Lang, Chloe - Running Wilde [The Brothers of Wilde, Nevada 3] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Forever) by Chloe Lang

what Austin and he were meeting about, he got really cagey.” Jackson’s frustration over what he’d learned showed on his face. “Told me to ask Austin about it.”
    “Fuck.” Denver closed his eyes.
    “What did you find out about Jessie’s car?”
    “Nothing. But someone sent this confidential Wilde Mine memo to my PO box.” Denver pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket. Unfolding it, he passed it to Dallas.
    Dallas couldn’t believe his eyes. The memo was signed by Austin instructing the supervisors to fudge the numbers they reported. Dallas wasn’t familiar with any items mentioned, but it was clear that his eldest brother wanted to limit purchasing new safety equipment in the mine to below required standards to save money.
    He passed it to Phoenix. Phoenix read it then handed it over to Jackson.
    When Jackson finished reading it, Denver took it back.
    They all sat there for a few minutes, trying to process what they’d learned.
    Denver spoke up. “This doesn’t mean Austin’s gunning for Jessie. It only means he’s trying to impress the dads. They’ve left him in charge of the mine for the past several months. This isn’t the first time. I think it’s their way of trying to keep him in the fold. We all know he plans on leaving someday.”
    “I promise you one thing, Denver.” Jackson spoke through gritted teeth. “If Austin does turn out to be the one who is responsible for Jessie’s brakes being cut, he’s going to learn that his little brother has a whole bunch of hell to deliver to him.”
    Dallas added, “And I’ll be right beside you, lil’ bro.”
    Phoenix nodded. “Me, too.”
    “Let’s not jump the gun here. We need more facts.” Denver’s quiet logic had always impressed Dallas. Normally, Denver could calm any of his brothers down whenever one or more of them flew off the handle. Not this time. Not with Jessie in danger.
    Dallas tasted the rage on his lips. “Then let’s get the facts. I say we confront our brother.”
    “Won’t work, bro. You know him.” Denver’s tone was so even. “Let me keep working on trying to find out who could’ve cut her brakes. Phoenix, you get closer to Selby.”
    “I can do that.”
    “Great, I think Selby is sweet on you. Shouldn’t be too hard. Find out what you can about Austin.”
    “I’m on it.”
    Denver continued, “Jackson, you work the Malcolm angle. You’re a lawyer. Scare the hell out of the prick.”
    “Gladly. And if that doesn’t work, I’ll pound his head into the ground until he talks.”
    “That’s my lil’ bro.” Denver laughed. “Dallas, you’re still up to bat to make sure Jessie stays safe.”
    “Happy to do it.” He vowed that not a hair on her head would be harmed.
    “Guys, don’t you think it would be best to not share more with Jessie until we know who’s behind this?”
    Phoenix and Jackson nodded.
    Until Dallas and his brothers knew who wanted Jessie out of the picture, he would keep the full truth from Jessie, even though he hated it.

    * * * *

    Dallas walked through the door of the Hotel Cactus and entered its lobby.
    Aunt Maude looked up and put down the phone’s receiver she was holding. “I was just about to call you.” She shook her head as if she’d just seen the Devil himself.
    “What’s wrong?”
    Just then, Jessie rushed down the stairs. Her makeup had run down her face. She must’ve been crying.
    The moment their eyes locked, she yelled, “You! Liar!”
    “That’s what’s wrong, nephew. Someone called her and told her about your family. The whole thing.”
    “Who the hell would do that?”
    “Don’t know. She just rang me from her room and asked me if it was true. I had to tell her. She deserved to know.”
    Fuck!
    “You’re an asshole, Dallas. All you Wilde brothers are assholes. Were all of you in on this? Even Austin?”
    “No. He didn’t know.”
    His aunt shook her head. “Let me give you two some space.”
    “Please, Maude. Stay. Everyone else in Wilde