by Ciana Stone
Cord made up his mind to be patient with McGuire and not let the man push his buttons. McGuire had a talent for that, and sometimes it took all Cord’s willpower to remain professional.
The limo had no more than rolled to a stop when Tom McGuire jerked open the rear door and started in on Cord. “I told them not to give you this contract, but hell no, they wouldn’t listen to me!”
So much for pleasant beginnings. Cord stepped out of the limo and nodded his thanks to the driver who handed him his bags. He then turned to McGuire. “Take it easy, Tom. You didn’t get me up here in the middle of the night to bitch about the contract, so just calm down and tell me what’s going on.”
Tom turned his back and headed back to the steps of the building. “Fuck you.” Tom’s muttered comment floated back to Cord, causing anger to rise. He was well aware that Tom didn’t care much for him. It wasn’t just him personally. It was the entire system. Just speaking the word “app” caused a scowl to appear on Tom’s face.
At sixty-four years old, Tom had seen a lot of change in technology, and as far as Cord could tell, he didn’t much care for any of it. He hated cell phones, cable television, the Internet and cars with electronic systems. Just the mention of an electric vehicle was enough to have him explode in a highly developed string of expletives.
Tom had already put in more than his twenty-five years of service and could have retired with a comfortable pension years ago, but he was convinced that without him on the job the place would go to hell in a handbasket.
After all, he had, in his own words, “been keeping track of this shit before the shit even existed.”
It didn’t take a psychic to know that what Tom wanted was for Cord’s system to fail. For the past five years, it had performed flawlessly and Tom, to his great dismay, had been instrumental in proving just how efficient it was.
Cord knew from talking with others in the department that thanks to budget cuts, it was probably just a matter of time before the fat was cut in the Department of Energy, and there was a better than average chance that Tom would be put out to pasture.
Tom marched into the building ahead of Cord, his back ram-rod straight. When he let the elevator door close in Cord's face, forcing him to wait for another car, Cord had to bite his tongue to keep from letting loose with his own string of expletives.
He kept reminding himself that losing his cool wasn’t going to serve either one of them and might have been able to stick to his resolve if Tom hadn’t slammed his office door in Cord’s face once he reached the office.
Cord left his carry-on sitting beside the door, opened it and walked in. Tom was standing behind his desk with his arms crossed over his chest.
“Okay, let’s have it, and it better be damn good to get me out of bed in the middle of the night,” Cord said. “What’s wrong?”
“If you’d quit flapping your damn gums long enough, I might have half a chance to tell you.”
Cord was tempted to light into Tom then and there, but something in the back of his mind warned him to simmer down and pay attention. So, he bit his tongue, crossed his arms and gave a nod.
Tom motioned him over to the desk where a pile of printouts waited. Without a word, Cord walked over, put his messenger bag on the floor, picked up the stack of printouts and took a seat.
He studied each page in detail and after a few minutes looked up. “I don’t see a problem.”
“Damn straight you don’t.” Tom shoved another report at Cord, this one handwritten.
Cord looked at the figures on the report then up at Tom. “This can’t be right. Are you sure about this?”
“You’re goddamn right I’m sure, sonny boy. I suggest you get your ass in gear, 'cause there’s no way in hell another Hanford is going to happen on my watch!”
Cord’s mind reeled with the impact of what Tom’s report revealed. Had it been anyone other than Tom, Cord would have dismissed the figures as an error in calculation or faulty data. But Tom wouldn’t make that kind of mistake. He would already have checked, double-checked and re-checked. This wasn’t just a job to Tom. It was his life.
He might be the single most irritating man on the planet, but he was also dependable and thorough. That fact left Cord no choice but to take the matter seriously. According to what he’d read, there were more than thirty kilograms of highly toxic nuclear waste missing.
Cord sat back in his chair and leaned his head back, letting his mind race over the possibilities. After a minute, he straightened, propped one elbow on the arm of the chair, cradled his chin in his hand and stared across the room for a long time.
“Why me?” he asked.
“What?” Tom looked confused by the question.
“Why did you call me? Why didn’t you report this upstairs?”
An embarrassed look appeared on Tom’s face. “Well, I did, but I was told to get your confirmation on my figures.”
“Why?”
It took a few seconds before Tom replied. “Well—” He cleared his throat. “This—uh, this isn’t the first time I’ve blown the whistle.”
Cord was stunned by the answer. Isn't the first time?
Before he could give voice to the question, Tom finished rather sheepishly. “It seems that I was somewhat in error the other times so…”
There was no need for him to finish. Cord got the picture. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Tom rose from his chair, placed his hand on his desk and leaned over to pin Cord with a hard look. “But this time I’m right!”
Chapter Two
Cotton Creek, Texas
Morgan stretched and rubbed the back of her neck. She should’ve taken Cord’s advice and gone back to bed. But as it was, they had a new foal that was doing fine, as was the mare and Morgan had managed to enter half a month’s receipts into the expense spreadsheet for the ranch.
She looked down at the notepad beside the keyboard. Her “to-do,” and “don’t forget to do” lists. She would wait on diving into those. Her stomach was grumbling, and the cup of coffee on the desk had long grown cold.
With a mental reminder to add coffee to the shopping list, she went downstairs and poured herself a fresh cup. As she set about looking in the refrigerator for something to fix for breakfast, she thought about Cord’s trip. It didn’t make a lot of sense that this trip would bother her. He’d done more traveling in the last six or seven years than in all the rest of the time they’d been together, and it had never troubled her.
She missed him, but she’d never been uneasy being at home without him. It was silly. Why was she making a big deal out of it now? After all the lectures she’d given her children over the years on being independent, she found it ironic that right now she was acting like the least independent member of the family.
Those thoughts stayed with her as she wandered into the family room and flopped down on the couch. Maybe this was nothing more than another facet of her self-identity issues. Joe and Myrtle had fussed at her about it for years. Regardless of her own accomplishments, she still viewed herself as more of an extension of Cord.
Perhaps it had something to do with her childhood, losing both parents at such a young age. Or maybe she was simply one of those women who couldn’t stand alone.
No, she wasn't that insecure. She loved spending every moment she could with Cord and their children, but she'd always needed a good deal of alone time, and she knew he was the same. Moreover, his career sometimes demanded that he be away from her. There were blocks of time in the installation and training process that required his presence.
She'd never make him feel guilty for that. Morgan was proud of Cord and all he'd accomplished. She wanted him to enjoy every moment of his career and his life. After all, if you didn't do what you love and love what you did, then you were wasting your life. At least that was her way of looking at it. Kind of like spending your life with the right person.
Morgan now knew a lot of people in Cotton Creek, thanks to having lived here all her married life. But
she called very few people friends. Most women were completely disinterested in what she did. She understood that. Having friendships without common interests was hard.
Most of the people who did share her interests were men, and she'd always been careful about establishing clear-cut boundaries. Morgan wasn't conceited, but she wasn't dishonest. She knew she was attractive, and attractive women drew attention from men.
She'd had her share of attention, turned down a lot of offers and gotten downright nasty over unwelcome overtures. Morgan would talk animal care, breeding, and ranching until the cows came home, but she wouldn't cheat on Cord. Ever.
When she said those wedding vows, she meant them and in her way of viewing the world, if your word wasn't something that could be trusted as surely as the rise of the sun, then you weren't worth much as a human being.
Every day she offered her thanks to the Universe and whatever powers resided within its vastness that she'd been lucky enough to fall in love with a man who shared her views, and a man she could trust to be faithful to her.
A memory surfaced, one that always reminded her of how special her marriage and her man were.
Saturday night was typically reserved for family cookouts, sitting around the fire pit talking and generally relaxing. This Saturday, however, Morgan and Cord were on their way to the Honky Tonk Angels Bar and Grille, for a wedding reception.
“Didn't Cody look beautiful?” Morgan asked as they drove along.
“Uh, yeah. She looked like Cody.”
Morgan blew a raspberry. “I thought she looked amazing. And she and Jax look so happy.”
“Yeah, they did. I'm surprised how well Billy and Stella accepted Jax.”
“Why?”
“Well, he is a good bit older than Cody.”
“So? There's no age restriction on love.”
“No, I don't guess so. Still, I thought they'd be less than thrilled. Of course, Cody has always been strong-minded. It's hard to deter her once she sets a course. She kind of reminds me of another woman I know.”
“Oh? Do I know her?”
“Smart ass,” he gave her a smile. “And in case I didn't say it, you look beautiful.”
“Sweet talker,” she replied and reached over to give his leg a squeeze. “That and a slow dance will do it.”
“Yeah? I'm gonna get lucky?”
“Hmm, I'm thinking midnight swim lucky.”
“Oh, baby, let's rip through this reception and get on to the good stuff.”
Morgan laughed. “Hell no. This is my first night out in—in I don't know when. We're going to enjoy it. Have a drink, do some dancing and catch up with people we haven't seen in a while.”
Cord groaned dramatically. “Do we have to?”
“If you want to get lucky.”
He laughed at the teasing threat. “Fine, if I must.”
Morgan looked around as they drove through town. “Things have changed quite a bit since the big oil boom. Do you regret not selling the mineral and oil rights on our ranch?”
“Not for one second.”
“That's my man.” She was pleased he'd turned down all offers. Perhaps it was her Native heritage, her dislike of the power big oil seemed to wield, or the fact that the county was not exploring alternate energy sources the way it should, but whatever the case, had the decision been hers alone, she'd have said no in a red hot second.
“It might be wise not to get into much of a discussion on the merits of oil,” Cord suggested. “Seeing as how Jax works for the company.”
“I know, and I wouldn't start anything. Wow, the parking lot is already almost full. Let's park close to the road in case we leave earlier than others we can get out easier.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
The place was packed. They first spoke with the Sweet family, wished Cody and Jax happiness and then got out of the way so others behind them could offer well wishes. Cord spotted JD Weathers and his wife, Jolene, and steered Morgan in their direction. Morgan and Jolene became friends not long after Jo and JD were married and as it turned out, they were distant relatives. Their great-great-grandfathers had been brothers.
“JD, how's it goin?” Cord greeted JD.
“Hey, Cord. Good to see you. Doing just fine.”
“Glad to hear that. Jolene, how're things with you?”
“Can't complain. Hi, Morgan.”
“Say, I hear you have a hell of a stallion,” JD remarked.
“Yes, we're selling semen, and I'm betting there are going to be impressive results. If you're interested, I'll email you all the stats.”
“I'd like that.”
“Consider it done.”
“Thanks.” JD turned his attention to Cord. “How're things in your business?”
“Busy. By the way, I heard the twins both got scholarships. Congratulations.”
“Thanks. They're pretty excited.”
“Hell, of a duo, those two. Quarterback and running back. Hard to beat.”
As talk turned to football, Jolene took Morgan's arm. “Want to grab some beers while they talk sports?”
“Absolutely.”
It took a good ten minutes to get the beer and head back to Cord and JD. By then music had started, and people were starting to get on the dance floor. Morgan and Jolene inched their way through the crowd, and after a minute, Morgan spotted the men. They weren't alone. Two women were standing with them.
“Color me a jealous wife, but do you ever get tired of women hitting on your man?” Jolene asked.
Morgan shrugged. “As long as he's telling them to take a hike, I'm good.”
“You know, you're right. Come on.” Jolene shouldered her way to where the men stood talking.
“Here ya go,” Jolene cut in front of the woman beside JD and offered him a mug.
“Thanks, babe.” He accepted the beer and stepped aside so she could slide in beside him.
Morgan smiled at Jolene and stepped up beside Cord. “Here's your beer.” She handed Cord a mug and then smiled at the woman beside him. “Hi, I don't think we've met. I'm Morgan Windwalker, Cord's wife.”
“Oh, right. The Indian.”
“Yep, but don't worry, like Jolene, I gave up scalping a few years back. And you are?”
The woman sniffed and gave an eye roll. “Cord and I go way back.” She took a step closer to Cord and looked up at him with an 'I'm gonna eat you alive' predatory expression. “Isn't that right? Oh, wait, you didn't tell her about us? Cord, you're still the bad boy, aren't you?”
“Yeah, that's me, and actually, Danielle, I did tell Morgan about you.” He looked at Morgan. “You remember, don't you? That girl I dated for a minute one summer while I was in college?”
“Oh, that one,” Morgan replied and cut Danielle a look. “Yeah, I remember. Well, I'm glad I finally got to put a face to a name.” She looked at the other woman. “And you are?”
“Sorry I wasted my time.” The woman flounced off, and after a moment, Danielle did the same.
“Well, that was nice,” Morgan said and raised her mug. “To Cody and Jax. May the happiness they feel today, last a lifetime.”
Everyone clicked mugs and Cord leaned down to kiss her on the cheek. “You're not pissed are you?”
“Not unless you're going home with Danielle.”
“Not a chance. I've never met a woman who could compete with you.”
“Oh, you're definitely getting lucky tonight.”
Danielle and the other woman, Christine, were disappointed that night when Cord didn't respond to their advances. It'd made Morgan feel proud and lucky. She'd married the man of her dreams and still felt that way about him. To have those feelings returned was what every woman dreamed about.
She didn't know anyone more fortunate than herself. As her eyes fell on a framed picture of Cord and their son, Trevor, she smiled. Trevor favored his father. The same tall, lean build, dark hair and eyes that were deep wells of warm autumn brown, with just a hint of copper.
Aside fr
om good looks, he was one of the most interesting people she’d ever known, even if he was her son. The last time she spoke with Trevor he was somewhere in Arizona, still riding with Cord’s oldest friend, Big Jeff who was a lifelong biker.
If she were honest, Morgan would admit that she wasn’t entirely comfortable with that situation. Despite what she said to Cord just last night, she’d feel better if Trevor was home, or safely enrolled in college.
She laughed to herself. Trevor had obviously taken her talks about independence seriously. And he’d inherited his father’s ability to negotiate. He’d take a year to see the country, and then he’d start college. In the end, she and Cord had given in, and so far, Trevor had demonstrated good sense in his adventure.
Cable, their daughter, was equally independent. What a stunning woman she'd grown to be. Dark-haired like her parents, but with Morgan's blue eyes, she was a woman who could stop traffic. And brains to boot. Morgan had no doubt that Cable would prove to the world she was a force to be reckoned with.
She was presently in Spain with the wife of Cord's business partner. Maria was originally from Spain and Cable had begged to go for the last two years. This year Morgan and Cord said yes.
Morgan checked the time. It was mid-morning in Spain, which meant Cable would be awake. She picked up her phone and called Cable's cell phone.
“What in the world are you doing up at this time?” Cable asked in lieu of a greeting.
“Hey to you, too.” Morgan smiled. “What's up?”
“Mom, I wish you would come over for a few days. It's gorgeous here. We spent three days in Valencia and words don't do it justice.”
“I got the images you texted, and it looks amazing. I'm happy you're having a good time. What's next on the agenda?”
“The girls I met? I told you about them, remember?”
“Yes, the ones from New York.”
“Right. Well, they invited me to go to Italy with them. The Italian Riviera, Mom.”
“Hmm, warm beaches and hot guys. What's not to love?”
“Exactly.”
