Emily's POV
Emily's eyes scanned the room, her brow furrowed in worry. She had been expecting August to return for hours, but there was no sign of him.
She got very uncomfortable, she rose from the couch and walked to the sitting room, where Jake was sitting in a chair, his eyes fixed on his phone.
Emily stood there for some minutes, before she managed to speak out.
"Jake, can I ask for your help with something?" Emily kept the calmest and polite voice.
Jake looked up from his phone, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What do you want, Emily?"
Emily felt a bit better she never thought it would be this easy to engage in a conversation with Jake.
"Is August,he hasn't returned He was supposed to be back hours ago , and I'm getting worried. Can you help me call him?"
Jake accused..
"Oh, you're worried about August? That's quite impressive coming from you."
Emily kept her voice firm...
"Jake, please.please this is not the time for this, let's keep our differences aside and figure out a plan."
Jake raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Oh, I'm sure he's fine. Probably out there, living his life without a care in the world. While you're stuck here, waiting for him like some kind of loyal lapdog."
"Jake, that's not fair. You know that my relationship with August is genuine, that's the reason I'm worried about him. Can you please just help me?"
Jake shrugged, his eyes returning to his phone. "Sorry, Emily. I'm not your personal assistant. If August wants to get in touch with you, he will. Otherwise, stop wasting your time waiting for him, I'm sure his out there having some good time with the club girls." He voice dropped in sarcasm.
Emily felt anger building up within her,she tried to calm herself down. She turned over and stalked out of the room.
Jake burst out in laughter..
August POV
"Sir, August! Juan called, are you not going home? It's late already," one of the ranch hands spoke
August looked up from his invoice,wiping the sweat from his brow.
"Ehmmm, yeah. I'll just make sure the new cattle get some fresh air before heading to their pen."
"Sire,I have recorded all the new cattle that arrived." Juan said handing the whispering Creek ranch invoice to August.
"Fine! How many of the new cattle in our ranch have been mixed up with the old ones."
"None,but I will do that tomorrow, when I return to the ranch." Juan said with a polite voice.
"Okay, hurry up, Juan the atmosphere has darkened already."
August gave a waving hand to Juan, who was already heading towards the gate."See you tomorrow, then!"
As Juan left the view, August turned his attention back to the invoice. But just as he was finishing up his calculation a loud scream pierced the air.
August's heart skipped a beat as he dropped the invoice and ran towards the sound. His mind raced with thoughts as he ran towards the fields.
He met the most unbelievable scene,he met Juan lay in a pool of blood, her bright red polo shirt soaked thoroughly.
August's eyes widened in anxiety as he rushed towards her, calling out her name.
"Juan! Juan!! Juan!!!." He screamed cuddling her on his lap. But her body seemed to be lifeless.
Juan's eyes were frozen her body stiff and lifeless. He scooped up Juan's lifeless body, cradling her in his arms as he wailed in pain.
Somehow, he managed to call the ambulance, his fingers shaking as he dialed the numbers. He held Juan close, rocking her back and forth as if all effort will bring her back to life.
Finally the ambulance arrived,they carried her into the ambulance, August rushed her immediately to the hospital. But it was too late. Juan was pronounced dead on arrival, her body ravaged by multiple stab wounds.
August was broken, He gazed at Juan's lifeless body, confusion snapping him out.
"How could this have happened?".He thought to himself.
August's pov
The sound of a faint knock was heard from inside Emily, who had been waiting anxiously for August's return,stormed out and flung open the door, her face etched with worry.
"What...."
But as she took in the sight of August, her words were halted,her expression changed into shock. Bloodstains filled his hands and clothes.
August...?" she whispered, managing to find her words..
August stumbled and staggered in,Emily tried to support him, her arms wrapping his waist as she pulled him close. August's hands dropped faintly to his sides, his fingers rubbing against Emily's legs.
"Did...did the cattle die?" Emily stammered, her voice trembling.... "Did you...did you attack a wild animal?"
August only gave a faint moan..
She disengaged him from the cuddle and held him upright.
With some strength,Emily managed to half-drag August into his room. She lowered him onto the bed.
Emily's hands cradling August's face, her fingers stroking his hair as she tried to comfort him from the unknown worries.
"Let me get you a cup of coffee," Emily said softly, "It'll help calm your nerves."
August's voice stopped Emily at her track
"Juan is dead." Emily's hand froze, her body turning back towards August. She took a step closer, her eyes wide with doubt.
"What? How? When did it happen?" Emily's voice laced with disbelief.
"She was murdered at night...at the front of the ranch." His voice was barely audible.
"I think they are the same person trying to ruin your ranch.
"Emily's eyes welled up with pain, her mind reeling with thoughts.
"I don't think everything seems to be okay with those people is Juan part of the conflict?"
She asked, her voice trembling.
August's gaze was haunted.
"I can't tell,We have to be guarded...and careful, cause the game is more toxic than we thought.
Emily's expression was cold...
"So what are we going to do now."
"Her parents have been contacted,we will waiting for the funeral." August words were hurting his face sad in regret. I just wished I left with Juan that night." His hands running through his hair.
"Is enoughAugust, you cannot blame yourself for anything. It was just an unlucky day for Juan." Emily's voice filled with deep sorrow.
August's eyes were heavy.
"May her soul rest in peace."
"It could have been both of us, August. If only...if only I had been with her..."
August's arms wrapped around her, holding her close
"Don't say that, Emily. You're safe now. I won't let anything happen to you." As he cuddled her to ease the anxiety.
Vincent pov
Vincent's face turned beet raging with anger in the meeting office, flinging a heavy object directly at Rex. Rex dodged it just in time, the object slammed against the wall with a loud crash.
"How dare you be so callous and careless !" Vincent uttered, his voice echoing off the walls. "I told you the target was August, and here you are making silly excuses of the mistake you made,what were you thinking, you useless thing?"
He sneered.."Why did you spare August's life? At least you would have just killed them both! Now we can't get another chance to kill August. You bastard!"
Rex stood in fear, his eyes fixed on Vincent's enraged face.
"I'm.. sorry... I was waiting for too long he didn't want to show up." Rex stammered.
"Is that why you killed someone else!!?".Vincent thundered, his patience wearing thin.
"I never knew he was still with someone at at time at the ranch,so when I saw someone making noise at the gate entrance, I stabbed immediately, thinking is August." Rex spoke his voice barely audible.
"I need the ranch to myself, and the more time I waste, the farther it slips from my grasp. Can't you all understand me!!". He thundered...
"No one will leave here alive if you don't come up with a solution." His words were stern and final
His personal assistant Nathan fidgeted...
"I..I think, sir, we should send them a message, maybe explaining our reasons and demands. If they refuse to comply, then we can start by killing their relatives to get to them. We'll torture them first, make them suffer..so they can back off..."
Vincent's eyes narrowed, his expression calculating. "Go on, looks like you have something more to say".The assistant swallowed hard....
"We'll make sure we hurt everything around them. We'll give them a deadline, and if they don't meet our demands,We'll show them no mercy, sir."
Vincent's face twisted into a merciless smile.
"I like the way you think. Get to work on that message. And Rex?"
Rex quivering expecting his last words.
"Y-yes, sir?".
Vincent's eyes shunned with malice.
"You're lucky I didn't kill you on the spot,I will pardon you cause you are going to be a bit useful. I have a special task for you. You'll deliver the message personally without mistake."
August pov
August yawned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Emily, you're up early."Hoping to shake off the sleep clouding his eyes."
Emily sighed. "Trying to make sense of the recent happening,August.Trying to understand what these monsters want from us."
August's voice was dizzy."We'll figure it out, Emily. So please the too much thinking. But first, let me get ready for the day. We have a lot to do."
"I'm coming with you, August," Emily said, her voice firm.
August nodded with a smile, getting his butt off the bed."Let's get ready,I'll go greet my dad to wish him a good morning. So get ready, and we'll head out to the ranch."
He turned and left the room.
August opened the door and walked into his father's room, a bright smile on his face.
"Hi, Dad! Good morning!". But his face was bitter, his gaze cold. He didn't respond, didn't even acknowledge August's greeting.
"Dad, good morning," August tried again, his face suspicious.
James interrupted, his voice harsh. "Who is this guest you've been hiding under our roof for three days, August?".
"Yes, Dad. She's a friend, like a business partner.
She needed help, and I couldn't turn her away." August said surprised at his sudden outburst.
James face rage in anger, his voice rising.
"An enemy you call a friend? The Wilson family? Let me remind you son! same family that took our ranch from us, that ruined us?".
August stepped forward, his hands raised in a soft gesture. "Dad, this is where we are getting the wrong idea, it's not her fault. It was an issue with her grandparents, not her Dad. Stop the transfer of aggression."
But James was strong-headed, his eyes blazing with resentment.
"Ridiculous, you are trying to tutor me right?You really believe that? She's a Wilson, August. She's one of them. And she needs to leave. Now." His voice commanding.
August's voice set in determination. "No, Dad. I won't let that happens. Because she needs our help, and we're going to give it to her."
James face boiling with rage."You're choosing her over your own family? Over me?" His voice echoed through the room.
August stuck to his words,"I'm choosing what's right, Dad. Emily is innocent, we shouldn't hold grudges with her".
"I can see you are not thinking clearly,You're blinded by your feelings for her, August. You're not seeing the bigger picture. The Wilsons have always been our worst enemy, and now you're harboring one under my own roof?"
August's voice remained calm, but firm. "I understand the diagram in the bigger picture, Dad. Emily shouldn't be the one we should pour the grudges on. She's a victim, just like us. And we need to help her, not turn her away, because of the past we are not even sure it's true."
" You have gone crazy! If not for my predicament I would have sent a dirty slap to your cheeks to help in resetting the brain." His voice falling out with malice.
August kept mute not responding to his dad's words "Fine,detain your little Wilson friend. But know this, August she's not welcome here. And neither will you, if you continue to renounce my order."
"I'll take that risk, Dad. I'll do what's right, not even you or your words will withhold me."
With anger he stumbled out of the room, leaving his father behind.
James gazed astonished, wondering what got into August.
August returned back to his room, Emily was fully dressed. A neutral expression played on his face, trying to conceal the fight.
"August, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice concerned.
"Nothing, Emily. Everything's fine." He said trying to hide what happened.
"You don't need to me, August. I heard everything. Your father's anger, his resentment towards me... towards my family, and his intentions of wanting me to leave."
August was astonished...
"Emily, I...I'm sorry. I didn't know you heard everything,I didn't want you to hear that."
Emily's voice was gentle."You shouldn't be sorry, August. You stood up for me. And I appreciate that.But your dad's right, August,"
Emily continued..her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude.
"He has every right to be angry. And I can't blame him. I'll make plans to get my windows fixed, and as soon as I can, I'll leave. I won't cause any more trouble for your family."
August's eyes met hers, his voice emotional.
"You're not troublesome,Emily. And you're not going anywhere. You take all the time you need here, no one is going to discomfort you, I will sort it out."
Emily's smile was soft,"Thank you, August. That means a lot to me."
August play a soft smile in his face." I will dress up,so we can get going is getting late....."
They drove into the ranch, Emily's heart sank. Her landscape was now a scene of chaos. She got off quickly,her mind racing she went off to her ranch. But her thought were positive...
Nine of her newly gotten cattle were missing, their enclosures broken into and destroyed.
"Oh no! My cattle! They've been stolen!" Emily exclaimed, her voice cracking with worry.
August arrived at the scene. His face fell, seeing the chaos.
He held unto her shoulder with his soft palm.
"Don't worry, Emily. Brace yourself". His voice low.
" Let's check the rest of the ranch and find out if any other thing is missing."
Emily's shoulder was slumped." August..I.. used alot of securities on this new cattle, how did pass through?." Her voice mixed with emotions.
" Is okay Emily, I think the saboteurs are too strategic and manipulative.".
"But I applied an electrocuting device on the gates and fences. How come they got through?". Emily's face fluttering with confusion.
August got closer and rested her head on his chest, patting her softly. "Don't say much again, I will come up with something to obstruct them."
August spotted a letter nailed to the fence post.
"Hey Emily! Look at this.."
Emily disengaged from the cuddle her eyes meeting the paper..
They approached it cautiously. The Letter was written in red. Their eyes scanning the letter. His expression sour as he read the words.
The letter was boldly written in Spanish:
"Voy a seguir causando daños si no me entregas tu rancho. Solo necesito el rancho y si no cumples, cosas se discretionary. Esto es solo el principio (ja ja ja)..."
"What does it say?" Emily's voice laced with concern..
"I think the saboteur desperately wants something from you. Saying he'll keep causing damage until you hand over the ranch. I think he wants the ranch, and if we don't comply, things will fall apart. He clearly stated that this is just the beginning." August chuckled
Emily's eyes widened in alarm
"How will I clearly hand over a ranch to a ghost without even showing up for a day."
August's expression was thoughtful. " Firstly,the language is Spanish, but that doesn't necessarily mean the person is Spanish. Could be someone who knows how to write in Spanish, trying to throw us off their trail.
Emily's eyes narrowed. "But why would they want my ranch so badly? It's like they're enjoying this."
August's eyes locked onto hers. "We should at least hold this as the first evidence, the language Spanish. We give close attention to anyone who peaks Spanish fluently."
Emily gave a faint nod..
August wrapped his arms around Emily, pulling her into a warm embrace. "Don't get scared, Emily, I promise to stay with you."
Emily's tension melted into his hug, her head nestling into the comfort of his chest. "Thank you."
August's arms tightened around her. "We'll face it together, Emily. All let this stick with you."
He pulled back, his eyes locking onto hers.
"All we need to do now is transfer all your cattle to my ranch, and some to my other ranch, which is well-equipped to handle them. We'll keep them safe there for now till we find a solution"
Emily was flabbergasted with August words,she never thought of such an idea." August thank you for everything. All I will always do is to love you, now and forever." Her voice filled with gratitude.
"I love you as much Emily, we'll also need to find Rodriguez. He's the only one who we can force to tell us who's behind this."
Vincent pov
Vincent sat in his office, sipping a red wine with a smug expression. He strolled over to the cabinet, pulling out the phone,he tossed it back and forth in his hand, admiring it. He tried to get access to the phone but it was non accessible.
A sly grin spread across his face as he thought of a solution.
"Ah, yes...the hacker," he muttered to himself, stroking his chin. He picked up his office phone and dialed a number.
"Get me Johnson, my P.A.," he instructed. When Nathan answered.
"Nathan, I need you to call the hacker. Tell him I need to see him in my office tonight. I have a little job for him."
"Uh, yes, sir. Right away, sir." The call went dead
Vincent smiled." I know what the hacker worth,very soon I will begin to strike Emily and August from the comfort of my home." He gave a sly grin.
James pov
James lay in his bed, his legs weak and stiff,but his He got his phone and dialed her number...
He spoke into the phone,
"Rachael, I need you to arrange for a vehicle to take me to the ranch tomorrow."
"What for sire? You know you can't be capable because of your leg issues."
"I want to see how August is handling things." His voice stern
His lawyer's voice was cautious, "James, are you sure that's a good idea?
James's response was firm."I don't care if I have to be carried in on a stretcher, Rachel. I need to see what's going on at that ranch.August is not capable of handling it on his own."
Just then, Jake appeared in the bedroom doorway, a scowl on his face.
"Hey, Dad, can I talk to you for a minute?"
James held up a hand, indicating for Jake to wait.
"Not now, Jake,I'm on a call." But Jake didn't back off
"It's important,Dad. It's about the ranch and my suspension. You're not doing anything about it, and it's not fair. I'm still part of this family, and the ranch was not built by August. I have a right to be involved in its decisions!"Jake's face was stern.
James's expression darkened.
"Jake, your brother is capable of handling things. And even if he wasn't, it's not your place to question my decisions. I'm the one who built this ranch into what it is today, not you."
Jake's face reddened.
"That's not fair, Dad. You're always supporting August,and now you're just going to let him ruin the ranch? I know I'm not the favorite son, but I'm still your son. And I deserve a chance to prove myself."
James's anger rose.
"Hey kid watch your mouth, I'm not favoring anyone. I'm just trying to protect the ranch and if you can't understand that, then maybe you're not the son I thought you were."
Jake shrugged, his expression uninterested.
"Anyway, I don't really find anything about the ranch interesting. I'll just head to the mall to get some groceries. Oh, and by the way."Jake said stopping at his tracks.
"You mentioned a masseuse? Who told you you needed a masseuse, Dad? Your doctor? Some mere specialist? Or maybe it was one of your old rancher buddies who recommended it?" His voice dripping with amusement.
James's expression remained serious.
"Useless boy!My doctor recommended it to aid in my recovery,and I expect you to take my requests to action I'm not getting any younger, and I need all the help I can get to get back on my feet."
But Jake just raised an eyebrow, his tone amused.
"A masseuse, Dad? Really? Are you sure it's from your doctor.That's not exactly your style, is it? Dad, you're a tough, rugged rancher type. Not some pampered city club guy who needs a massage to feel good."
James's voice rising in anger.
"Jake, I'm not joking. I need a masseuse to help with my therapy. And I expect you to find one for me. Because I know you are too useless to do it yourself, for crying out loud!"
But Jake just chuckled." Sorry, Dad. I won't get you a masseuse.You'll just have to stick with your medication. Besides, I'm not exactly taking your idea of some stranger rubbing your legs."
He continued..
"So after masseuse what's next? Are you going to start getting manicures and pedicures too?"
James scowled.
"You were never used to me anyway. So I didn't expect you to take me seriously."
Jake gave a very loud laughter.
"Oh, Dad you can't get at me with those words. You're not going to start walking again just so you can start 'flexing' and chasing after young girls you used to flirt with."
He shook his head, still chuckling. "You are really something else, Dad. Just continue with your medication, Mr."
James boiled in anger as he watched Jake leave of the room.
"See you soon, Dad," Jake said...
James kept mute his gaze filled with fury.
"Thank goodness I have August. His been my saving grace."James adjusted himself on the bed, his movements stiff and awkward due to his leg.
Emily's pov
Emily handed the phone back to August.
"Thanks for lending me your phone, August. I really appreciate it."
August took the phone from her, his eyes curious. "So, what was his opinion?"
Emily let out a deep breath. "He scheduled a meeting,so I will go to his office tomorrow morning so we can discuss, concerning the damaged windows. He said I will need to explain the situation before he can start repairs."
August nodded, his expression thoughtful.
"That sounds impressive,I'm sure he'll get to work on it right away."
Emily, gave a small smile playing on my lips.
"Yeah, I'm just a bit shaky."
August placed a reassuring hand her.
"Don't worry, Emily. It will be fixed,you have nothing to fear, I'm here with you,and in the meantime, let's focus on something more necessary.Like food!"
August said yawning.
"Oh, that sounds thrilling,I'm starving as well!"
Emily grinned.
August pulled out his phone....
"About the food,My friend has a catering service, and she delivers. But I don't have her number off head, so you should just go through their website online."
"That sounds perfect! I trust your judgment, Emily." August teased."You have a good eye for these things."
Emily chuckled, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Thanks, Emily. "I think you'll find my friend's cooking top-notch. And who knows,you might even find yourself ordering ten more plates."
Emily playfully rolled her eyes, but a smile still played on her lips.
"Yep! Have placed it through the website, Emily. You always seem to know how to make me feel better." August spoke.
As they waited for the food to arrive, they chatted and laughed.
Jakes POV
Jake dialed August's number, waiting for him to pick up. After a few rings, August's voice sounded through the line.
"Hey, Jake. What's up?"
"Hey, August. Nothing much. Just calling to see how things are going with Mily's windows. I'm sure Dad's insurance company is just thrilled to be paying for the repairs."
August sounded neutral.
"Oh, yeah. We're taking care of it. The insurance agents are coming tomorrow to survey the damage. We'll get it all sorted out very soon."
Jake's voice was laced with sarcasm. "Wow, that's great. I'm sure Dad's insurance company will be glad to pay for the repairs. I mean, it's not like you have better things to do with your money. And I'm sure Dad's not trying to find ways to screw Emily over, like he always does."
"Jake, come on. Don't say such things to my girl like that.She's been through a lot for now."
Jake annoyed. "Yeah, right? Victim girl,I can't wait for her to leave, to be honest. This whole thing has been a huge war for us. She's always trying to massacre our food, All in the name of her 'home not being safe'. I mean, come on, what a stupid girl. Can't she just get over all this pretense?"
August interrupted. "Jake, stop! Just stop with the bluffing already! You're not helping, and you're being a real jerk." His voice racing with annoyance
Jake's laughter was bitter...
"Sure, August. Whatever you say. Just keep on being the good son, and I'll keep on being the bad one. That's just how it is, right?"
August's voice rose in anger. "Jake! Stop being silly and focus on your career,and stop intruding, I'm sick of it!".
Jake's laughter was bitter. "Sure, August. Whatever you say. Mr lover boy! Keep being the slave boy. Just regretting why you are part of the Flynn. Keep disgracing yourself lover boy. See you later."
With that, he hung up the phone, leaving August to wonder....