Yellowstone: Wind in the Smoke

The next day, Dante continued helping Kayce restore his ranch.

Thanks to systematic excavation work and yesterday's rain, the ground was moist and soft, allowing the recovery work to proceed smoothly.

Dante plowed the 120 square meters of land within the fence and applied fertilizer along the way.

After digging trenches one by one at intervals, he took a deep breath.

Digging holes wasn't exhausting, but the more meticulous process of excavating rows of trenches couldn't be rushed. The workload was significant and time-consuming.

Seeing the land slowly taking shape, he paused, wiped the sweat from his brow, and sat on a nearby wooden stake to rest.

After regaining some strength, he walked toward the truck where bags of seeds were stored.

Potatoes, strawberries, basil, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and marigolds.

These were crops suitable for planting in late spring. Not only could they meet daily dietary needs, but some could also fetch a good price.

He spread the seeds in rows along the trenches and covered them with fine soil using a hoe.

Since the seedlings in the orchard by the wooden house were growing well, he felt no need to thin them out, so this time, he planted them more densely.

"Dante, does Dad know you're here?"

"He's got enough trouble with those complaints to worry about trivial things like this." Dante set aside what he was doing and sat on a massive log.

Kayce glanced at him and asked, "Have you ever had trouble with that business of yours?"

"I'm not an idiot, Kayce. If I'm calm here, it's because I handle things very well out there." Dante was cautious and wouldn't let trivialities distract him, especially when his business was illegal.

He also knew that if he wanted to protect his family, involving them in his business would be a significant problem—especially now that Kayce was aware of it.

"Won't your wife ask questions about this ranch? You'll need solid arguments to explain why you'll be living here from now on." Dante, ever observant, knew that his brother's wife could be a challenge.

"I have a plan. I'll simply tell her that this ranch will be under my care and, in exchange, they'll let us live here." Kayce had thought this through and had an answer ready.

"Taking care of this ranch for someone else? That sounds fine, but better tell her you'll be working on this ranch to care for high-value horses for my company." Dante had a better idea and genuinely needed someone to take care of his horses.

Kayce looked at Dante and asked, "Now you're interested in horses?"

"There are mountains where even off-road vehicles can't pass. A horse is a man's best vehicle in Montana, and I hope my workers understand that."

A smile returned to Kayce's face, and he said, "I'll do whatever you want, little brother."

As the brothers talked, a call came through to Dante's rarely used satellite phone.

"Sheriff?" Dante was intrigued by what the man might want from him.

When he answered the call, Donnie's voice came through. "Dante, we have bad news."

"What's the problem?" Dante stood up and walked a bit farther from his brother.

"It seems your father had an accident..."

Hearing these words, Dante lowered the phone. Yes, he had been naive to think his family's enemies would sit idly by without getting what they wanted.

"Got it. Thanks for the update." Dante ended the call shortly after and called William. "Any news?"

"We're investigating whether it was an accident or an assassination attempt."

"Send me the location."

Kayce, noticing that something was wrong, approached and asked, "What's the problem?"

"It seems Dad had an accident. Are you coming?" Dante knew there was no need to ask.

"I'll drive," Kayce said, quickly running toward the truck.