“…reputation of the prominent Austin ad executive continues to take a hit,” the anchor said.

“Two more major retail clients have officially cut ties with Sterling Advertising this afternoon.”

The screen cut to a clip of Richard trying to block a camera with his briefcase outside his office.

He looked old and defeated.

Valerie was behind him, shielding her face with a designer handbag.

Sarah came out of the kitchen, holding two mugs of tea.

“You really did it, Alex,” she said, handing me a mug.

“I just took what was mine,” I said.

“Well, the whole city knows it now,” Sarah said.

We sat on her couch and watched the report finish.

The warm tea tasted good, grounding me in the present moment.

My mind was already moving to the hills, to the smell of cedar and damp earth.

My father had always told me that the land would protect us if we treated it right.

He had been right.

I spent the evening organizing the paperwork Nathan had sent over.

The schematics of the modular home were laid out across Sarah’s dining table.