Emily's pov
Emily arrived at the ranch her eyes about clumsy from what happened yesterday.
The sound of a truck rolling up the driveway. She looked out the window, expecting to see the lawyer
But instead, her eyes rose in curiosity as she saw a truck decorated with the logo of the cattle food supplier.
"Which direction is the truck heading to?"she muttered to herself, wondering why they were delivering so early.
She could remember the agency's normal delivery time was 12:00 PM, she looked at her wristwatch and it was only just past 9:00 AM.
She stepped out of the ranch, her eyes fixed on the driver as he climbed down from the truck.
A tall, lanky man with a scruffy beard came out revealing himself.
"Can I help you?" Emily asked, her tone firm.
"Good morning,ma'am," the delivery man replied, his voice dripping with charm. "I'm here to deliver your cattle food. Don't get scared ma'am because it's a bit early, but we're trying to get a reconstruction today." He said a hint of smile in his voice.
Emily curiosity equipped.
"I wasn't expecting you until 12:00 PM," she said, her eyes narrowing.
The man chuckled.
"Yeah, I know, I know. But like I said earlier, we're trying to understand a small reconstruction and we can't tell how long it is going to last,so we came up to dispatch today's feed earlier."
But if you are still not secured,we can just take it back when the reconstruction is over you'll get it."
Emily hesitated, her mind racing with doubts. But at the same time his words were convincing, and he was very friendly
"Okay, fine," she said finally, reaching for her wallet. "How much do I owe you?"
He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Don't you worry about that, ma'am. I'll just take the usuals."
Emily handed over the cash.
"Thanks anyway," she said.
His teeth gleaming in the sunlight.
"Thanks for your patronage. Have a great day!".
He got back into his truck, and drove away. Emily watched him go, her eyes fixed on the cloud of dust that followed him down the driveway.
She handed the food to Rodriguez.
12:05PM
"Rodriguez, did you feed the cattle already?" Emily asked.
Rodriguez nodded.
"Yeah, I fed them for about two hours ago. The supplier's arrival was a bit early "
Emily's eyes narrowed. "Yeah, something came up with their company." As they were still talking another
A truck pulled up to their direction,and a man in a worn baseball cap hopped out.
"Ma'am, you ordered feed from our company," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Emily was astonished. "Yeah, but some of your guys have delivered already."
The man frowned.
"What do you mean? This is our first dispatch and the company time says 12:00PM"
Emily's eyes darted to Rodriguez, her mind racing.
"But someone from your company already came by early this morning. Why are you here again?". Her voice rising in confusion.
The delivery man's expression changed from confusion to shock.
"That's not possible. We don't dispatch food until noon. Someone must have made a mistake."
Emily heart beating in confusion...."The... car...had the companies logo."
"I'm sorry ma,you must be mistaken, we'll have to verify the issue."
He handed over the feed to Rodriguez leaving Emily stunned. And they made their way out of the ranch.
Emily's heart raced as she rushed towards the cattle pen,her mind filled with a sense of danger.She had a feeling something was terribly wrong.
As she approached the pen,she perceived a strange smell wafting through the air.
Her heart,sinking in fright. She met the lifeless bodies of eight cattle lying on the ground, their eyes frozen in a glassy stare. She rushed closer, her eyes filled with tears.
Six more cattle were struggling to stand, their legs trembling.
It then dawned on her that she had been scammed her cattle had been poisoned.Her mind raced with questions as she searched the pen for any evidence. With shaking hands, she pulled out her phone and dialed the vet's number, her eyes tearing up, and still fixed on the lifeless bodies of her cattle. She knew she had to get to the bottom of this, and fast.
The vet answered on the first ring..
"Please, you have to come right away! My cattle are dying!". Her voice breaking in pain.
The vet tried to calm her down to reassure her.
"I'll be there as soon as I can, just keep an eye on the surviving cattle till I come."
In a jiffy,she heard the sound of tires on the driveway.
Emily rushed over to meet him, her heart heavy with worry.
"What's going on, Emily?" the vet asked.
"It's my cattle," Emily explained, her voice shaking. "They're dying. I think they've been poisoned."
The vet's expression turned grave. "Let me take a look."
Emily walked him to the cattle location. He got to work examining the surviving cattle and taking samples of their blood and tissue.
Emily was watching anxiously, thoughts going and out of their mind.
After the examination. The vet turned to face Emily his face etched with worry.
"I'm afraid it's worse than I thought.EmilyThe cattle were given a extremely heavy chemical, one that's burned their intestines. And their survival is short lived
Emily's eyes widened in shock. "What kind of chemical could do that?"
"It's a highly toxic substance, not something you'd normally find on a farm. It was intentionally added to their food. Someone is trying to sabotage your ranch"
Emily's mind raced as she processed the information.
"I know someone is trying to take over my ranch disguising themselves as a delivery person,I wish I sensed this danger in time." Her hands running through her head in regret.
"I'm so sorry for the loss,I think you should be more careful since you have so many enemies."The vet advised.
"So nothing can be done?". Emily asked trying to get a positive answer.
"Exactly! Anything affected by the chemical can't be cured,you will have to bear the loss ma'am.
He paused, then added, "I'll leave you to take care of them now. You're going to need to monitor them closely and make sure they get the rest and care they need."
I will take my leave now."
The vet excused himself and took his left.
August rushed to the ranch, his heart racing with worry. He was given information about what happened to Emily's cattle. He felt so broken.
As got there, he saw Emily sitting on the ground, her body shaking with sobs. Rodriguez was trying to console her, but she was beyond comfort. August felt so sad seeing her in such a condition.
"Emily," he said softly, approaching her. "I'm so sorry this happened."
Emily looked up at him, her eyes red and puffy. "Just let me be alone, August," she sobbed.
August remained adamant ,He sat down beside her and put his gentle hand on her shoulder.
"I know we haven't been the good friends we were lately. but I promise to be here for you,We'll get through this together."
Emily's sobs subsided slightly as she looked at August. She saw the genuine concern in his eyes and her anger towards him melted away.
Rodriguez nodded in approval. "Thanks, Mr August. We think your help is needed right now."
Together, they sat on the ground, trying to come to terms with the sabotage.
August kept consoling Emily. Emily was filled with regrets because she had been at odds with him for weeks, but in this moment he offered his support. "Emily, can you tell me exactly what happened?" he asked gently. Emily sniffled and wiped her nose on her sleeve. "I don't know, August.
"I need us to work together to get rid of the saboteur,Emily,I'll go beyond to see that I find them and take them down."
Emily's eyes widened as a memory flashed back to her dream.
"Oh my god, Rodriguez..I had a dream...a dream that foretold all of this!"
Tears streaming down her face, Emily recounted her dream to August and Rodriguez.
"I had a mysterious dream that I was in the ranch, and a figure appeared, directing someone to where I was. They tried to shoot me, but I ran for safety and woke up. And then...and then I think the person was someone that knows me very well."
August's expression turned grave. "That's not just a coincidence, Emily. I think there's an inside enemy, someone who knows your ranch operations. How else would they know where to find you?".
Rodriguez nodded.
August continued. "Emily, I think the enemy must be someone close to you, someone who wants to take the ranch for themselves."
Emily's eyes gazed onto Rodriguez's. "But who? Who could be so cruel and heartless?". She cursed her face boiling in rage.
"I know my family may have our differences with you, but we would never think of something like this. We may want the ranch, but we wouldn't destroy it. Think of it this way."
Emily's tears fell harder."I wish all of this was a dream."
"Emily I will support you okay,I will replace the loss cows all I need you to do is to stay strong." August patted her, reassuring her.
Emily's eyes locked onto August's,She had to let go of her pride, her anger. Because now, she was left with no choice. With a heavy heart, Emily's resolve crumbled.
She took a step closer to August, her voice.
"August, I have always known I will your help, cause I can't fight alone... Tears falling freely from her eyes.
August's eyes narrowed, his got Emily into a cold hug.
"I'm here for you, Emily,We'll get through this together." He said his voice low.
With a quiet nod, Emily accepted the challenge her head still resting on his chest."Thank you August." She whispered.
"Alright,so the next thing to do,is to interview the staff".August said.
We need to identify the inside man feeding information to the saboteur."
Rodriguez, who had be quietly observing the whole scenario in disdain spoke up."I'll go check on the ranch staff and know if anyone is acting suspicious." His voice suffering an attack if nerves.
"Rodriguez!!". Emily called out as he was leaving.
"Be careful please cause nobody can be trusted."
Rodriguez nodded before leaving completely.
Rodriguez POV
Rodriguez appeared trembling as he spoke to Vincent.
"Sire, I think our plot has brought Emily and August together,they think the enemy is very close to them."
Vincent's expression remained calm"Go on."
"They're going to catch me,Since Mr August is involved.the way they look at me, the way they question me. They think I'm the suspect."
Vincent's smile was cold. "You've been a loyal servant Rodriguez. I appreciate that."
Rodriguez's voice pleading for mercy.
"How do I do it sire? How can I save myself?"
"Make Emily hate August again."His words were sharp and stern.
"Turn her against him. And if August insists on helping her, I will make him pay ." His gaze was cold his voice laced with evil.
"But how? How can I do that?"
"You' have to think,strategize,you're resourceful, Rodriguez."
Rodriguez gave a small nod
"Good," Vincent said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. I love it when things get rough.
"But what if they suspect me? What if they find out?" Rodriguez's voice trembled in fright.
"Then you try harder to convince them otherwise,you know how much I hate incompetency. But if they keep being strong headed,then strike." His voice dripping with venom.
"I will try my best sire." Rodriguez's voice,barely audible. How mind racing with thoughts
He knew that August has an affluence to get him,and how smart he was. On the other hand he knew how much Vincent hates disobedience and betrayal.
As Emily bumped into Rodriguez,Their collision was sudden, Emily stumbled backward, trying to grasp for balance.
Rodriguez gave an apologetic smile."I'm sorry".
"What's that?" Emily asked, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity.
Rodriguez hesitated, trying to find a suitable convincing word
"Oh it's just some documents for August," he replied,
"Ranch business, nothing more."
Emily's eyes grew suspicious."At this hour?
Rodriguez's smile faltered.
"I think he needs it for some potential investor. I'm merely helping him out."
There was silence between them.
Finally, Emily gave a nod. "Alright, I trust you"
Rodriguez's smile returned."Thanks, Mrs Emily."
August POV
"I will be needing the thirty-five cattle and cow,by this weekend."August spoke,his phone clutched to his ear.
Emily came in holding two cups of vanilla drink
"Okay,I will send the money to the company. And please let your supplier bring them to the right location."
With that the line went dead.
"Drink this." Emily said handing over the drink to August.
"It smells so nice like your lips." August said his voice lacing in amusement.
Emily burst out in laughter."silly boy, just drink up."
As they sipped their drink, pouring over the financial records and invoices Emily brought concerning her ranch sales.
"Emily, look at this," August says, his brow furrowed in concern. "It seems like there's been a large withdrawal from the ranch's account without your knowledge."
Emily's eyes widen as she examines the record.
"That's impossible. I'm the only one with access to that account."
"Then someone must have hacked into the account or...worse, Emily, I think someone on the inside is behind this." August suggested.
"Then who?"Emily asked, surprise written all over her face.
"I can't tell, but I think we should be on guard,a traitor lurks among us."
"August, we need to talk to the staff,"
Emily says, her voice firm with determination. "Someone must have seen or heard something."
August nods. "I'll start asking questions. But we need to be careful. Cause the saboteur might be among the staff, we don't want to spook them into covering their tracks."
Emily's mind races with thoughts. Who could it be? Rodriguez, with his nervous smile and fidgety hands? Maria, with her quiet efficiency ? Or Juan your dedicated staff?".
August eyes set in determination. "I'll try to get a response from them, I'll send a message, casual-like, and see if I can get a little evidence from any of them."
"Be careful, August. If they're desperate enough to sabotage the ranch, they won't hesitate to hurt you, please I don't want to lose you again.
August smiled. "I can handle it"
With a deep breath, he pulled out his phone and began to send messages to the workers mail.
Then, suddenly, a message pinged in. "Hey, Yeah, I've seen some weird stuff. Tools missing, strange tracks in the dirt. But I didn't think much of it.
Emily's heart raced as she read the message, her mind racing with possibilities.
"Who sent the message.", she asked.
"The person is not a staff member, I'm not sure how the person got my mail name." August asked curiosity taking advantage of him.
"Could you please text back, asking the anonymous person let's meet up."
Without hesitation, August typed back." Do you mind if we meet up?"
"Yeah meet me at the windmill at midnight." The anonymous member responded.
"August, I don't like this.It feels like a trap."Emily spoke.
"I have to go, this might be the only opportunity to save your ranch."August responded."And I'll be going in prepared."
"Alright I will go with you." Emily spoke up.
"You don't have to,I can handle it myself."August pleaded.
After so much persuasion from August, Emily turned deaf ears.August sighed, knowing he couldn't stop her.
MYSTERIOUS NIGHT;
As the night wore on, Emily and August prepared themselves and drove their way to the old windmill..
As they approached, a figure emerged from the shadows.
"Emily," the figure called out, its voice.
Emily jerked holding August arms tight.
"Who are you?"August spoke.
The figure stepped closer..
Emily's eyes widened as she recognized the face.
"Rodriguez?"she managed to speak.
Rodriguez smiled.
"Surprised, Emily?. I've been waiting for you." He spoke nonchalantly.
August's hand went to his gun, pointing towards Rodriguez,but Emily stopped him.
"Wait, August. Let's hear what he has to say."
Rodriguez chuckled. "Oh, I think you'll find my proposal very interesting, Emily."
Emily stood still recollecting if it was a dream
"You see, I've been working with someone...someone who has the capacity to rule the ranch.And I'm willing to betray them...for a price."
Emily's mind raced as she tried to process the information. "I'm listening," she said, her voice steady.
Rodriguez's smile grew wider. "I thought you'd be interested. You see, my partner wants to buy your ranch, but they won't collaborate with money but they're willing to do whatever it takes to get it cheap."
Emily's eyes narrowed in confusion."Who is your partner?"
Rodriguez chuckled. "That's the best part. You think I will be so stupid to tell you just like that.It's someone you will never know right under your nose the whole time."
August's eyes locked onto Rodriguez, his hand tightening on his gun."Who is it, Rodriguez? Tell us."
Rodriguez smiled. "Oh, no, Mr lover boy. You are fighting for your lover's ranch,which makes no sense." His voice laced with amusement.
Emily kept mute, knowing that the friend she thought she had was the enemy right under her nose.
"You betrayed me!!. You were the one ruining all my plans to make the ranch stand. You made me turn against August so you could get me!!. After all I did for you uhhh? Emily screamed tears cracking her voice.
August calmed Emily,who was ready to kill Rodriguez.
Rodriguez continued, his voice dripping with malice. "You see, Emily, my boss wants to make sure he torture you enough to sell the ranch at a stupid price. And they're willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen."
Emily's eyes gazed onto Rodriguez, her heart pounding with anger. "If you are not a coward tell your boss to face me and stop hiding like a loser that he is."
August intervened. "At what price will you agree to tell me who your boss is, I'm ready to pay."
Rodriguez let out a very loud laugh. "Mr billionaire no price is enough to reveal his identity,the only price to pay is to hand over the ranch."
"What for?!!" Emily screamed." Does your boss know how to manage a ranch.?
"Oh, let's just say I want to see you suffer,but it pains me that you are not destined to suffer in my hands. But you will suffer in the hands of my boss." Rodriguez gazes revealing his serious and evil plot.
Emily's eyes flashed with anger. "You're enjoying this, aren't you, Rodriguez? Playing games with people's lives?"
Rodriguez shrugged. "It's just business, Emily. And in business, you have to be willing to get your hands dirty sometimes."
August took a step forward, his eyes blazing with anger.
"I will make you pay for this I swear,both you and that if your master will be exposed."
"You'll try, August. But you'll fail. His tone dripping in mockery.
"My partner has too much power, too much influence. They'll crush you like the pupper that you are."
Rodriguez sneered, "You are too stupid to believe I will work with you,Emily? Yes, I've been behind it all. And I hacked the ranch account to cover my tracks, to make it look like an outsider was responsible. But I couldn't resist the opportunity to toy with you, to make you think you lose everything and go crazy."
Emily's eyes narrowed, trying to hold back her tears. "And why expose yourself now?".
Rodriguez's smile grew wider.
"I wanted to make it hurt,And I wanted to make sure you knew that I'm the one who's been pulling the strings all along, because you were being so foolish."
August boiled in fury,and he rushed over and launched a blow at Rodriguez.
Rodriguez tried to defend himself, but August's rage was too much. Just as the fight got toxic,
Rodriguez pulled out a knife and slashed at him, leaving a deep gash on his cheek. "Shit!" August said holding the affected area.
Rodriguez took the advantage as a distraction to escape from the scene.
Emily rushed to August's side, helping him to his feet. "Let me get you to a hospital, now," she said, her voice shaking with worry.
August winced in pain as Emily gently examined the cut on his cheek. "It's not too deep".
He groaned...
"But we should get you stitched up," she said, her voice soft with concern.
"It's nothing, Emily," August replied.
"I'll be fine."
Emily's eyes locked onto his, her face firm but gentle. "You're not fine, August. You're hurt, and you need to take care of yourself."
August sighed.
"I know, Emily. I just..."
Emily's hands cupped his face, her fingers tracing the lines of his jaw. "You didn't let him win, August. You fought back, and that takes courage. We'll get through this together, okay?"
August's eyes met hers, his gaze softening.
"Okay," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.
Emily's arms wrapped around him, holding him close. "All of this will be over soon,thanks for coming into my life."