by Ciana Stone
“It has everything to do with your sister. Coop, you know this life she’s living – rodeoing and trick riding, being a stunt woman and now trying to be a jockey – it’s no life for a woman, there’s no future in it. She’s only doing this because she thinks it defies me.”
“Well, it does, doesn’t it?”
“No. It’s not about defiance and you know it. It’s about our family and our family’s legacy. She has a responsibility to this family, to do her part and ensure that no matter what happens to me, this family and our company – a company I’ve given everything to build, will go on.”
“Dad, you know she doesn’t give a damn about the business. She couldn't care less about oil. Now the ranch? Offer her control of that and you might win her back.”
“I don’t need her to run the goddamn ranch. She’s not a fucking man. She’s a woman and it’s time she started behaving like one.”
“I don’t even know what that means, Dad.”
“Then let me spell it out for you. John Henderson. You know that name?”
“Yeah. Billionaire, made most of his money in hedge funds, venture capital and pharmaceuticals. Recently has expressed interest in energy.”
“Bingo. And that interest is focusing our way. Now, consider what we could do if we had his backing.”
Cooper had a hard time believing they were even having this conversation. His father was a billionaire. “Why do we need his money?”
Lucas got up and walked back to his desk. He pulled out a key ring and used one of the keys to unlock the bottom right drawer. When he returned to the seating area, he carried a leather portfolio. He handed the portfolio to Cooper. “For this.”
Cooper opened the portfolio. One look at the title page of the report inside it had his heart-rate speeding up. He’d been avoiding this for weeks. He looked up at his father. “I told you I’d work on securing the rights. Legally.”
“We don’t have time for that. I just learned that we’re not the only ones with a copy of that log.”
That shocked Cooper. His father had paid a fortune for the governmental geological report. “Who else has it?”
“Herbert Pursell.”
That made Cooper sit up a little straighter. If there was one man in the world Lucas was determined to beat, it was Herbert Pursell. Those two had been rivals since before Cooper was born and all because they were both driven men who couldn’t stand being bested. At anything. Lucas had started in the oil business in Texas, about the same time Herbert began. Both flourished, but Lucas smelled opportunities in the Dakotas, where his mother was from. He moved back there right after he was married and secured a foothold.
Herbert made a move into what Lucas considered his territory about fifteen years ago. He bankrolled his son, Wes and Wes had made more in the last fifteen years for the Pursell family than Herbert had in the previous thirty.
Cooper had met Wes and liked him. He was decent, honest and the man could smell oil.
“How did he get it?”
Lucas gave him a look and Cooper realized the stupidity of the question. “Okay, so he has it, but he doesn’t have the mineral rights.”
“But he’s got the home team advantage.”
“Not necessarily. Our people are— “
“Not getting the job done fast enough. We need to move on this and do it now.”
“Dad, again I have to say it. If it’s ever discovered that we have — “
“It’s not going to be. But if we don’t move fast, we’re going to lose the biggest strike in history.”
“Okay, I get it. But how does this tie in with Liz and Henderson?”
“Simple. We want Henderson to back us, for a percentage, and he wants Liz.”
Of all the things he’d expected to come out of his father’s mouth, that was not on the list. “He—he wants Lizzy?”
Lucas nodded.
“But—I – okay, I don’t get it. What do you mean he wants her?”
“You’re a man, figure it out.”
“You can’t be serious?” Cooper bolted to his feet. “You’d sell your daughter?”
“Hell no. But I’d arrange a suitable match for her.”
“That’s the same thing, Dad.”
Lucas stood as well. “Like hell. Come on, you’re not an idiot. People marry for a lot of reasons besides love. Love’s probably the worst reason to marry anyway. If Liz marries Henderson, she’ll be the wife of one of the most powerful men in this country. And she’ll be our conduit to Henderson.”
“But she hates the man.”
Lucas waved that statement off and reclaimed his seat. “She doesn’t know him well enough to hate him. She only dated him a couple of times.”
“And despises him. She said he was perverted and mean.”
Lucas shrugged. “I call it shrewd and savvy.”
“We’re not talking about business and you know it. You’ve heard the stories as well as I, Dad. He has – unusual sexual proclivities.”
“He’s a dominant. He makes no bones about it. So what? I don’t give a shit about his sexual preferences and apparently neither do a goddamn string of women who are always angling to get in his bed.”
“Well, Lizzy isn’t into that stuff and if there’s one thing she’s not is submissive.”
“Son, you don’t know what she is between the sheets. Do you?”
That offended Cooper more than anything his father could have said. “That’s sick and I’m insulted you even suggested it.”
Lucas shrugged. “My point is, it’s not going to hurt her. And she owes this family. We’ve put up with her wild ways and mistakes long enough. Time for her to pony up and do what’s right.”
Cooper realized there was nothing he could say at this point that would make a difference. His father was determined and nothing would sway him. He sat down. “So what is it you want from me? I can have our people— “
“I want you to go to Texas.”
“Dad, I’ll be happy to go. I can use the San Antonio office as base, but I can’t make this happen overnight. You know that as soon as I start making offers it’s going to get out.”
“Did I say I wanted you to go make offers?”
“But I thought– “
“I want you to go down there and make sure Liz is going to comply. Once we have her in line, you’re going to make sure Pursell thinks she’s making a play for his son.”
Now Cooper was completely confused. “What the hell are you talking about?”
Lucas took a drink of his bourbon before answering. “Your sister is on Pursell’s ranch. She followed Landing to Texas and got Wes to hire her. Right now she’s hoping to get the jockey position. If Herbert thinks she’s there to make a play for Wes, then he’ll assume it’s about the oil. He’ll figure she’s trying to play Wes to get the upper hand for us. It’ll cause problems, trust me.”
“She’s in Texas?”
“Keep up, Coop. Yes, she’s in Texas. And you will be soon. As will Henderson. I talked to him about possibly leasing some property we own to him for a manufacturing facility. It’s a price that’s too good for him to turn down. And with our shipping business, we can sweeten the pot and save him millions. Not to mention the fact that I still have a few state officials beholden to me.”
“So, I’m going to meet with Henderson about the lease deal?”
“Sure, you’ll meet with him. It will be noticed. And it takes attention from what you’re really there for.”
“To make trouble for the Pursell’s and secure the mineral rights.”
“And make sure your sister hooks up with Henderson. Remember that’s a key element in this deal.”
“He’d sign a deal based on getting Lizzy in his bed?”
“Apparently.”
“And you’re okay with that?”
“Well, it’s not like she’s a virginal girl, Coop.”
At those words, everything changed for Cooper. His rose-colored glasses were shattered, and he saw what h
is sister had seen all along. Their father would use anyone to get what he wanted. He’d even sell or whore his own children.
Cooper now saw a different path he had to take, and it was a dangerous one. He reached for his briefcase, opened it and put the report inside. Then he stood. “I’ll settle my schedule and be ready to leave by Monday.”
“I’ll have the jet waiting and the arrangements made with Henderson.”
Cooper nodded. “If you need anything else, call.”
“Oh I will son. I will.”
Cooper hurried from his father’s office and went straight to his. As soon as he closed and locked the door, he pulled out his cell phone and called Liz. The call went straight to voicemail.
“Lizzy, it’s me. I need to talk to you. It’s important. Call me.”
When he finished leaving the message he just stood there. This morning he thought he knew his father, believed that he could trust and depend on him. Now he realized the truth, and that realization had the fire of anger building steadily inside him.
He willed it to grow. He needed it to intensify until it was an inferno. And then he needed it to die and leave behind a cold resolve because he needed ice in his veins to destroy his father.
And that’s exactly what he was going to do.
Chapter Seven
Liz was just drifting off to sleep when the door to her room burst open. One of her bunkmates, a rather mean-spirited fellow by the name of Kenny staggered into the room.
“Wrong room, dude.” He was clearly drunk.
“No, it ain’t.” He staggered over to the bed, reeking of alcohol.
“Hey, whoa!” She scrambled off the other side of the bed as he made a grab for her.
Kenny laughed. “Come on baby, let’s have some fun.” He started inching alongside the bed.
“I don’t think so. You need to leave.” Liz realized her mistake. She’d gotten off the bed on the side that hemmed her between it and the wall.
“After.”
“Now.” She watched him as he continued in her direction.
“We ain’t had our fun yet.” He rounded the corner of the bed.
“We’re not going to. Get out Kenny.”
“I ain’t ready.” He grabbed for her.
Liz dove across the bed and headed for the door. She yanked it open and ran smack into another of the hands, a wiry short guy named Mitch. “Where’s the fire, hot stuff?”
“Get out of my way.” She smelled the alcohol on him as well.
“Well that’s not very friendly.” He tried to muscle his way into the room. “Boss said we had permission to get a taste of you.”
Liz was starting to feel afraid. When Mitch grabbed both her arms fear kicked in with full force. As he pushed her back, she went limp and let herself sink down. That pulled him forward. Being drunk, his balance was compromised, so he released her as he fell forward.
A quick roll to one side and Liz was getting to her feet. Unfortunately, she’d forgotten about Kenny. He grabbed her and slung her onto the bed. By then Mitch had gotten to his feet. Just as she went to sit, he leaned over and wrapped one arm around her throat.
That’s when Liz’s mind went blank to everything but fear. She screamed and clawed, dug at the hand around her throat with her nails and kicked at Kenny who was trying to pull her underwear off. When spots started to dance in front of her eyes, she felt true panic. She was going to die.
“Oh hey now.” The voice from the direction of the door had both men freezing. Kenny released her to turn and look at the door. Mitch’s grip on her throat eased, giving Liz a chance. She took it, ripped his hand away from her neck, rolled off the bed and hit the floor running.
Joe stood at the door and stepped out of her way as she raced by. “Thanks Joe.” She yelled over her shoulder as she tore through the bunk house and out of the door as fast as her legs would carry her.
She didn’t stop until she was inside the stall with Traveler. He nuzzled up to her, and she put her arms around his neck and clung to him for a long time. Something Mitch said was eating at her. Boss said we had permission to get a taste of you.
Which boss? Wes? No, Wes would never do anything like that. Herbert. It had to be Herbert. But why? What did he stand to gain by having her roughed up or raped?
He strikes a blow at Lucas. That had to be it. Liz grunted in disgust. Obviously Herbert had no clue how things worked with her and her father. He’d not bat an eye to find out she’d been harmed. He’d just use it to hammer her over the head with how wrong she’d been to leave. At home he could protect her. She’d brought it on herself.
Liz grabbed one of Traveler’s blankets and curled up against the front wall of his stall where she wouldn’t be noticed if someone walked by. As soon as she was certain everyone in the bunk house was asleep she’d sneak back in and gather her things.
And do what?
She didn’t have an answer to that question yet, but she would. She just needed to think on it. Liz lay down in the straw and closed her eyes. She’d just rest a bit and figure it out.
*****
Wes ended the call and put his phone on the patio table. He walked over to the railing and placed both hands on it, looking out over the pool and beyond. He didn’t quite know what to make of the call. The last person he’d ever expected to get a call from was Cooper Quinlan.
“So?” The voice behind him had him turning.
His cousin, Pressley, stood at the table, hands on her hips and a look on her face that told him she was working up a head of steam. “So what?”
“I heard you.”
“You mean you were eavesdropping again.”
“Call it what you want, but better me overhearing than Uncle Herbert.”
Wes had to agree with that, but not aloud. “What do you want Pressley?”
“To know.”
“Know what?”
“What you’re going to start with Cooper Quinlan.”
“I never said I was going to start anything with him.”
“You’d never have agreed to meet with him if he didn’t have something big.”
“Not necessarily.”
“I wish you’d stop lying to me Wes. I’m not the enemy, your dad is. You know that. If you use that report it’ll get out and you’ll go to prison.”
“You mean we would go to prison.”
“No, I mean you. Uncle Herbert’s put the burden on you. He’ll pin it on you if things go south. Mark my words. It’s a trait he and L.C. Quinlan share. They’ll sacrifice anyone to save themselves.”
“Pressley I don’t want to talk about this. I’ve got enough to deal with today.”
“Like that jockey Paulo?”
“So, you heard about that?”
“Nearly laughed my ass off. I need to meet that girl, Liz.”
“You need to stay out of it.”
“Probably. So what’s the deal?”
“Dad wants me to fire her.”
“And what do you want to do?”
“I want her to stay. No one can control Landing the way she does.”
“So what are you going to do?”
“Pay Paulo to assuage his damaged ego and broken nose and hope like hell she can ride him to victory.”
“Good luck on that cuz.”
“Thanks. I’ll need it. In fact, I need to speak with her this morning so if you’ll excuse me.”
“Sure. Catch you later.”
Wes hurried off. He knew Liz normally rode Traveler every morning. If he could catch her before her ride he could square things away, assure her that she still had a job. He imagined it would be as much a relief for Kyle as for Liz.
A smile rose on his face as he thought about it. Kyle probably would not admit it, but he had a thing for Liz Redgate. Probably as strong as the one she had for Kyle. It wasn’t hard to see, and the truth was, Wes thought they were a good match.
When they worked together they seemed to have an unspoken communication. They were connected, and he
suspected the connection went deeper, or at least could if they allowed it.
Wes had known Kyle his entire life and Kyle had never been even close to making a commitment to any woman. Liz might be a good match for him, but would Kyle ever be able to cross that line that meant him opening his heart to someone?
That was a mystery and not one Wes would solve. He stopped at the bunk house. It was empty, and rightly so, since it was nearly seven. His next stop was the barn. He could not see whether Traveler was in his stall so made his way to it. When he looked inside the stall he saw Traveler lying on the floor.
Liz lay curled up beside him, her head on his neck and a horse blanket covering most of her. What the hell?
“Liz?”
She shot up like she’d been pinched, clearly disoriented. Wes tried not to notice that she was only wearing a t-shirt. What he couldn’t ignore were the purple bruises that circled her neck. What the hell had happened to her?
“Oh. Oh! Shit!” She snatched up the blanket and wrapped it around herself. “What time is it?”
“Seven.”
“Oh okay. Damn, sorry.”
“What are you doing out here?”
She walked over to the door. “Sleeping.”
“I could see that. The question is why?”
“Because two of your men tried to rape me in the bunkhouse.”
“What?”
“Do I need to repeat it?”
“No. Who?”
“Mitch and Kenny.”
Wes opened the door, reached in and took her by the arm. “Come on.”
“Where’re we going?”
“To the bunkhouse. You’re going to get clean and dress.”
“I don’t need you to do that.”
“I’m going to sit and wait on you and then you’re going to tell me everything that happened.”
“Fine.”
Wes felt like hitting something. To think that two of his men would try something like that made him furious. On the other hand, until he’d heard the whole story, from both sides, he wouldn’t know the whole truth and he fully intended to have a complete picture before he took action.
Liz entered ahead of him and went to her room. She opened the door, peered in and then entered. A few minutes later she walked out, still wrapped in the blanket but with clothes in her arms. Wes watched her go to the bathroom and close the door.
