Yellowstone: Wind in the Smoke

When they arrived at the accident site, they were met with overturned machinery, a large construction area, and their father lying ahead with his face covered in blood.

Dante's expression was calm, but no one should mistake his serenity for indifference.

"Kayce, make sure they take our father to a hospital for a full-body checkup." Dante gave the instruction as he approached Donnie, who was examining the lifeless body of the driver.

When Sheriff Donnie locked eyes with Dante, a chill ran down his spine. Quickly, he stepped forward to provide some comfort. "He's dead."

"Yes, just a poor fool who'll leave his family behind for a chance to make a little money," Dante said, lifting the blanket covering the deceased driver.

"Dante, you…" Donnie looked up, surprise written across his face.

"This was an assassination attempt, Donnie. Have you investigated which company owns this truck? The whole damned world wants my family's land. This was only a matter of time." Dante pulled the dead man's wallet from his pocket, handed it to Donnie, and said, "Since this man is gone, I won't harm his family. But I want to know if they were aware of his actions—just as a precaution."

Dante paused before continuing, "At this point, I have to ask you something. How many officers are on my payroll?"

In that moment, Donnie realized something was very wrong. The man standing before him wasn't merely dangerous—he was the underworld itself.

Previously, Donnie had thought of Dante as a shady figure with ties to the criminal world. But now, seeing the man's presence, it felt as though Dante was the criminal world.

Just then, three pitch-black SUVs arrived and parked on the side of the road.

"Your answer?" Dante's gaze locked on Donnie, demanding a response.

"Everyone here," Donnie finally admitted, not daring to meet Dante's eyes.

At that moment, Dante's demeanor was as deep and unreadable as a lake. Donnie couldn't begin to guess what was going on in his mind. The weight of Dante's presence pressed on him, making it hard to breathe.

"Good. Crocodile will provide you with the details." Dante glanced toward the SUVs as armed men began stepping out.

They were equipped with high-caliber weapons and bulletproof vests, quickly surrounding the area.

"Here's the money."

Dante looked to William, who handed a briefcase full of cash to Donnie. "Make sure the bodyguards follow the ambulance transporting my father. Kill anyone who dares harm him."

"Understood."

"Dante, this might be a mistake…" Donnie's voice was low, afraid that provoking Dante might cost him his life.

"Are you suggesting I shouldn't protect my family? Why?" Dante's stare pinned Donnie in place. "You barely understand the enemies circling my family, all trying to sink their claws into a piece of our pie. Don't tell me not to secure my family's safety. They tried to take my father's life; I'll take something important from them in return."

Although Dante spoke with conviction, he believed himself to be merciful—at least for now.

"But sending those men to guard your father draws too much attention," Donnie argued, his role as sheriff compelling him to reason with Dante, who was clearly boiling with rage.

"Those men? They're private contractors, under my orders and within the law."

"What?" Donnie was stunned by the revelation.

"I said those men work for me. They're authorized to carry that weaponry, so you have nothing to worry about," Dante said calmly. He glanced at Kayce, who stood in the distance, his expression conveying everything he wanted to say.

"Then I suppose it's fine," Donnie relented.

"My men will be discreet in their protection. I'm not foolish enough to draw unnecessary attention."

"Yes, that would be ideal."

"Take the money, pay your officers, and make it clear who their boss is from now on. Anything important involving my family must be reported immediately. If I find out you're lying to me, prepare for the consequences."

As Dante walked away, Donnie stared at the black briefcase in his hands, murmuring, "A deal with the devil…"

…

Kayce approached Dante. "He doesn't want to go to a hospital. I told him it's what you want, but he has no intention of leaving a paper trail."

"Go home. I'll handle it," Dante replied, meeting his brother's gaze.

"Who attacked Dad?"

"Those who want a piece of the ranch. But that's not your concern right now. Since you're no longer with the family, stay out of this. I'll handle everything myself." Dante had no patience for his brother's questions or complaints.

Kayce glanced at the armed men nearby. Their positioning and demeanor suggested they were ex-military. "Are you going to use them?"

"It's too much for them. This requires something worse than a violation," Dante said, shaking his head as he handed Kayce the truck keys to leave.

"What are you going to do?"

"Isn't it obvious? Protect my family."

Kayce turned to William and asked, "Was this an assassination attempt?"

"Paradise Valley is a land development company based in California. Dan Jenkins oversees the Bozeman operations. Their sights are set on the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, intending to acquire the land to build condominiums," William explained.

He paused before continuing, "Since they've encountered numerous obstacles trying to acquire Yellowstone—especially with John Dutton refusing to give up his land—they now want him out of the way."

"That's…"

"Of course, we'll take care of it. You don't need to worry."