Page 127 of The Mountain Echoes

“Probably boning some bimbo,” she adds.

She makes a show of getting her emotions under control.

“It’s just been so hard, you know, Mav.”

Christ! Has it been a chore getting her spa appointments?

“And you know what makes it harder? That you are withher.” On cue, her eyes fill with tears.

I want to clap for her Oscar-worthy performance.

“How could you, Mav?” Her voice shakes just enough to convey her distress, her heartbreak, her bullshit.

“Celine, it’s just business, yeah?”

She studies me, calculating. “You’re falling for her, aren’t you?”

I keep my voice flat. “I’m doing what I said I’ddo. Watching her fail. And when she does, I’ll be there to buy Longhorn, just likeweplanned.”

Celine licks her lips, sniffles. “Really?”

“Well, as long as these sabotage attempts stop. Because if they don’t…hell, I’m going to be the one accused of fuckin’ with Longhorn.”

I’m hoping this way, Celine will back off. I’m hoping this way Aria can sell her herd. I’m hoping this will give Hugh time to investigate and find the evidence to get Celine and or Hudson locked up.

Celine throws her arms around me again. “No one would dream of accusing you. Everyone loves you, just like I do.”

Fuck! How did I miss what a viper Celine is? But that’s how sociopaths survive—they smile sweet, play soft, until you’re close enough to feel the fangs. I see her now, clear as day. No velvet. No veil. Just venom.

“Now, I’ve got to get back to work, Celine.”

She smiles tremulously. “Thanks, Mav. I can’t wait for Longhorn to be sold. You’ll come see me in Aspen, won’t you?”

“Of course, I will, darlin’.”

I walk her out to her ride and see Tate driving the SUV.

Suddenly, I know who’s been fucking with Longhorn.

God damn it! Why didn’t I see it before? Tate’s always had a thing for Celine, and she’s probably balling him and convinced him to recommend Wes Boone to Aria. She didn’t give it a thought. Neither did I.

“Hey, Mav.” Tate waves.

I nod at him. I need to do damage controlnow.

“Bye, Mav.” Celine kisses my cheek and then hurries into Tate’s truck.

I pull out my phone and call Aria. She doesn’t pick up.

I call Earl and tell him what I need him to do and why.

“The motherfucker,” Earl snarls.

“Don’t let him know you suspect him. Just keep an eye on him, alright? I’m going to talk to Hugh and see how to handle this.”

“I’m gonna watch him like a hawk,” Earl vows.

As I drive to Longhorn, I call the sheriff.