hauling the debris to the burn pile. His body ached. His jaw was a deep shade of purple. He didn't mind

d whine of a sports car engine. A silver Italian convertible roared up the gravel driveway. It kicked up

suit and loafers without socks. He held a silk handkerchief to his nose. He looked

ndkerchief away. "You look like a common laborer

xpensive shoes. Julian jumped back. "What are you doing

friend. I brought the final papers. I figured I would help you close this

n. Her eyes turned to ice. She gripped a pitchfork in her hand. Be

d. She stood next to Sil

las said. "My COO. H

a fake, oily smile. "You must be the ex-wife. June, right? I have heard so much about you.

of the pitchfork was inches from Julian's chest

research, June. I know about the debts. I know about the failing equipment. This check is for twenty million dollars. It

ween Julian and June. "The deal is between

you that if he doesn't get your signature by the end of the month, he loses everything? He isn't he

felt his heart sink. He had been honest about the signatu

d. Her voice was steady. "I made

he has your signature, he is selling the company. He is moving to London. He already has the pentho

ll her it wasn't true. But part of it was. He had planned to move. He had

s?" June asked. Her

rks for a year," Silas said. "

playing a part. He is a master of the long game. D

ion. He saw the silver car. He jumped out and

's worn clothes. "Just a business discussion.

he looked at Silas. She looked at the orchar

on't," S

e threw the pieces in Julian's face. "I told you to get off

ecutive fell away. "You are a stupid girl. You are going to

y. I am telling the board that you are compromised. I am telling them

d the door. He peeled away, spraying gr

y something, but he saw the look on her face. He patted her arm and walked toward t

ith June. The wind

She looked at the pieces of the check on the ground.

before the harvest. That was before I remembered what it felt lik

t him. Her eyes were full of tears. "You let me think we were

said. He reached for h

want my help. You wanted my signature. Well, you're going to get it.

toward the main house

at mattered. He looked at the ruined orchard. He looked at his hands. He realized Julian was rig