“Alexis?” she asked again when her phone companion didn’t respond.

Alexis sighed. “I’m sorry, hon. I appreciate you thinking of me, and this has nothing to do with you. I know you’re a savvy businesswoman. But this isn’t the right opportunity for me. I’ve been burned by investments in Long Acre before. The location is too much of a challenge. I hate to say it, I really do, but that town will always be associated with one thing.”

The words fell like icicles into an already chilly river. “That’s not true. It’s been over a decade and—”

“I know it’s hard to see when you’re living there,” Alexis said, cutting her off with gentle firmness. “I know you love your town, but look hard. You’re in that market. You know what the real estate numbers look like. Tourist-based businesses are going to be even worse. It’s not a destination town. It may not be fair, but it is what it is.”

Kincaid’s fingers curled into the palm of her free hand. “No, it doesn’t have to be that way. There are other towns that have changed their image. Waco used to only be associated with a crazy cult and an infernal government screwup, but now it’s a popular city for people who want to refurbish old houses with shiplap.”

“Yes, but you don’t have a national TV show helping you out with the image. All you have is a documentary reminding people about the terrible thing that happened there,” Alexis said, pulling no punches.

Kincaid grumbled, suddenly regretting being part of that documentary—even if it had been for charity. “Let me change your mind. Come out and see the place.”

She could hear Alexis shift on the other end of the phone. “I’m sorry, Kincaid. I really am. Good luck with the project, and if you decide to expand out to Wilder, give me a call.”

Kincaid closed her eyes, pausing on the stairs to gather herself. “Thanks, Alexis. I appreciate you considering it in the first place.”

Alexis wished her luck again and ended the call.

Kincaid tipped her head back, giving the universe the evil eye for her no good, very bad day continuing, and dropped her phone into her purse. Alexis had been her last hope as an investor. She was going to have to back out of the deal, lose the house and the earnest money she put down, and risk the seller suing her to recoup the lost sale. She’d called a number of her business contacts over the last few days to see if any of them would be interested. A few had seemed mildly intrigued, but most had said no outright. The reasons had been the same. Long Acre was not a destination spot. It was a bad memory for the country. A scar.

She understood, but it also pissed her off. How could everyone write off a whole town because of what two damaged teenagers had done over a decade ago? Real people still lived here. Good people. Long Acre had tragedy, but it also had big blue skies, quaint little shops, and beautiful hills and vineyards nearby.