“Doesn’t mean I have to like it,” he grumbled.
When she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket, she pulled it out and glanced at the caller ID. “It’s important.” She looked at Trey. “Texas Timber.”
He nodded in understanding.
“Hey, Audrey. How are you?”
“I’m okay, but I’ve been better,” Audrey said in a muted voice.
Misty sat up straighter. “What gives? Thought I’d call you first thing in the morning about the fire since there might be more news then. But I can talk now, too.”
She glanced at Trey and held a fingertip to her lips to indicate for him to be quiet. She put her cell on speakerphone so he could listen in on the conversation.
“Misty, I’m sorry,” Audrey said in her West Texas twang. “I called as soon as I found out.”
“Bad news?”
“Yes. I swear I didn’t know till a moment ago. And I only found out from a friend of mine, so I got it through the back door.”
“What’s the problem?”
“Texas Timber may not be the only player in Wildcat Bluff.”
“And that means?” Misty kept her voice neutral, although she was getting a sinking sensation in the pit of her stomach.
“National Timber is trying to acquire Texas Timber. Hostile takeover isn’t off the table.”
“But that’s vital information I should’ve had from the get-go.”
“I agree,” Audrey said. “Still, you can imagine how anxious they are not to have that information leaked by anyone.”
“But they hired me as their troubleshooter. Why wouldn’t they give me all the facts?” Misty rolled her eyes in exasperation at Trey. “Guess that explains why they were so anxious to get me here before Christmas to solve this issue before they had bigger problems.”
“You know corporate think,” Audrey said. “Need-to-know basis.”
“Bottom line.” Misty clenched her fist. “Are we looking at two separate culprits? Even worse, can I trust Texas Timber now? Are they causing problems, or is it all National Timber?”
Audrey grew quiet a moment. “I don’t think my company is at fault here. But I’m guessing they’d be real happy if you’d catch the corporate saboteurs and solve two problems at once. Sabotage would take National Timber’s play permanently off the table.”
“I see,” Misty said. “They’re counting on me to catch the arsonists and expose National Timber without knowing in advance the real situation.”
“That’s right,” Audrey agreed. “And you’d better play your hand that way or you’ll expose me.”
“What if it isn’t National Timber?” Misty glanced at Trey.
“Then we’ve got a big problem,” Audrey said.
“We’ve already got one.” Misty kept a lid on her temper, but it wasn’t easy. “Maybe I ought to call Cindi Lou and ask her to break my contract with Texas Timber right this very minute.”
“Please don’t. It could cost me my job,” Audrey pleaded. “I shouldn’t have told you any of this, but I didn’t want you in more danger than necessary.”
Trey put a hand on Misty’s arm and shook his head in the negative.
She nodded to let him know she wouldn’t abandon Wildcat Bluff, but she was mad about not getting all the information she needed to do her job right. “Okay. I won’t pull out yet.”
“Thank you,” Audrey said. “You’re the best.”
“I’ll let Cindi Lou know. She’s not going to be happy.”
“Would you tell her it’s not my fault?” Audrey asked.
“She won’t hold it against you, but Texas Timber is another matter.”
“Just find the saboteurs fast.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Thanks,” Audrey said. “And good luck.”
“Bye.” Misty clicked off her phone and glanced at Trey.
He looked disgusted with the situation. “You think the whole ball of wax is as simple as National Timber?”
“If I’d only known from the first—”
“I figure if National Timber wants to buy Texas Timber, they likely want to buy my ranch, too. Sabotage. If it’s good for the goose, it’s good for the gander.”
“Makes sense.” She glanced out the window at Big John, letting her mind wander over possibilities, and then she looked back. “But what if it’s not National Timber? And even if it is, how do we catch the corporate saboteurs? They’ve been one step ahead of us all the way.”
“Not anymore,” Trey said. “We’re on to them now.”
“You’re right.” She smiled, feeling her confidence soar. “We’ve got a leg up. We’ll win. And when we do, I’ll get my troubleshooter fee.”
“With those big bucks, maybe you’ll take me on an Alaskan cruise where I can see lots of snow.”
“Hah! With those little bucks, maybe I’ll take you to see the Goodnight buffalo herd in the Panhandle.”
“That’ll work, too.”
As they laughed together, she felt most of her tension ease away. She’d try to get a line on the saboteurs before Christmas in the Country with the chili cook-off and all the other festivities.
“As long as we’re here, why don’t we slip up to your room?” Trey squeezed her hand. “Bet it’s got a good bed.”
“And shock Ruby?”
“I doubt anything’d shock her.”