Page 38 of Maggie’s Match

“I knew that boy was trouble,” the clerk said, interrupting them.

A young woman standing in line with a kid on her hip added, “I dated a Tillerson. I think it’s just awful what they’re doing to the town. Robbie was one of the good ones, or so I thought.” She rolled her eyes. “He was a cheater. Still, I wouldn’t put it past Royce to do what you’re saying. I heard horror stories about him when he was a kid. That’s why they shipped him away to boarding school in the first place. He almost burned down the family house when he was six years old. All because he didn’t get the game he wanted for Christmas.”

“Seriously?” Becca asked.

The woman nodded. “I’m Kathleen Baker. My husband and I own the car and tire shop in town, Baker Auto parts.” She smiled when both Maggie and Becca nodded. “Royce came in a few weeks back and applied for a job. Kenny, my husband, always does background checks on potential employees. Royce’s came back with a few DUIs, among other things, so we didn’t hire him. The next day he showed up and tried to start a fight with Kenny. When Kenny called the police, the sheriff showed up and tried to charge my husband with resisting an officer. Thankfully, we installed cameras at the shop last year after a few high school kids vandalized the shop. If we hadn’t had proof, who knows what we would have gone through.”

“I heard about that. It’s the reason I took out my phone and recorded the cops assaulting Rick,” Becca replied.

“Smart.” Kathleen nodded. “It blows that everyone in town feels like they have to walk on eggshells. The Tillersons are looking for any excuse to rid the town of everyone except them.”

“Why?” Maggie asked, gaining the women’s attention, and the clerks. “What is motivating them to shut down the town?”

Kathleen glanced between the clerk and Becca.

“Everyone in town knows their loyalties lie with a certain large group that hates anyone of…”

“Color?” Becca added dryly. “Yeah, everyone knows it. But running everyone with a drop of spice in their blood out of town won’t pay the bills or make his town flourish.” Becca glanced at Maggie.

“Agreed. From what I know of the family, they’re very financially motivated. That and they seem to guard their own kin,” Maggie said.

“I might have some input on that,” another woman said, coming up behind them. She was easily in her seventies and walked with a cane as she pushed her cart of groceries.

“This is Reba Kincaid,” Kathleen said.

“Up until a couple months ago, when I had hip surgery, I was the only real estate agent in town. The Tillersons have spent the last few years buying up every vacant or available plot of land or house around town. Ever since Arnold Tillerson became mayor, they’re even more motivated. When I asked him why, he laughed and told me he wanted to take over the town and make it something great. You know, like it used to be.”

“What did it used to be?” Maggie asked.

“The birthplace of some of the largest white supremacist groups,” Reba said with a huff. “Thank goodness, the townsfolk ran them out more than sixty years back. Hell, when they all finally left, we even changed the name of our town for a fresh start.” Then she pointed at Becca. “That’s when your father’s kin moved here and bought your ranch from the Tillerson’s ancestors, who went broke because they refused to do business with anyone… different.” She shook her head. “Damn fools.”

“Do you think they plan on selling the land they’ve acquired?” Becca asked.

“I think…” Reba started, but just then the sheriff walked in and the group quieted. As the man walked slowly around them, his eyes narrowed at Maggie and Becca. Reba shuffled away to finish her shopping. Kathleen finished checking out and walked out of the store. She and Becca exchanged looks and could tell something was up.

When it was Maggie and Becca’s turn to check out, the sheriff moved up behind them with only a soda in his hands. Both of them knew he was only there to cause trouble.

Chapter Fourteen

Rick stood under the hot spray, letting the soreness and dirt wash down the drain. The one thing they never told you in school was how sore you would be after an autopsy on a hundred-pound cow.

After several autopsies in a week, he was in need of a massage and some relaxation.

After the last week, there was no question that Maggie was the love of his life and no doubt that he had to show her by being patient.

Looking back, he wished that he’d hit Royce hard enough to keep him in the hospital longer than a few hours. He was sure the man was strutting around town like he’d won the fight. Probably pumping up his bruises like they were freaking awards.

Bent had gone into town several times and had informed him that there were several rumors going around about Maggie, all portraying her in a bad light and painting Royce as a victim. Some claimed Maggie had set him up to get her hands on his family’s wealth.

It straight up pissed him off. The sooner they left town and returned to Fairplay, the better. But he knew that with her plans, it would be another month before they could return home.

His father assured him that the clinic was in good hands while he was gone. Clay was capable of handling anything that came along, and his father was helping out as well.

When he stepped out of the shower, he heard raised voices and instantly worried. He pulled on some clean clothes and stepped into the kitchen to find Becca sitting at the table beside Maggie.

Bridget was on the phone, practically yelling at someone.

“What happened?” he asked, stepping over to lay a hand on Maggie’s shoulder.