Royce frowned.

“The hard truth is, Dad wouldn’t care. He keeps telling Mom we should sell. But Mom doesn’t want to sell, and neither do I.”

“Leo seems to love the farm,” I said.

Dakota nodded. “Yeah. Maybe that’s why Leo and Dad don’t like each other much. Leo resents Dad trying to pressure Mom to sell when she doesn’t want to.”

“Your mom said the farm is doing really well,” Royce said. “So, why sell?”

“It is doing really well. But Dad just says that’s evenmoreof a reason to sell. That we should unload it while it’s valuable. But I kind of resent that. I mean, it’s my inheritance.”

“Do you think it would be hard on Leo and the others if your Mom sold Giggly Elves Farm?” I studied Dakota.

A line appeared between Dakota’s brows. “I… I think it would kill Leo to have to leave us and the farm.”

“You care about Leo,” Royce said quietly.

A smile touched the boy’s lips. “Oh, yeah. He’s great. Leo and I are real close.”

“But not your dad,” I said, and his smile faded away.

“Dad thinks I’m soft.” He glanced up, frustration in his eyes. “I’m not. I’m way stronger than he gives me credit for. I don’t see why I can’t be nice and still be strong.”

“I agree,” Royce said softly.

Dakota sighed. “Well, Dad disagrees. He likes to rag on me and make fun of me because I’m close to Mom. I try not to let it get to me, but it does bug me.”

I felt sympathy for the kid. I knew only too well what it was like to have a father who thought you were weak and useless. One of the things I loved best about Royce was his ability to be strongandkind.

“Did you come to me tonight because you feel unsafe, Dakota?” Royce asked. “Do you feel Jax is a threat to you?”

“Not exactly.” Dakota frowned. “I mean, when I saw him palling around with those strangers, I did feel kind of betrayed.”

“That’s understandable,” I said.

Dakota winced. “Then Santiago got murdered. For all I know, it was one of those strangers who killed him. His body was in the reindeer barn, and that’s where those men were. Even though Leo won’t like it, I felt like I just had to say something to you, Sheriff. In case… you know… anything happens to Leo or… me.”

“I’m not gonna let anything happen to you,” Royce grated.

“I hope not, but things are weird right now.” Dakota looked tired.

“I’m hopeful the rain will let up tomorrow,” Royce said. “Things will get back to normal soon, Dakota. Just stay calm, and don’t take any risks.”

“Yeah,” I said. “Like coming out alone at night to talk to Royce.”

“I felt like I had to do something. Just in case.” Dakota glanced at the clock next to the bed. “I should probably get back. I don’t want Dad to wake up and notice I’m gone.”

“I’m glad you told me what you saw, Dakota. I wished you’d waited until daylight to do it,” Royce sighed. “But I’ll keep my eye on Jax.”

“Okay.” Dakota gave a tentative smile.