“What do you mean the tests haven’t come back yet?” Mitchell snarled as he glared out the window of the plane. Clean tests were the only way to thwart the ridiculous claims he’d manipulated funds. Why in the hell would he sabotage his own company? The rather terse phone call from Tom Willis, a member of the Board of Directors who up until this had remained on the fence, his support of Mitchell conditional. Tom’s warnings were crystal clear. Fix the issue at hand and quickly or leave the premises and his job permanently. He rubbed his eyes. Everything was getting way out of control.

“Jesus Christ, Mitchell. Dani sent them to us late yesterday. I can’t just crack a whip and expect we’ll be pushed to the top of the list,” Camden rebutted, his tone full of indignation. “We don’t want any additional red flags raised.”

He wasn’t in the mood for any bullshit. After checking the stock that morning, his fears were turning into nightmares. At least the call from his attorney had been promising. The cops were only sniffing, trying to determine if there was any issue. “I get it but we need to know what we’re dealing with. Pay them more money and do so quietly. I don’t care. We need those results today.”

Sighing, he grumbled under his breath. “I know you’re on edge. Hell, we all are. I had a curious email from a newspaper reporter sitting in my inbox when I arrived this morning.”

Mitchell fisted his hand and stole a look at Dani. She’d basically gone out of her way to ignore him through breakfast and the first part of the plane ride. What the hell had he done wrong? “I’ll handle the press when I get back. Just keep track of the tests. Okay?’

“I will. Did Dani give you her thoughts on what’s wrong?” Camden asked.

“She’s working on a report as we speak. I’ll let you know when we land so you can set up a mandatory management meeting. Keep everything as quiet as you can until then.” Mitchell was absolutely going to stay close mouthed. Whoever was leaking information seemed to have a gilded highway.

“I’ll do my best. Did you actually visit the drill site?”

“Of course. We both did.” Mitchell couldn’t figure out what in God’s name she must be thinking. He was very happy she was so dedicated, but this was out of the ordinary.

“What did you think of the oil?”

He thought about the question. “I might be crazy, but I don’t think there’s a damn thing wrong with the product. Even the roughnecks were curious as to why we were there.” The rigs that were shut down seemed fine, although he’d noticed an odd smell in the samples they’d collected. “I don’t know what to think.”

“Then why the concern? Did you ever think about the fact you might have been pushed into a wild goose chase?” Camden’s question was met with a deep sigh.

“I’ve thought about everything, but who would go to such lengths to create a ruse?”

“Someone who wanted you away from Dallas for a few hours perhaps?”

Mitchell had no idea what they could be looking for. The office was filled with his employees. His house was locked tight, plus he had a ranching staff to look over the estate. “I don’t know what to think. I’ll keep your idea in mind.”

If you’ve pissed off the Indian spirts, they will get even.

Hissing, Mitchell shoved away the thought.

“Just food for thought. We’ll talk more when you get back.”

After ending the call, Mitchell was ready to toss the phone. Throwing a tantrum wasn’t going to help the situation or save his company. Only the results and some powerful publicity might do the trick. He eased back in the seat and sipped his Bloody Mary. While he wasn’t usually a morning drinker, after the intense round of sex the night before, he needed a primer. He studied her tense form, the way she hovered over her laptop, and sighed. They’d been so close, the night spent together until the wee hours of the morning. Whatever had occurred after he left her room, he might never know, but she was out of sorts. “How’s the report?”

After a full two minutes, she looked up at him, her expression bland. “Almost finished. I take it nothing on the tests?”

“Unfortunately not, however Camden will push hard.”

Dani nodded and went back to her report, her fingers flying on the keyboard.

He glanced down at his email, determined to get some work done on the trip. When he was unable to concentrate, he eased out of the seat and moved closer, sitting down just in front of her. “Is something wrong?”

“Wrong?” she asked without looking up.

“Yes, wrong. You’ve been on edge this morning.”

“On edge?”

“Are you going to keep repeating my questions?” Mitchell shook his head. When she remained silent, he resisted getting angry. “Dani, talk to me. What happened? Did I do something wrong? Did I hurt you?”

Her fingers continued to fly.

If he hadn’t noticed the slight tic in the corner of her mouth, he would have sworn she hadn’t heard him. Reaching out, he placed his hand on hers, stopping her action. “Dani.”

While she didn’t jerk out of his grasp, she did slide her hand away from his then tilted her head. Her eyes cold and unforgiving, she exhaled before speaking. “Mr. Rush. I appreciate the trip, the clothes and the lovely dinner.”

“But?”

“No buts. That’s just the case. I appreciate sharing time with you, but we will never become intimate again. Am I clear?”

The words hit him like a ton of bricks. “What are you talking about? At least tell me what’s going on?”

“You left. I get the score. I’m just your usual conquest. I’m certain there have been many. However, I refuse to be a number. I have far more respect for myself than you obviously do for me. Now, please allow me to finish this report before we land.”

Mitchell was stunned, completely taken aback. While he hadn’t anticipated they’d be lovey dovey given what they were facing, to have the compete brush off was unexpected. “I left because I thought you’d want some time to yourself. I wanted to stay with you, wake up and share an amazing morning making love.”

She exhaled her answer.

“Dani. Come on. Be honest with me. What’s really going on?”

She gave him one more look. “We didn’t make love. We had sex. Nothing more. I’m your employee. Period.”

Gutted, Mitchell nodded and inhaled as he wiped his mouth. If this was the way she wanted to play the situation, fine. He wasn’t going to beg any woman. Ever. Anger furrowing just below the surface, he did as she asked and left her very much alone, sulking as he answered emails and prepared a statement for the press. The damn reporters were going to get his wrath.

They landed a little over an hour later, the driver ready and waiting.

He opened her door and was met with a contrite expression even behind her sunglasses. Even in her jeans and tee-shirt, the woman was formidable. Perhaps she was getting into an act, priming for the conference with the rest of the employees. Whatever the reason, he was shutting down, refusing to allow her misguided thoughts to interfere just yet. Business came first. The thought made him groan. He slammed the door closed and looked up at the sky, unable to get a sickening feeling out of his stomach. Time for his game face.

The driver pulled up in front of the office building and as expected, dozens of people flanked the front entrance, rushing toward the vehicle the moment it pulled into the circle. Christ. This was unusual even given the subject matter.

“Wow,” Dani managed, her face grim.

“Somebody must have called them, I wonder who. This could get ugly. Just stay behind me and I’ll answer what questions I think are necessary,” Mitchell said as he turned toward her, his smile genuine.

Dani gathered her things, merely nodding as her door was opened. The moment she stepped outside, she dipped her head back inside. “Remember, I can take very good care of myself.”

When the door was slammed, he snorted before exiting the car. If she was playing hardball, he wasn’t in the mood. He smoothed back his hair, plastered on a smile and slid out of the car, rising to his full height. He greeted every reporter he knew by name, shaking hands and waving to those who were too far in the background.

“Mr. Rush. What can you tell us about the rumor regarding the oil fields once owned by Steele and Sons?”

“Mr. Rush. Is there any truth to the rumor that you have a saboteur on your hands?”

“Mr. Rush. How are your employees reacting to the possibility of losing their jobs?”

The questions came fast and furious, the majority pissing him the hell off. If he didn’t know better, he’d swear the questions had been given to them, edgy and spot on. He moved to the top of the concrete stairs, Dani just behind him. “Ladies and gentlemen. I’m happy to answer a few questions today, however I will have to ask you to refrain from succumbing to the rumor mill. You know me. I don’t wallow in bullshit or horse manure.”

The reporters laughed, as he’d expected them to and even though Dani raked her nails across his arm, he continued. His way. “Look. Rumors are just that. Rumors. We may have an issue at the Steele site, but I won’t know that until tests are confirmed. However, I can assure you that the jobs and livelihood of my employees aren’t in question here in any way. The Steele fields are not my only rodeo. Just give me some time to get to the bottom of the truth. That’s all I ask.”

Mitchell flashed his toothy grin, the one that usually worked when he spoke publicly. He hadn’t needed his prepared speech, just yet anyway. The reporters weren’t out to crucify him at this point. That would come later.

“Mr. Rush. Are you worried?” the pretty blond reporter asked.

“Of course, I’m worried. That’s what business owners do. They worry about those they care about, whether in business or in pleasure,” Mitchell answered and hadn’t realized he’d tipped his head toward Dani until the reporters latched onto her presence.

“Are you helping Mr. Rush with this issue?”

“Are you his administrative assistant?’

“Are you Mr. Rush’s girlfriend?”

The last question got a rise from Dani and even though Mitchell held up his hand, stopping the questions at least momentarily, she still came forward. When she pushed her way past, he gingerly took her arm and whispered. “Don’t. You don’t need to get in the middle of this.”

She gave him a death glare before following his lead, smiling to the crowd. When she spoke, she had an air of confidence, a formidable yet pleasant and very soothing voice.

“Thank you all for coming. Mr. Rush and I are delighted to get you as much information as we can. To answer your questions, I did accompany Mr. Rush to the site. I’m a new employee, my specialty is in petroleum so I’m looking for discrepancies, toxic substances and any other indication that there might be a problem. I assure you. I’m not his girlfriend nor will I ever be, but I am someone who will get to the bottom of this, rumor. Or. Truth.” Dani looked from one to another of the men and women, who were now eating out of her hand.

Mitchell took a step back, holding back his desire to issue a high five. Then again, her words were also cutting to him given her exaggerated statement. She was drawing a line in the sand.

And all he could think about was commanding her, dominating her and making the incredible woman his. After all, he was falling hard and fast.

* * *

Dani gave one last fake smile before heading inside and away from Mitchell. She walked quickly toward the elevators, determined to have some time alone. Her heart racing, she wiped beads of perspiration from her brow as anger and sadness bridged the surface. She wanted nothing more than to have a conversation with Mitchell, explain why she couldn’t see him, fuck him or anything else for that matter.

Perhaps she’d been hurt when she’d turned over in bed, expecting to snuggle with his warm and sexy body. Instead, finding a cold and empty bed explained with no words needed what she meant to him. She was just a damn number, a notch on his belt. She’d allowed her guard to be ripped away, exposing her soft and gooey center. She was the fool, but never again.

She pushed the elevator button once, twice, then slapped her hand on the highlighted number as she cursed under her breath. At least the reporters seemed to have taken her seriously. When they found out what she suspected was going on, they’d have a field day. Whew. What about Mitchell? He had no idea what he was facing. While she couldn’t be certain, she had more than enough evidence to back her theory and then some. She just needed the tests to confirm. Right now, trust was her main concern. Perhaps being an outsider has its perks.

When Garcia Santos had taken her aside, whispering details of several sordid events shoved under the rug prior to the purchase, she listened without commenting. What could she say after all? She’d purposely left a significant portion of her conversation with the terrified man out. Granted, she doubted Mitchell had any idea. If he did, she would resign, unable to work for a man who cared so little about life. Her head was as muddled as her emotional state. The question mixed with her concerns regarding his personal life were too much to bear.

Ping!

Dani felt a presence behind her and she didn’t need to turn around to know who was skipping hot breath across her neck and shoulder. Mitchell. He refused to be denied. She held her head high as she stepped into the cold, steel box, now thrilled she was wearing rugged attire, including her boots. She was taking zero shit today.

“You handled yourself very well,” Mitchell said as he leaned against the back wall and a full three feet away from her.

“Thank you. I learned a long time ago that you need to give them enough for a good feed, then leave crumbs along the way. Reporters won’t become voracious snakes if you do.”

“Said like a woman who knows her shit.”

She heard his deep and sensuous laugh, could smell the same cologne that had covered her body, yet she swallowed and maintained her stance. He was a man and her boss. Nothing more. “I worked on the marketing and publicity statements at my last job. No one else could put two creative and coherent words together.”

He burst out laughing. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

When the elevator doors opened, the faces attached to the employees walking by were certainly different than the one the day before. They were looking straight at her. Staring at her. They wanted to eat her alive. Why? Because she’d been selected for a trip with the boss? If only they knew what had occurred. “Where are we meeting?”

“The small conference room. Just the executive staff. I don’t need but so many people in the company hearing the details,” Mitchell said quietly as they walked down the hall.

“That’s wise. We need to keep this meeting short and sweet considering there are no test results,” she offered.

“What do you know that you’re not telling me?” He gripped her arm, pulling her against a bank of windows.

Dani looked from right to left before speaking. “Be careful, Mr. Rush. The walls have ears and you need to watch your back.”

“Are you insinuating one of my employees is purposely sabotaging the operation?”

“I’m not insinuating anything. I’m making suggestions based on what little I know at this time. My gut is talking. Please heed my words.”

“You mean your warning,” he said under his breath.

“Yes.” When all the color drained from his face, she wanted nothing more than to cup his face, kiss his lips, but she kept her arms wrapped around her briefcase. “Short and sweet. Just act as if nothing is wrong. Okay?”

Mitchell studied her for a full minute before speaking. “All right. I’ll trust you, but you and I need to talk openly at some point. Do you understand?”

Even in the business setting, his voice and words were commanding and she was wet, her pussy clenching. Blinking, she looked away as if concerned about a nearby employee. “Of course. One more suggestion.”

“Okay.”

“Have whatever company you hired send only you and I the results of my testing.” She looked him directly in the eyes. Seeing confusion, she nodded in reassurance. “Just cautious.”

“Fine. I can make certain that happens. Now let’s get this over with.”

Dani had a split second to look inside the man’s soul. What she saw scared her to death. He was hurt. He was hiding behind a mask. And there was something else. She noticed love. But for whom? There had to be another girl in the picture. Of course, there was. The man was nothing but a player. Swallowing hard, she followed him into the room, determined to just get through the meeting and the rest of the day. She noticed Marisha’s approach, the woman’s smile pleasant but her body language indicated she was tense. Another pang of guilt riddled her system. What if Mitchell had been lying about the end of their relationship?

“Hey, you two. Nicely done outside,” Marisha said as she looked from Mitchell to Dani. She kept her eyes pinned on Dani when she issued her next sentence. “Mitchell, we’ll need to discuss how you want to approach the entire company. You need a formal statement to the staff as well as for various emails. There’s also been several calls from Board members this morning.”

Mitchell nodded and kept his voice low. “I’ll handle the Board after the meeting with the management team. As far as the employees, I’m certain you’ve already prepared a dandy statement for me?”

Marisha smiled and pressed down his shirt. “You know me too well. Of course.”

Dani noticed the touch was far too intimate, a closeness you only had with a lover or spouse. She held her tongue. Now wasn’t the time to unleash any level of fury.

“All right. We’ll meet and go over that in thirty minutes or so. This won’t take long.”

“Perfect.” Marisha started to walk away then turned. “Dani, we’re all glad you’re here. You’re good for this company.”

The compliment seemed genuine, allowing Dani to smile. “Thank you.”

Marisha nodded and took long strides down the hallway.

“Let’s get this over with,” Mitchell said as he took Dani’s elbow.

“Welcome back you two. I hope you have some good news for us,” Camden said as he smiled and greeted them at the door to the conference room.

“We have some thoughts,” Mitchell said as he strode inside. “However, nothing is going to matter until the additional test results come back.”

The man was now wearing his game face and in truth, Dani was impressed with the way he handled the press. He showed confidence and caring. Two things that could be faked easily. Once again, she stood behind him as he spoke. Only this time, she observed, watching eye movements and hand gestures, any twitches or subtle emotions. Red flags were raised high, flying in the wind.

Dani had no doubt in her mind. Someone close to him was out to destroy everything he’d worked for. She might be the only one to find out who before it was too late.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for dropping everything to meet with Ms. Montgomery and myself. As you may have heard, there has been some concern about the newly purchased fields near El Paso. I share in your concern but we don’t want to jump to conclusions just yet. There may well be a few issues, but we’re unable to discern just if and how many at this point. I’ve called you all together to make certain we’re all on the same page. I’ll issue a formal statement to the employees within the hour, one you can all use. Do not go off the page at this point,” Mitchell stated as he walked from one end of the conference room to the other.

She slunk against the wall, aware there were daggers for eyes glaring at her. She was the new girl and why in the hell had she been appointed to such an important situation and with the boss no less? Sighing, she continued her observations, keeping her expression blank.

“Are the rumors true?” a gentleman from the front asked.

“Tom, I’ve heard several rumors so not entirely certain which ones you’re referring to; however, I don’t believe the situation is as dire as led to believe.” Mitchell gave her an offhanded look.

“Then what do you think we’re facing?” a woman asked, her face pensive.

Mitchell gave her another look as if encouraging her to step forward. “Marcy, I think we’re facing a limited crisis, but one in which will require basic conversations to the other employees. They don’t need to know any details until we know what we’re dealing with. And as always, I’m the only one who can talk to the press. Ms. Montgomery, do you have anything to add?”

Dani hesitated before stepping forward. If her thoughts were a reality, she didn’t want to tip her hand just yet. “Thank you, Mr. Rush. As you heard, I visited the site yesterday and I’m not convinced we do have a crisis. In fact, I’m not certain we have an outstanding issue with the oil production at all.” You bet the look on Mitchell’s face was one of curiosity as well as disdain.

“Then what do you think we’re dealing with?” Tom’s question was smug.

“Tom? That’s your name?” she asked, her smile saccharin sweet.

“Yes,” he stated and shook his head.

Dani walked closer until she was only a few inches from the man, who was seated just to the right of the head chair—Mitchell’s chair. She’d observed almost glee in his eyes, as if he knew something no one else did. She leaned over the table, palming the surface. “Tom. I’m certain you’ve been in the business for quite a while. As you know, there are many ways tests can be faked, even samples contaminated. It’s my understanding that Mr. Rush has many enemies. I’m here to help determine if this is the case and if so, we will eradicate the saboteur.” The words hung in the air. She remained unblinking, studying Tom’s reaction, then eased back, giving Mitchell a heated look.

“Thank you, Ms. Montgomery. That’s all we have for today. As soon as the new results are studied, I’ll let you know. In the meantime, business as usual.” Mitchell walked out of the room before anyone had a chance at asking another question.

Dani waited a perfunctory amount of time before exiting and scurried down the hall toward her office. She certainly hadn’t made any friends during her testimonial. The moment she stepped into her office, the door was shut behind her with a hard thud. Whipping around, seeing Mitchell’s dark eyes made her swallow. Hard.

“What was that?” he asked, keeping his voice low.

“I was laying the cards on the table.”

“As if you know what those cards hold.”

Shrugging, she controlled her nerves and stood her ground. “There’s nothing wrong with those oil fields other than a quick dump of a chemical that would cause inflated test results. Didn’t you notice the management team seemed befuddled while the roughnecks and riggers were perfectly calm, going about their work as if nothing was wrong?”

He opened his mouth as if to retort then raised a single eyebrow. “Very observant. You really think this is about a cover up given your conversation with Mr. Santos?”

“No doubt, but we won’t know for certain until the results. By the way, I kept two samples.” She dangled the carrot, unsure of how he would react.

“What?” He took a step forward.

She nodded. “I think it’s best that I send out another sample to a lab you’ve never dealt with before.”

“The idea is a good one, but why didn’t you tell me?” the tone was demanding yet Mitchell half smiled.

“I wanted you to walk into that room without knowing.” Dani glanced at the floor to ceiling window leading to the hallway and walked closer. “If someone is out to get you, they can’t be working alone. The risk is too great plus the tasks needed to complete something of this nature would require more than one person.”

Mitchell rubbed his eyes. “I can’t believe I have more than one person in my company out to destroy everything, including my reputation. I can’t believe there’s even one.” He looked away, his brow furrowed.

“What about Nash Waters? Didn’t you say he came from Steele?”

“Camden checked him out thoroughly. The man is good at his job.”

“But you had no idea of his existence. I understand you don’t handle the hiring, but employing someone from Steele? That’s an interesting risk. You said it yourself, you wondered why Mr. Steele retired. Are there truly sons?”

“There are but from what I understand, the three kids wanted nothing to do with daddy’s business. I hear he was a tough man.”

She noticed his eyes clouding, as if remembering his own father. “Easily checked out. I have no idea about the terms of the sale, perhaps everything was rosy, but if not, that’s something for you to consider.”

“Dani, this might not be an act of sabotage. This may be merely a natural situation.”

“Do you really believe that?”

“You really believe that someone from this office is to blame for what’s going on and that this person is using my purchase of Steele, either blackmailing or buying off help, don’t you?” Mitchell snapped. “You’re jumping to conclusions.”

Dani held out her hand. “Perhaps you’re right. I have no proof, but my gut tells me this is a treacherous game. Mr. Waters seemed legit to me, however you need to check out his background as well as check on Mr. Steele’s sons. I hope I’m wrong. I really do, but if I’m not and you wait, it may be too late.”

Mitchell exhaled and nodded. “Understood and good advice.”

“Time to rule out anyone involved, but first things first.”

“The results.”

“The results.”

He walked toward her window, peering out at the parking lot. “I’m no fool. I realize that there are plenty of men and women who would love to be in my seat. Hell, backstabbing is a way of life in the oil business. I honestly never thought I’d be in this position, not after everything I’ve given to the employees. If this is a matter of subterfuge, then I have to believe we’re talking from an outside source. There is little we can do but wait and go about our business.” He turned toward her. “I do agree we can’t be too cautious. Can you have the results checked quietly from someone who doesn’t know me or my competitors?”

“I have a source back in Baltimore that I trust implicitly, but my guess is it’ll take a couple of days.” At least he was taking this seriously.

“Do it. Do whatever you need and pay this source anything necessary to find the truth.” He turned to face her. “I don’t like being played and I refuse to be a patsy for anyone or anything.”

“Agreed.” She hesitated, unsure if she should open up about the final piece of her conversation with Garcia. Time to play her hand.

“What is it?”

Dani rubbed her finger back and forth across her lower lip. “Were you aware that several men died at the Steele site prior to purchase?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I heard from a source the rigging practices were rushed, safety measures ignored and several men died, Indian men. If that’s the truth, imagine what the press will do with that information. Garcia shut the conversation down the moment Nash walked into the room. I honestly believe he was fearful of retaliation.” She could see his wheels turning.

“Goddamn it. I knew the sale was too good to be true. The man was always at odds with my father. When I came on board, old man Steele actually made a statement that he’d run Rush into the ground in front of dozens of people. A few years later, we’re on the bid list. If anyone died on that site, I’m going to ruin that man.”

“I doubt anyone has solid proof, but this could be a motive.”

“Sadly, very true. Maybe that’s the very reason Steele sold the company. He got out before the shit hit the fan.” Mitchell tilted his head back. “What in the hell did I get myself into?”

“Mitchell, I know very little about the culture, but my guess is that Texas is still infused with stories of ancient Gods. Men of various cultures are extremely superstitious. That can be used as a tool to keep people in line if nothing else.” She noticed a flash in his eyes, more haunted than angry. What was he hiding?

“Ancient Gods. You’re dead on about superstitions. They rule certain cultures, especially in the Western half of the US.” He walked toward the window, palming the glass and sighed. “You know, I would never have purchased the fields without having every safety measure checked. I know they were done. My bet is the employees fear for their lives.”

She nodded and folded her arms. “No one would have talked about this if they were in fear. Mr. Steele might have swept everything under the rug, which is why they didn’t surface during your due diligence meetings. Then again, this may be a rumor. Do you have anyone you can check with to determine if this is correct information?”

“Maybe. My corporate attorney is half American Indian as well as my friend. If the rumors are true, he’ll be able to dig through the bullshit.”

“Then I suggest you give him a call.”

Mitchell turned back to face her, his face pensive. “I think we should discuss this away from the office. Perhaps we could have dinner?”

Dani sucked in her breath. The last thing she wanted to do was be alone with the man, business or otherwise. She needed time to regroup, think about what she was getting herself in the middle of. “I need to talk to my contact tonight. Then I can know timing and we can talk strategy maybe tomorrow and yes, off site is best. Deal?”

Exhaling, he studied her intently, his eyes dancing down the length of her body. “I understand.” With the two terse words, he walked out of her office, closing the door with a soft click.

She eased against the edge of her desk, realizing she’d been holding her breath. Mitchell was sophisticated, sexy, intelligent and a womanizer. Damn. He was also someone she could fall in love with.

Over her dead body.

* * *

“What do you really think?” Camden asked as he sipped on a beer.

“You mean about the Steele site?” Mitchell asked as he looked over his shoulder. They were sitting at the end of the bar in their favorite joint, one both he and Camden frequented often. He’d thought about nothing but Dani’s suppositions over the last few hours, mind fucking himself regarding anyone who hated him enough to not only lie but try and shove Rush Enterprises into the toilet. Dead Indians. Even the concept left a disgusting taste in his mouth. This shit he didn’t need.

“Is there something else?” He leaned forward, his eyes darting back and forth across Mitchell’s. “Whoa. Something happened with that sexy new employee on the trip. Right? Oh yeah. I can tell.”

“Stop. We were working.” He took a long pull on his beer then motioned for the bartender. He needed a stiff drink to combat his ugly demons – his company as well as the lovely Ms. Montgomery. He leaned forward, ready to spill what he’d heard regarding the deaths then decided to keep the information to himself. There were already too many stories on the table, enough lies and secrets to burn them all to the ground. The facts he was determined to find.

“Shit. Something did happen. Did you ravage her luscious body?” Camden laughed as he shook his head.

“I said stop. Last thing I need is a harassment charge.” When the bartender approached, he half lunged over the bar. “Give me a bourbon. Neat.”

“You got it,” the bartender said then moved away.

“A bourbon means you’re reflective,” Camden said under his breath.

“How the hell would you know that?”

He laughed. “You have to be kidding me? I know you inside and out. I’m glad you found joy in sharing time with Dani. She’s delightful, even though I wonder if she’s cut out for this industry.”

“She is,” Mitchell stated with confidence.

“You sound certain.”

“I am.”

“O-kay then. Let’s get back to the original subject. Do you think the fields are tainted?”

Mitchell sighed and swirled his bottle. “I don’t know yet, but Dani doesn’t seem to think so.”

“And you trust her?’

“I do.”

Camden sat back in his seat. “But the reports, the eye witnesses.”

“We didn’t hear anything of the sort when we were there. Everything was functioning normally. Yes, there was an issue with three of the rigs, but no one is certain why.” Mitchell had gone through the list of employees in his mind, at least the ones who would have had access to faking reports, creating the crisis instead of reporting. The list was long, including Nash Waters. Dani had been correct in assuming the man might have an ax to bear. He’d had enough time that afternoon to find out Nash had taken a significant cut in salary to come to Rush. He’d been Steele’s right-hand man for years and Steele had other projects. Why come on board? He also had feelers out on the Steele boys. At this point, there were too many players.

“Interesting.”

“Exactly.”

“Well, hopefully the new results will be in tomorrow, Thursday at the latest.”

Mitchell nodded before tilting his head, looking into his friend’s eyes. “They’re coming directly to me.”

“Why?”

“I want to be the first person to know. That’s all.” Exhaustion as well as frustration was clouding Mitchell’s judgment. He didn’t want to alienate his buddy, but business was business.

“Makes sense. When they do, we’ll talk and plan.” Camden looked away.

“What is it?”

He exhaled and stole a look over his shoulder. “You know the company will be on the chopping block if this thing goes bad, let alone your job.”

“Yeah. Tell me something I don’t know.” Mitchell was fully aware there were companies poised to take him down. At least two had enough clout and money, and with enough bad publicity, would swoop in for the kill. The Board would be forced to sell or try and find a savior to lead the company out of a death spiral. He’d have little to offer in the way of keeping employees, which he needed to run the rigs. What few knew is that his other plots were drying up. He needed the Steele site to continue searching for additional land.

“Well, let’s not jump to conclusions just yet.” When Mitchell’s drink arrived, Camden snorted. “I think I’ll have one of those.”

“Which means you’re tanking on the love front,” Mitchell said as he grinned.

“What love front? I haven’t even had a one-night stand in months. Unlike you, I see.”

Mitchell groaned. “Months? I haven’t seen you with anyone in years.” When Camden looked away, he shifted closer. “What? Is there something you haven’t told me? A fair maiden hiding in your closet?”

Camden half laughed. “Nope. Hasn’t been anyone in years. There won’t be either and we weren’t talking about me.”

“Hell, I like Dani. She’s good at her job, intelligent and a blast to be around. We had a great time. Then she clammed up, shutting me down.”

“You do like her. Good to hear you’ve moved on.”

The comment was the usual one from Camden, who’d tried to fix him up on numerous blind dates after his break up with Marisha. He’d gone on three. Three too many. “I haven’t moved on. We had dinner together.”

“Right. Come on. It’s me you’re talking to. You had dinner and you made a move. What happened?”

Mitchell swirled his drink before taking a gulp, savoring the smooth, velvety taste. “I think she believes I’m a playboy, using her.”

“And you’re not?”

“Oh, come on. I haven’t been with anyone in months and no, the three women you convinced me to go out with do not count.” A series of visions flashed in front of Mitchell’s eyes. He refused to go down that road. Not now. Not ever again.

Camden turned toward him, leaning over so only Mitchell could hear. “Mitch, it’s time you moved on. If you found a woman who you enjoy time with, can trust in business and even potentially want more, you need to go for it.”

“Yay team,” Mitchell said then chuckled. “I don’t want her to get the wrong idea about me.”

“You mean given all your dark secrets?”

Mitchell rolled his eyes. “Yeah. All those.” They’d gone through so much together over the last ten years. Business had been tough, but their love lives worse. Neither man had come through the past few unscarred.

“One step at a time, my friend.”

“That is tough for me to do.” He peered off in the distance, staring at a blank wall.

Camden swirled his drink, gazing up at the television and popping peanuts into his mouth. “Have you told Zach any of the details?”

“Not yet. He’ll learn soon enough if he hasn’t already given the impromptu press conference today.

“Yeah. There’s that. Dani did a good job. She has your back.”

Mitchell couldn’t help but notice his friend seemed jealous. “As I said, she’s very good at what she does.” Thorough. Polite. Intelligent. Poised. And she believed someone was out to get him. He was beginning to buy into her beliefs.

“Uh-oh. I can tell what’s going on.” Camden grabbed the drink out of the bartender’s hand.

“What’s that?” he asked absently.

He took a drink before winking at Mitchell. “You, my friend, have fallen in love.”