by Carsen Taite
“I have ideas for Gantry Oil that could expand your reach. Why limit yourself to oil when the future is in other forms of energy? With the business model you have in place, you have the perfect platform to diversify.” She slid a folder across the table. “The very least you could do is read my proposal for implementing my two latest patents. Investing in wind and solar energy will not only allow you to diversify your portfolio, you can use my methods to improve your drilling efficiency. Take a look at the prospectus. If you and your accountants think it’s not a worthy proposition, then I’ll shop it elsewhere.”
Her father turned to his lawyer and raised his glass. “Didn’t I tell you she’s a smart one?” His smile was big and broad. “And a pistol too.” He picked up the leather-bound folder and quickly thumbed through the pages before shutting it again with a loud pop. “I’ll read it first thing when I get back to the office.” He paused. “What does your mother have to say about all of this?”
Lily chose that moment to take a taste of her bourbon, savoring the rich oak and spice as she contemplated how to respond. As far as she knew, her mother thought she was out shopping with her friends and would probably faint dead away if she knew Lily was making a play to enter the family business. Well, her mother wasn’t exactly the fainting type, but she would be displeased, and sternly so. To her mother, the oil business was only a means to an end, and the dirty details that fueled her way of life were not to be discussed out loud. She’d been beside herself when Lily had first expressed an interest in studying science, fully expecting her to become a teacher or librarian, or some other gentle, more ladylike profession, if she chose to work at all.
She decided on a vague response. “I’m sure mother wants me to be happy.”
“Speaking of happy, the reason I asked Nester to join us is that he has some information about the family trust. Now, I know you want to make your own way, but you know as well as I do, that it’s a sight easier to do so when you don’t have to worry about a roof over your head or where your next meal is coming from.”
Lily leaned back in her chair and considered her options. As much as she hated to admit it, he was right. She’d spent the last couple of days tallying the money raised from the Cattle Baron’s Ball. All the proceeds weren’t in, but so far the event had garnered over four million dollars, all of which would go to the American Cancer Society. For most of the people that attended, their donations were a drop in the bucket compared to their net worth, but cumulatively, the donations would go a long way toward finding a cure for cancer. Wealth, earned or not, could make a difference. Was she really willing to shed her family’s riches out of personal pride, or should she use it to make a difference?
“Okay, Nester, I’m all ears. What do you need from me?”
Nester pulled a folder from his briefcase and spread its contents on the table. “It’s quite simple, really, and I don’t know how we overlooked it.” He pushed a piece of paper across the table to her. “Your grandfather’s trust provided a codicil that placed a condition on your inheritance. You were supposed to sign your acknowledgement, and the bank has pointed out that we neglected to file the acknowledgment.”
“I don’t understand. I’ve had access to the trust for years.”
“I know. It’s just an administrative error. Easily corrected.” Nester tapped the edge of the paper. “Your signature will clear it all up.”
Lily pulled the paper closer. Nester’s eager encouragement for her to sign signaled she should slow down and actually read the form before she did so. It only took a moment to skim the two paragraphs, but she’d need much more time to digest what she’d just read. She pushed the form away. “This says I have to agree to keep my adoption closed or the terms of the trust will be void.”
Nester picked up the paper and looked at it as if the news were a surprise to him. “Why yes, yes it does.”
Lily wasn’t buying it. She turned to her father. “I don’t understand. Why would Grandfather have cared about that?”
Her father shook his head. “I don’t know. Of course, he was always concerned about family stability. Maybe he just wanted to make sure you realize that you’re a Gantry and nothing or no one can take that away from you.”
Lily folded her arms. Cyrus and Rose were her parents. Of that she had no doubt. They’d given her love, acceptance, and opportunities many people could only dream of. She’d been with them since she was only a few days old, placed by the church after her mother died in the hours after her birth. She didn’t know her mother’s identity, and even if she cared to find out, she wouldn’t know where to begin. She said as much.
Her father spoke up for the first time since they’d started on this subject. “I know, dear, which makes this just a formality. We’re your family, and apparently, the entire trust, not just your portion, would be placed in jeopardy if we didn’t keep to your grandfather’s request.”
Lily met her father’s eyes. He’d never asked her for anything and he’d always been generous to a fault. Granting this request should be simple, easy. She pulled Nester’s document back across the table and read the contents one more time. Simple, straightforward. She saw the pen Nester extended, even started to reach for it, but at the last minute, she picked up the paper instead. She folded it in half and reached for her purse and placed it inside. “I appreciate you explaining this to me. I’ll read this over again and get back to you soon.”
When she looked back up, she sensed a shift in the room. The friendly lunch had an edge to it. She met their incredulous expressions with a smile. “After all, if we’ve been out of compliance for all this time, a few more days won’t hurt. In the meantime, I’ll look forward to hearing what you think of my proposal.”
She may not be a Gantry by birth, but she’d had a lifetime to learn how the family operated, and she would not be outplayed.
*
Peyton shook her head. The scene in the back of the trailer was ghastly. She counted at least a dozen bodies, mostly women and children, riddled with bullets and already well on their way to decay. She took her time assessing the scene, imprinting it into her memory. After a few minutes, she turned to Dale and motioned for her to join her several feet away. She could feel the eyes of all the local cops on them both, but no way was she going to have this conversation in front of a big bunch of people she didn’t know. She kept her voice quiet and calm. “Tell me what you know.”
“This is the third one in as many months. This trailer has seventeen total victims, including the driver. Manifest says the truck is carrying building supplies. Not even sure why there’s a manifest at all since it looks like the ride’s been scrubbed of all identifying information. My best guess is it’s a coyote transport. The last two trucks we found like this, none of the victims were documented.”
Although she’d been at main Justice in D.C., Peyton was up to speed when it came to border control issues. Coyotes were hired by families to help them cross the border illegally and get to safety. Their services were in high demand in border states. “Any leads on the coyote?”
“None that pan out. The plates and registration are all bogus.”
“Kind of odd to find them this far north.”
Dunley stepped into their space. “Actually, it isn’t. It’s become quite common for illegals to try and get as far from the border as possible before entering society.”
Peyton looked at Dale who gave a slight eye roll. She almost joined in, but instead said, “Well, Agent Dunley, nice of you to join us. But isn’t it true that coyotes don’t usually kill their customers? Do you have any theories?”
“Perhaps they refused to pay.”
“Or they saw something they shouldn’t,” Dale offered. “Each time we’ve found one of these, we see an associated surge of meth trafficking. I think they’re using the immigrants as mules and, once they get the stuff where they want it, they get rid of them.”
“They?”
“Zetas. Mexican Mafia. We think Sergio Vargas is running
this operation.”
“But why even transport the bodies this far? Why not take the drugs from them the minute they cross the border, load it up, and take off? Seems like dragging this many people along is a risky venture.”
Dale shook her head. “It’s just a theory. I know it needs work. You or Mr. ICE have any better ideas?”
Peyton glanced at Dunley who merely shrugged as if to say there was no understanding the mind of a criminal. Well, he was wrong about that. Certain they were missing a key piece of the story, Peyton started outlining what she wanted done.
“Agent Nelson, I want all these bodies taken directly to the medical examiner in Dallas. You will personally oversee their collection and chain of evidence. Get whatever help you need, whoever you absolutely trust, but from this moment on you’re in charge of this scene and all the evidence. The truck will go directly to SWIFS for processing. I want this entire area blocked off and set up a guard. No one gets in or out without your express permission.
“I don’t officially start until Monday. If you want to question my orders, call Gellar right now and clear it up, but don’t wait because every minute that goes by is a minute we lose in this war. Understood?”
“I think I know how to run an investigation. Done a few before.”
Peyton heard the angry tone and filed away the animus and decided to sort it out later. Dunley looked like he’d been struck. “But what about protocol?” he asked. “Local state agencies have jurisdiction over these bodies.”
“Not anymore they don’t. This is a federal investigation, and according to you, our task force isn’t bound by jurisdiction as long as we’re in the district. I may add some local folks to the task force if I feel it’s necessary, but I’ll say who does what and when. Are we clear?”
Dunley nodded.
“Good. Now, ask one of these guys for a car we can take back to Dallas, so we can let Agent Nelson and her crew get to work.”
Over an hour later as they approached the city limits, Peyton asked Dunley to drop her off downtown.
“Are you going into the office?”
“No, but I have a few things I need to take care of and, since things are heating up at the job I haven’t even started yet, I may as well use this afternoon to get them done.”
He seemed relieved to hear she wasn’t planning to go to the federal building. A few minutes later, she directed him to pull over at the corner of Ross and Harwood. “Here’s good.”
He pulled over and she stepped out of the car, but leaned back in before he drove away. “Elliot?”
“Yes?”
“Thanks for the ride. Maybe if you lighten up a bit, don’t worry so much about what you’re wearing as what you’re here to do, you would enjoy this more.” She didn’t wait for a response before she walked off down the street.
Once his car was out of view, she pulled out her phone and searched for the nearest Wells Fargo, hoping the branch was still open. When she found the location, she headed that way. Dallas had changed a lot while she’d been gone. A shiny red opera house, a bustling park over the freeway, and food trucks on every corner, were all new additions. She strode past the Belo Mansion and the Trammell Crow building and stopped for the light.
“Peyton?”
She turned at the sound of the familiar voice. Lily Gantry was every bit as lovely as the first time she’d laid eyes on her, despite the fact she’d traded boots for heels and a tea length dress. “Lily, what a pleasant surprise.”
“Indeed it is. I was just having lunch with my father. What are you up to?”
Peyton flashed to the scene of death and horror she’d just come from and willed the gruesome images from her mind. She could still smell the scent of death and decay, and she hoped like hell it was only a memory, and that she didn’t carry it on her clothes. “I’m looking for my bank. I need to buy a car.”
Lily grinned. “So, you’re really going shopping, but you just don’t want to call it that.”
“Truth is, I hate shopping. Does that knock me down a few notches in your estimation?”
“Not in the least. Those of us who do enjoy the sport don’t need more competition. I’ll tell you a secret though.”
“I’m dying to hear.”
“It’s a lot easier to buy a car when you have a car. How did you even get down here? I’m pretty sure the DART bus doesn’t go by your family’s ranch.”
Peyton laughed. “You’re right about that. A colleague dropped me off after a…business meeting. I suppose I figured I would take a cab to the closest dealership and find something.”
“You are truly an amateur at this sport. The closest dealer to a major city is going to charge you the highest price. Tell you what, my car is parked over there.” She pointed to the valet lot behind the art museum. “How about I give you a ride to your bank and then take you to a dealership where I can guarantee you’ll get the best deal around? I’ve had a bad day and I could use a bit of retail therapy, even if it’s vicarious.”
Peyton kicked a pebble on the sidewalk, conflicted. The idea of spending the rest of the afternoon with the bright and beautiful Lily Gantry was enticing, but not at all what she’d planned. What she should do was the most efficient thing: go to the bank, transfer funds, go to the nearest dealership, and buy something sensible. Lily would only be a distraction, but maybe after what she’d seen today, she deserved a little distraction.
“Sounds like a plan. One thing though.”
“Only one?”
Peyton shook her head. “I’ll do the negotiating. No special favors. Other than the car ride and your company, of course.”
Lily gave her a long, approving look. “Fair enough. I’ll take you to the wares, but what you pay for them is your business.”
Less than an hour later, they left Peyton’s bank and were headed east on Interstate 30 in Lily’s Lexus coupe. Peyton looked at her watch.
“You on a timeline?” Lily asked.
“Not really.” She should’ve asked her mom what time they were eating dinner. She could call, but she didn’t want to spend time on the phone while she was in the car with Lily.
“Word is you’re a lawyer.”
“That would be correct.”
“What’s your specialty?”
“Criminal law. I’m a prosecutor.” Peyton braced for Lily’s reaction, anticipating either prurient interest or revulsion.
“Ah, a true law woman. Is that what you did before you moved back here?”
“Kind of.”
“Let me guess, you could tell me but you’d have to kill me.”
“Not quite.” Peyton cast about for a change of topic. The last thing she wanted right now was to talk about the details of her job. “What do you do when you’re not throwing parties?”
Lily’s brow furrowed and Peyton wondered why her supposedly harmless question would evoke such a response. Within seconds, she felt stupid. “Not that putting together large charity balls isn’t an enormous endeavor. Our family has supported Cattle Baron’s as long as it’s been around, and I’m always amazed at how much money the event raises.”
“It’s okay. The association has a staff. I was just one of the event chairs this year, and I was filling in for someone else, so I didn’t even work the whole season. My basic duties involved showing up, shaking hands, and goading people into coughing up extra donations. The full-time staff does all the real work. I’m actually kind of in between jobs right now. I’ve been out of the country, studying renewable energy sourcing.”
“A scientist, a super shopper, and an event planner. Any other talents I should know about?”
Lily’s cheeks turned a light shade of red, but her answer was sassy. “Well, in case you hadn’t noticed, I’m a hell of a fast driver.” She pointed to the right. “Look, we’re already here.”
She swung the car into the exit lane and then turned into the parking lot of an enormous car lot. Peyton read the name on the marquee, Pearson Motors. “Pearson. That name sounds familia
r.”
“You remember Courtney Pearson from Cattle Baron’s? Hard to miss, she was kinda sweet on your brother.”
“Neil?”
“No, Zach. Can’t believe you didn’t notice.”
“Maybe I was a bit distracted.”
“I’m going to take that as a compliment.” She pulled into a parking space near the entrance of the gigantic building. “Okay, it’s time to shop. Don’t worry. I’ll only offer my opinion if I’m asked.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so abrupt before.” Peyton surveyed the rows and rows of shiny new cars and trucks. “This is a little overwhelming. The last car I bought was from an ad in the paper. Your help would be very welcome. Although I must warn you that energy efficient isn’t going to be my first priority. I need something that can handle carrying a load and riding over rough terrain.”
“Truck or SUV?”
“I’m open to either.”
“What did you drive in D.C.?”
Peyton cocked her head. “Did I tell you I lived in Washington?”
Lily laughed. “Probably not, but surely you weren’t gone long enough to forget that for all it’s bustling big city appearance, Dallas is really a small town when it comes to knowing other people’s business.”
“I seem to recall that. D.C. isn’t much different. I didn’t drive much there, and when I did, I rented a truck. I didn’t intend to stay as long as I did so I never got around to buying a car. Used public transit most of the time.”
“That’ll only get you so far around here.”
“Definitely. I had to go out to Weatherford today, and I’m pretty sure the light rail wouldn’t have gotten me there and a cab would’ve set me back plenty.”
“What’s in Weatherford that captured your attention?”
Peyton wished she could bite back the words. What she’d seen in Weatherford would likely be on the six o’clock news, but she had no desire to talk about it. Not on this fun and carefree errand with the fresh and lively Lily Gantry. “Nothing pleasant. Now, aren’t you in charge of helping me find wheels?”
