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Chapter One

RED

I stare at the third email from the property acquisition company that has been hounding me for months. According to the information they’ve sent me, Harris County wants to purchase the Ranch to put in a new street and exit for the brand-new bypass that is already ruining our small town.

The words “Eminent Domain” glare at me on the bright screen, making me want to toss the fucking computer out my window. I pick up my phone and call my brother.

“Colton Justice, Esquire,” he answers, and I groan at his professional tone.

“Dickhead,” he chuckles at my greeting and excuses himself from whatever he is doing before he answers my call.

“Just because I’m family doesn’t mean you can call me at work to insult me. Leave that for Sunday supper.” I lean back in my chair and groan when a few vertebrae pops.

“You’re also my fucking attorney Colt. I got another one of those emails. They’re starting to use big fancy terms my redneck ass should not know. I’m regretting helping you study for law school.” I heard the front door open, and my receptionist, Jean, greeted whoever came in.

“Forward it to me. I’ll be over when I’m done with this lunch meeting.” He hangs up as Jean knocks on the door.

“Come on in,” Jean says, holding a business card in her hand and a big smile.

“Red, some business type is here asking to speak with you.” She hands me the card, and I see the same fucking logo from the email I just called Colt about.

“Do they have an appointment?” I raise an eyebrow at Jean.

The woman is old enough to be my mother and sharp as a tack. She winks at me as she leaves, shutting the door. I can hear her saying I’m not available and taking the info for an appointment tomorrow afternoon.

It’ll buy me time to see what Colt thinks of this fucking email.

I sigh as I look out the window. I took over for Pa when he retired two years ago, and I never dreamed how much paperwork it took to run this fucking place.

I grew up watching him and the ranch hands care for the horses and cattle.

Sure, he had an office, but as a kid, his presence was so big in our home that I just never noticed how much time he really spent there.

He was home every night for dinner and at every sports game we had. I’m fucking amazed at how he did it. I asked him once, and he said it was simpler then.

Computers ruined everything.

I return my glare to mine and can’t help agreeing. Technology is great until it ain’t. Sighing, I picked up the card Jean gave me and stared at the name.

Cam V. Greystone, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions.

“Well, you sound like a right foul twat.” I toss the thing down and stand to get another cup of coffee.

I am busy going over purchase orders, payroll, and looking at the listing for an upcoming cattle auction. I’m writing down some notes about a stud that caught my eye when Colt finally shows up.

“Red, this is a fucking issue.” He slams a packet on my desk as he loosens his tie and unbuttons his suit jacket.

“Well, no need to strip. It can’t be that serious.” I start opening the envelope when my younger brother starts cursing.

“After I read the email, I went down to the county planning board and did some digging. You’ll never imagine what I found.” He paces with his hands on his hips as he waits on me.

Has he always been such a drama queen, or did that happen after he passed the LSAT?

“How fucking long have you known about this highway bullshit?” I shrug at him as I pull out a set of blueprints.

It’s the highway proposal with a big red stamp on it that reads APPROVED with a date under it. Frowning, I look at the calendar.

“Um, Colt?” He’s still screaming at me about being irresponsible and ignoring important shit.

“COLTON! How can this be approved if the Planning Board meeting hasn’t happened yet?” I lay the blueprints down and tap the date.

It’s posted for three days from now. Those arrogant motherfuckers think they’ve won, but they’ll only get my family land when we’re all cold and dead in it. They’ve gone way too far this time.

When Pa warned me that our Ranch would always be a target, he wasn’t kidding.

No one wants to do anything the honest way, son.

“What?” He reaches for the papers and curses under his breath.

I knew our town council was fucking dirty, but this is going to cost them dearly.

“Those stupid fucking idiots.” He pulls out his phone and starts to pace.

“Cheryl, draw up paperwork,” he gives her instructions while I look at the blueprint closer.

A name my family is very familiar with pops out under the company listed as project management. Jeremiah Danders, CEO.

“I’m filing an injunction with Judge Rems,” I hold my hand up to stop him.

“The Danders are behind this.” I turn the papers around and shove them at Colton.

I grab my jacket off the coat rack and palm the keys to my truck.

“RED! Where are you going?” He calls after me, but I ignore him.

“Jean, hold my calls. Close up, and I’ll see you tomorrow.” She arches a brow as she pops her gum.

“You sure about that? You look like you’re aiming to misbehave.” I chuckle at how well she knows me.

“Always.”

My phone rings as I start the truck. I answer without looking at the screen as I maneuver my way out of the parking lot and onto the dirt road that connects the Ranch and my parents’ house.

“I hear the Danders need a reminder not to fuck with our family.” I smile at the tone of Clayton’s voice.

“Good news seems to travel fast.” He chuckles as I park the truck in the garage.

“I just pulled up at the house. I’m grabbing Bertha and heading out.” Clay grunts and hangs up.

Of all my brothers, Clayton has been dubbed our mild problem child and, according to Ma, the most reckless of the Justice children, he is well aware of where I’m planning to go.

And since he owns the place unless someone calls the cops, which is rare at a biker bar, I can get away with damn near anything.

Including murder, but I doubt it’d come to that.

Ma is in the kitchen stirring a pot when I walk in, and my stomach grumbles at the smell of chili and cornbread, which I spy sitting on the counter cooling.

“You look like a man on a mission. I’ve been cooking all evening, don’t go spending it in lock up. I will not save you any.” I kiss her cheek as I pass by to grab my trusted baseball bat, Bertha, off the display in the living room.

When my actions confirm her suspicion, she sighs.

“RICK! Get down here and tell your son I am not bailing him out of jail tonight.” I hear my Pa move around above my head, and then his boots hit the stairs.

“Which son, Bunny?” I shake my head as I grab my hat, ready to get on the trail.

“Red, now whatever it is, keep a level head,” Pa stops mid-sentence when he sees my face.

“What’s happened?” He crosses his arms over his barrel chest.

He may be retired, but he’s still built just like me. Ma always said watching me grow up was like a window back in time. I’d hoped she was wrong about the hair. Pa’s been bald for years, just like me. He blames us kids for that. I don’t have that luxury.

Much to Ma’s chagrin. Whichever of us makes her a grandma first will forever be deemed the favorite. It’s one competition I will gladly lose to my siblings.

“The Danders have somehow managed to get the county to approve a highway right through our lands without a council vote or town meeting.” Ma stops stirring the pot, and Pa curses.

“Never mind. Go beat his ass. I’ll meet you at the police station.” Ma pushes me out the door.

“Where ya heading, son?” Pa says from the porch as I head for the stables.

“The Courthouse.”