The Rightful Heir by Angel Moore Page A

economy?”
    â€œI do. With the resources and business experience of Mr. Warren and Mr. Willis pooled, there would be no end to what they could accomplish. If any member of your family were to run for public office, you’d most likely succeed. You could influence the direction of the future development of Pine Haven.”
    Mary Lou almost dropped her jaw. Where had this line of questioning come from? She wanted a piece about a lovely couple. Jared was turning it into a political and economic article. His grandfather had never done stories like that, nor had she. If she could get him out of this meeting without making enemies of two of her dear friends, she’d be relieved.
    She directed her comments to Jasmine. “The readers care about the people of Pine Haven. They loved the reception your father hosted to honor your sister, Lily, and her marriage to Edward.” To Jared she added, “The entire community was invited. It was the finest event we’d seen in a long time. There was delicious food and dancing. The hotel was decorated beautifully, too.”
    Doc Willis smiled at Jasmine. Again. “That’s where we met.”
    Relieved that the couple followed her to a less controversial topic, Mary Lou asked several questions about the upcoming wedding.
    Jared ate his lunch and listened with every indication of attention.
    When the meal was over, and the cake was eaten, the four parted ways in the hotel lobby. Jared held the door open for Mary Lou to precede him onto the porch. As soon as Jasmine rode off in the direction of the Circle W and Evan closed the door of his doctor’s office in the building next to the hotel, Mary Lou poked a finger into the center of Jared’s chest.
    â€œWhat were you thinking? You could have ruined the very good friendship that I enjoy with the two of them. Why did you want to pry into their personal business? And to suggest they run for office! That is making a story where there is none.”
    He narrowed his eyes and tilted his chin down to meet her gaze. “It’s not about sparing personal relationships. The Record is a newspaper. And your small-town approach will not help it succeed in the fast-changing world we live in. It’s not 1855. We are approaching a new century. The world won’t stand still while we tell cute stories about pretty dresses and fancy cakes. The only chance you have of making an impact on the community should not be wasted on frivolity.”
    He hadn’t raised his voice but he’d threatened her very way of life with every word.
    She had to stand her ground. “Your grandfather would have approved the story I intend to write.”
    â€œThen you better do a bang-up job. It may be among the last stories you write for the Record .” Jared jammed his hat on his head and left her standing there.

Chapter Seven
    J ared rode out to the Double Star Ranch and met with Tucker and Daisy Barlow after breakfast on Thursday morning. The visit proved to be informative. As he suspected, most of the farmers and ranchers who called Pine Haven home would appreciate more news on the markets in the Record. The railroad had only come to town the year before. Things were changing rapidly. He hoped Mary Lou would see the need to stay ahead of the times.
    He rode back into town in the afternoon and stopped in front of the general store. He tied Noel and, as he went up the steps, Doc Willis came out of the store.
    â€œAfternoon, Doc.”
    â€œHello, Mr. Ivy.”
    â€œCall me Jared. I’m starting to feel like an old man. Everyone in town calls me Mr. Ivy.”
    Doc Willis chuckled. “It’s a close-knit community. They’ll warm up to you. Unless they feel like you’re trying to come in and put Miss Ellison in the street. That poor woman had a rough life before your grandfather took her in. He was good to her.” He paused. “And she was good to him. Loved him like her own.”
    â€œI