Chapter 8 - Sheriff Mercer’s Debt
Lucy moved behind Harrison.
Mercer held the weapon steadily.
“I investigated Mara’s disappearance.”
“I knew the crash was staged.”
“Then why did you close the case?”
“Because Silver Crown owned my father’s debt.”
“They threatened my family.”
“You chose them.”
“I chose to keep my children alive.”
Silas laughed from the floor.
“You also took the money.”
Mercer’s jaw tightened.
He had accepted monthly payments for years.
In exchange, he redirected searches, destroyed witness statements, and arrested anyone who investigated the white house.
Harrison glanced toward the window.
No deputies were visible.
Mercer had come alone.
“Where is Mara?”
Mercer looked at Silas.
“I was told she would be here.”
Silas smiled.
“Evelyn changed the plan.”
A phone rang inside the steel box.
Lucy found a hidden compartment and removed it.
Mara appeared on the screen.
She was sitting in a dark room.
Evelyn stood behind her.
“Bring the deed to the old cattle auction house,” Evelyn said.
“Lucy comes with it.”
Harrison’s voice became cold.
“You will never see her.”
“Then you will never see Mara or Daniel.”
Mara lifted her head.
“Daniel is alive?”
Evelyn smiled.
“For now.”
The call ended.
Mercer lowered his gun slightly.
“You didn’t know Bennett was alive?”
“No.”
“If Silas and Evelyn have him, they do not plan to share anything with me.”
Silas rose slowly.
“You were never a partner.”
“You were protection we rented.”
Mercer shot him in the leg.
Silas collapsed with a scream.
Lucy covered her ears.
Harrison took the gun from Mercer before he fired again.
“You are under arrest.”
Mercer laughed bitterly.
“By whom?”
“Half the department works for Silver Crown.”
“Then help me end it.”
Mercer stared at him.
“You cannot trust me.”
“I don’t.”
“But you know their routes, their men, and the auction house.”
Mercer nodded reluctantly.
Silas pressed a hand against his wound.
“You’re too late.”
“Evelyn moved the final meeting.”
“Where?”
Silas refused to answer.
Lucy opened the steel box.
Inside was no mineral deed.
There was only a photograph of Walter Hart standing beside Daniel Bennett’s grandfather.
Written on the back were four words.
The deed is beneath water.
Harrison looked toward the northern hills.
May you like
Hartland’s old water tower stood above the valley.
Smoke was already rising from it.
