Whisper In The Wind

"Well, dad, at least I know I have a heart."

Caitlin glanced towards Scott wondering if the words Forrester spoke were true. Had Scott Mackay fallen in love with her? If so, then she had broken his heart. This has been one crazy mixed up situation. She looked again and saw the two scowling at one another. Though these men shared a last name, that's where the unity ended. Nothing but animosity held them together. "Hard to believe I'm related. Mr. MacKay's dad and my grandfather were brothers." The family resemblance was there, green, almond-shaped eyes that spoke authority and arrogance. High cheekbones and a worldly attitude, but this man had no couth.

Forrester's cynical laugh echoed throughout the open land and then he turned his attention to Caitlin. "Big business is tough, young lady. Marshall had the power and strength to stand up to me, but not you. Here's my plan, which my son was supposed to propose. I'll give you $150,000."

"It's not for sale." Caitlin planted her feet, kept her arms by her side and never wavered. There was no price to get her to sell. The determined look etched in Forrester's brow had her wishing for Garrett's help. Why did she ever think she could do this without him? Deep, calm breaths helped her find an inner peace and strength to continue this battle.

"I didn't want to resort to drastic measures, but you left me no choice." Forrester pulled out his pistol and aimed it at Caitlin's heart.

"Where does killing me leave you?" She tried hard not to show fear, despite her legs trembling.

"The land goes up for auction. I win."

His words relaxed her enough to laugh and move closer to him. "If you believe the people around here will let you win, you are more stupid than I imagined. Don't let their good nature fool you. They detest scum like you." Caitlin heard a gasp, but refused to look at Scott.

The safety clicked and Caitlin froze with fear. Before she had a chance to think, Scott moved in front of her. "Leave her alone, Dad. You don't need this land. You only want it to prove a point that has long since died. Go home."

Forrester MacKay laughed, but kept the gun pointed on Scott. "What makes you think I won't kill both of you?"

"Go ahead. According to you I'm worthless. Why keep me around?"

"I raised you from the time you were a baby." The gun went into the holster. "I always thought of you as my son. We were going to conquer the world. What happened to that dream?"