Ride It

Chapter 19

Bentley's POV

I lay Bea down and watch her cuddle into the blankets, fast asleep. She must have been tired after the emotional roller coaster of a ride she'd been through today.

She is something. I sigh and run a hand through my hair.

Now that I think about it, the Langston family hasn't been involved much in the town's affairs ever since our parents died. Our authority dwindled because I was too obsessed with Macy's disappearance. Jack wasn't interested in socializing with the townsfolk, and Cash preferred traveling outside town.

We became divided, discarding the family's legacy and allowing others to stick their toes into what's ours.

The mayor position has always been held by someone close to the Langston family, but Herbert took over in the last election.

The Beauregards seem to be slowly taking over the town, but I never paid mind to it until now. It didn't matter to me if I couldn't find evidence to prosecute them, but it seems like that was my mistake.

There's too much going on in this town.

Something isn't right, and I'm confident the Beauregards are the problem. I need to nip them in the bud before they grow even further, but I'll need the help of my brothers.

I'm the one who owns the ranch and controls all the Langston businesses. However, Cash is the one with the connections and networking capabilities to get us back into the good graces of the townsfolk. He'll know what to do as someone currently enrolled in law school.

I can't take this lying down.

I clench my fists as I leave the room and go downstairs to my office. To blatantly chase a woman in the streets in broad daylight is bold, but not a smart move.

I have to thank Jason for that one.

My lips quirk upwards as I take up my cell and dial the town hall.

"Hello, this is the town hall. How can I help you?"

"This is Bentley Langston. Connect me to the mayor."

"Oh! Mr. Langston! I'm so sorry, but the mayor is currently i-"

"I'm not asking. Connect me to the mayor or I will make a trip down there and connect him myself. I don't think he'll appreciate being dragged by the collar, so let him know I'm waiting."

My voice is firm. I'm not speaking as Bentley, but as a Langston, and in this town, our authority is above all else.

The line goes silent for a few seconds before I hear some brief shuffling. "Uh, give me one moment, please."

I lean against the wall and wait.

Someone knocks on the door, and I remember I had locked it. I keep the phone to my ear and go out to see who it is.

I spot Pug's head through the window on the door and open the door to let him in. Before he can say anything, I gesture to the phone and point at the living room.

"Wait there. Let me handle this first." Then I leave him and go back into my office for some privacy.

A minute or two later, the line finally picks up again.

A deep male voice says, "Hello? This is Mayor Beauregard speaking."

"Herbert," his name scorches my tongue.

"Mr. Langston," he says in surprise. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"I hear your cousin is currently scaring the townsfolk and chasing girls around the town." I drawl lazily.