CHAPTER 48

Hargraves already had everything planned; I had already made plans with those men on how to rescue Charles. They would enjoy the moment, when they passed between the strip of solitude, that place was terrible, everyone was afraid of that part where the robberies and kidnappings of ladies normally took place. It was a stretch between two cities, totally dark, it was a valley that was in the middle of two large rocks, where the light didn't enter and the terrain was completely rocky, meaning that the stagecoaches and even the horses had to walk very slowly. It was a place where even the bravest mountie would be afraid to go alone. Even further along the curve of agony, that place where the crow sang, several crosses where the dead were buried, at least those who were lucky, as several human bones were lying there on the ground.

But Hargraves knew that even if the mountie retinue were well trained, they would be no match for his men. They would set traps, with stones making a small accident; when they were already in the stretch of solitude, causing the horses to get hurt and the prison stagecoach would break the axle, and so they would have to take shelter in the curve of agony, as it would be the only place, where there would be caves so they could shelter and protect themselves. At least they would think so... Hargraves laughed. He also knew that there would be his men, his traps and all those mounties, they would never leave there again.

But in addition to Charles Kensington III's money, Hargraves wanted more... And he knew that William Thatcher would pay a fortune to save his friend and almost millionaire son-in-law.

In Hamilton, William Thatcher received a mysterious call...

— Good morning, Mr William Thatcher;

- Who are you? William Thatcher spoke in his deep voice.

— I'm the one who can save Charles Kingston III from prison and still help him get his daughter Elizabeth Thatcher, I mean Elizabeth Thorton...

— She's not Thorton, she's a Thatcher! Willian shouted angrily.

— Sorry to disappoint you sir, but has she been Thorton for days, or didn't you do your homework and investigate? She married mountie Jack Thorton and they live happily in coal town. That's when Charles kidnapped her and tried to abuse his daughter, I mean... Ria Hargraves. He only tried to get what was rightfully his, after all his spoiled daughter should be married to a man like him, who could increase the family's wealth with this union. But then... He was caught in the act and arrested, and is currently being transferred to Hamilton for trial and a few years in prison. I've been working with him for days, I want a certain person for me, like he wants his daughter, and I want to end Jack Thorton and I want a lot of power and wealth.

- What's your price? Tell me, I'll pay double for you to save Charles. Willian didn't even think twice and immediately made this proposal.

They talked for a few more minutes. Hargraves told his plans and gave their value. This would only be to anger Charles at the hands of the mounties, but he would have to remain hidden, until Hargraves managed to make changes, falsifying information in Charles' police record. Willian would also send the money so that Charles would be well hidden and very well looked after. He wouldn't let his standard of living drop now, as Charles would go crazy without the good things in life.

—Is that all Hargraves?

— No, Mr. Willian. Listen carefully, if you or Charles report me, I will finish you off. Hargraves spoke seriously on the phone, that tycoon needed to know who he was.

— Calm down, young man... This will be a win-win for all sides. And so he hung up the phone.

Soon after, he called the bank and arranged all the money transfers. Willian was sure that this man would be of great help.

But there, hidden in the adjoining room, someone was lurking, listening to everything, that evil look of someone who has just gotten their trophy and that sinister smile was present on that face. Willian would have a big surprise when he heard that recording. That would make him a lot of money and put an end to the Thatcher. Besides, Charles would have no choice but to come running into his arms.

And so, Ju, left for her room, with the biggest smile ever seen, she was going to make Willian, the happiest man this afternoon. That way, she would never be one of the suspects when the recording surfaced. And for that, she already had a super sexy red corset in her closet, which she would wear that afternoon in her office and drive that man crazy with pleasure, and laughing she began to make her plans.