by Dakota Black
“Or to keep the crew from performing their jobs so that the reason for the explosions, the lack of oil could be an issue with the crew. I don’t know what else to think.” Veronica smiled. “I’m worried about Roger, but being off the rig is the best thing for him.”
He exhaled and closed his eyes, his face reddening. “He’s still on this ship.”
“What are you talking about? I thought he was leaving on the first helicopter out of here.”
“He wasn’t on the roster, so they didn’t let him get on the helicopter. I wasn’t told initially.”
She bit her lower lip. “Is that why Tank was arguing with the pilot?”
Nash raised his eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
She told him what she’d seen and could tell the information only made him angrier. “He was yelling at the man, but the helicopter pilot was screaming back.”
“Falls into line with what Tank told me.”
“You’re still not sure about him.”
“I’m not certain of anything at this point, except for the fact you need to stay out of this.” Nash was insistent.
“I’ll pull back, but take another look at the financials. Someone has this file open on another computer. They don’t want this kind of information to be found. I also don’t think it’s meant for corporate consumption. I know nothing about the oil business, but I do understand that numbers like these would be taken seriously.”
He let her go and walked back toward her computer. Narrowing his eyes, he flipped through the pages. Suddenly the screen went blank. “What the hell happened?”
She moved behind him and another chill settled into her system. “Damn, I think whoever has that file open knows they aren’t the only one viewing it.” She hugged the towel closer to her.
“Whoever this is, could he be able to find out the exact computer with this open as well as the location?”
“Yeah, if the guy is good at computers,” she half whispered, her mind reeling. “What in the hell are they doing?”
“They’re purposely altering the numbers and I know why,” Nash snarled.
“Look, the screen is back,” she whispered.
“Someone is playing games. Get some things. You’re staying with me tonight.”
“Why?”
“Because if they know what you found, then there is no doubt that you’ll disappear or worse.” Nash tilted his head. “First, I’m going to try to screen shot this report and email to Camden.”
“Internet was down before.”
He sucked in his breath and wiped his face. “Let’s pray to God we can get it through. Rush needs to know what they are dealing with.”
Camden took long strides down the hallway and into Mitchell’s office, Zach trailing behind him. “We might have a few answers.” He glared at the report, wishing like hell he had the actual file.
“Okay, what are you thinking?” Mitchell looked up from his desk.
“The snare I floated out there seems to have a few men spouting off about Tank.” Camden wasn’t ready to buy the information he’d received in the speculative emails. However, this was damning information. The past was coming back to haunt all of them.
“Unfortunately, all points still lead to Brian,” Zach said then held up his finger. “But what Camden has in his hands is some information I learned, Tank either has an idiot as an accomplice or he’s being framed. My red flags are waving high.”
Mitchell shot Camden a harsh look. “I honestly don’t want to believe Tank has anything to do with this.”
“Don’t you remember the last thing he said to us all those years ago?” Camden asked quietly. This still screamed of something Tank would do.
“I know what he said. I also know exactly why he said the wretched words and if you remember, that was after he and I got into a fist fight.” Mitchell laughed. “We were all hotheads. You know that.”
“Both of you, just look at the what I found. Okay?” Zach asked. “I had a chat with Mr. Franklin the other day, which led me to some additional evidence.”
“What are we talking about?” Mitchell demanded.
“First. I was sent this screenshot only an hour ago.” Camden pushed the paperwork across Mitchell’s desk. “Nash sent this over. He couldn’t attach the actual file. The email was short, but I assume the file was open on another computer system.” What Zach had found could be horrific for the company, or given how they handled the situation, this could ultimately push them into another plane, allowing the stocks to soar. He waited as Mitchell glanced at the shot sent from Nash then Zach’s report, comparing. He didn’t want to believe their old friend had anything to do with an attempt at extortion, but Tank was the only man who’d been with them from the beginning. He had the intelligence and years of harboring anger.
“You are kidding me,” Mitchell said under his breath.
Zach laughed. “Not in the least. Don’t start celebrating just yet. We know from Nash’s last report that certain crewmembers are curious as to why he’s asking particular questions. I’m worried about the innocent men on the rig. We have to keep this quiet until we know exactly what we’re dealing with, although I think I have a better understanding.”
“We should warn Nash.” Mitchell shook his head. “How did we not know this?”
“We weren’t paying attention to an under producing rig.” Camden remained disgusted with himself. He wasn’t cut out to be CEO, even though Mitchell remained as a direct advisor.
“Hold on, gentlemen, Zach began. Remember, we have a leak in the company. We need to deal with as well and I haven’t figured out who that is, but I continue to have my suspicions about Tank. I’ve checked and double checked his bank accounts. Even living on a rig for as long as he has, he’s been off the ship more than any other crewmember. He would have had ample opportunity for meeting with various Canterfield Board members and get this, he booked a flight to Germany for next week.”
“Are you kidding me?” Camden hadn’t heard this piece of news yet. “Mitchell, Zach, evidence doesn’t lie. We have our man.”
“What about Nash?” Mitchell asked as he paced the floor.
Zach looked from one man to the other. “What does that mean?”
Camden had no idea what Mitchell was getting at. “What are you getting at? We know Nash. He saved your life, for God’s sake.”
“Did you ever wonder why he was conveniently at the office late at night in El Paso?” Mitchell kept his voice low.
“He worked there. What is going on?” Camden walked closer and could see a different file in Mitchell’s hand.
“His record.” Mitchell tossed the file.
“We knew about that months ago. He wasn’t convicted.” Camden glared at the file. The mystery was far from being solved. “Nash was our choice for this operation. Our choice.”
“Yeah. You’re right, but was there another choice at the time? No one else has Nash’s experience. Take another look at the man you think you know.”
Camden held his breath as he picked up the thin manila file. As he looked at the two pages, he wasn’t necessarily surprised. “This proves nothing.”
“Except the man can lie,” Mitchell insisted. “Nash was convicted and sent to prison for two years.”
“Interesting.” Camden stiffened and realized he’d been keeping too many things from his best friends. “I wasn’t completely honest about why I suggested Nash for the job.”
Mitchell chuckled. “The shit is getting deeper.”
“He is the best man for the job. There is no doubt, at least in my mind,” Camden stated.
“But?” Zach asked.
“But, I was reminded of his qualifications.” Camden thought about the phone call, the way the man had seemed so concerned, even suggesting Nash be considered to replace Franklin Parker. Nothing had seemed out of the norm at the time. But what if…
“By who?” Mitchell demanded. “Tank?”
“Not Tank. You know damn good and well that Tank wouldn’t
call either one of us for anything. Ever.” Camden shook his head, a dark laugh pushing past his lips.
“Find the name. That may be a significant clue.” Zach suggested. “Especially since the trail with the money leads to Franklin then past him.”
“I don’t get what you’re saying.” Mitchell narrowed his eyes.
Zach looked from one to the other. “The evidence leads to Tank and the trail was too perfect, easy to find. So, I kept digging. Franklin is a fool. He deposited funds, pretending to be Brian Williams. He didn’t think the trail would lead back, but it did.”
“I don’t know. I just don’t trust Tank,” Camden whispered. “But I also don’t believe Nash had anything to do with this. What the hell is going on?”
Mitchell paced the floor as a quiet settled in. He turned back around, his face pinched. “I don’t understand you any longer, Camden. I gave you the job you wanted years ago. My job. I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought this was best for the company.”
“I’m doing the best that I can!” Camden snapped. “I care about this company just as much, if not more, than you do.”
“Cut the shit. We aren’t getting anywhere. We must plan a course of action. Time is of the essence. I’m going down a trail I think will give us all the answers, but I need time before I’m ready to give out any additional details. Don’t you have a Board of Directors meeting early next week?” Zach tossed out.
“Fuck. Yes. The quarterly stock meeting.” Camden tossed down the file. “I know what you’re going to say.’
“What?” Mitchell cocked his head. “What aren’t you telling me?”
Camden hesitated. “With the stock continuing to fall, scavengers have been sniffing around the blood in the water.”
“There will always be someone trying to purchase the company,” Mitchell hissed. “I’d know if that was the case.”
“Not the company, just a large portion of the stock,” Zach stated.
“How much?” Mitchell asked.
“Almost forty percent, depending on who you ask.” Camden had fought hard to convince everyone Rush was doing well, but too many had already cashed out, leaving the company in a treacherous position.
Mitchell closed the distance, pointing his finger at Camden. “Why did you keep this from me?”
“Because you’ve too been busy with your new venture, running a damn hospital and spending time with your fiancée to pay any attention to Rush Enterprises!” Camden shook from anger.
Mitchell bristled.
Zach moved between them. “Guys, if we don’t lay down a plan and figure out what’s really going on, the Board may force our hands.”
“Do you think Canterfield Industries is behind this? Trying to buy up as many shares of stock as they plummet, and they will, when the report is given that Rig 14 hasn’t been able to produce.” Mitchell laughed.
“I’m almost certain Canterfield has everything to do with this, but I can’t go pointing fingers. I need time to flush out all the connections and you two are the only ones who can give it to me. Here’s the rest of the bad news. Even with the other offshore rigs producing on quota, with rig 14 being the largest and with the continued fallout from the bad press regarding the Steele site purchase, a lackluster report will prevent any other purchasers from considering Rush stock, at least for now.” Zach kept his voice even.
“What if we shut down the rig?” Camden asked as he stormed away from both of them.
“We can’t do that, Camden,” Mitchell explained. “That will only fuel the press, let alone destroy our credibility. You’ve placed this company, our company in a horrible position. I suggest we make a trip to the rig. We will find out what the fuck is going on before that damn meeting.”
“No one is going in or out right now.” Zach looked from man to man as he pulled up his computer. When he flipped the laptop to face them, he sighed. “They’re going to have to fend for themselves and whether you trust Tank or Nash, given the Board meeting in a few days, the situation will come to a head. Unfortunately, smack in the middle of a possible disaster.”
Camden eyed the weather screen and groaned. “The hurricane.”
“Yep. Coming in much faster than anticipated. At this rate, the outer bands could hit as early as tomorrow night. They’re going to have to remain, riding out the storm. And what’s worse? The communications are down at this point and maybe because of the weather or perhaps for another reason.”
Mitchell looked at Camden and laughed. “We fell right into this. We’re both stupid. We have a new doctor on board. She’s ill-equipped to deal with this kind of a fucking mess or a damn hurricane. I don’t want her hurt in all of this.”
“Well, that might be a problem as well.” Zach’s voice held concern. “She’s become more a part of this than you’re aware of.” Zach eased down into a chair.
“What, now?” Camden snapped. He thought about the emails he’d received, such concern, drawing them into a spider web. What if an unknown buyer came in, a hero and purchased every scrap of stock? The prices would go up.
“Veronica Easton made a call to a friend of hers, another doctor working in blood sciences. Seems our rather curious doctor grew concerned one of the men on the ship had a disease, or perhaps worse.” Zach raised his eyebrows.
“Poison. Nash couldn’t find any reason that the equipment would have caused the explosions.” Mitchell paled.
“Then it’s human error,” Camden added. “And a slow poison could make the men careless, especially given the tedious nature of their work and the fact they were forced to work longer shifts.”
Zach nodded. “You’re damn close. However, this doctor friend was panicked enough that she contacted the experts about a particular poison found in one of the crewmate’s system. If not treated, he will die.” He walked closer to Camden. “Find out the name of the man who suggested Nash. We need to know.”
Camden nodded then tipped his head back, groaning. “I think I know who called me recommending Nash. Parker Franklin, himself.”
“That doesn’t make any sense,” Mitchell snapped.
“It would if he was part of a larger scheme.” Camden looked from one to the other. “If he quit, we would have gone through the normal hiring process. If he got himself fired, given he was following orders, then we’d take a recommendation and handle the switch quickly.”
“If that’s true then a part of this has to do with Nash Waters, which means, we have two distinct issues on our hands.” Zach shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’ll make some additional calls. I want that file on Nash and his prison record. Let’s see if I can find out anything.”
“The web of deceit just grew,” Mitchell groaned.
“As you can imagine, what Dr. Easton found started a firestorm.” Zach’s voice was muted. “If the men who are working with Canterfield find out that she’s onto this…”
Camden dropped his head. “They’re sitting ducks. If what you say about Canterfield Industries is true, good people will die.”
And their blood would be on his hands.
Chapter 10
Nash knew enough about the kind of reports Veronica had found to realize they were the reason for the explosions. A cover up. However, without getting their hands on a copy, there was no way of proving that anything was going on. Unless, the screen shot made it to Camden’s desk. His thoughts continued to turn dark, wondering whether or not he’d been made a pawn.
“What’s wrong?” Veronica asked as she moved closer.
“Just trying to figure out why this rig is so important. Tank thinks it’s for a military operation, oil for weapons.” He wasn’t certain why he was giving her any details except she was the single person on the rig he trusted.
“Oil is one of the most sought after commodities in the world. But the military? Why?”
He nodded. “Yeah, well this rig ain’t fit for giving anyone reason to commit murder. There’s not enough oil to worry about. I don’t get it.”
She shook her head, her eyes twinkling. “What if we’re looking at this the wrong way?”
“Go on.”
“What if those reports are correct, well at least the first page. That was all about the levels of oil being produced, right?”
“That would mean the previous reports I sent to Rush were incorrect.” Nash began to see the logic. Why would anyone purposely lie about the amount of oil being produced, making the numbers appear lower? “If the reports were incorrect and this rig is producing a tremendous volume of oil, anyone purchasing stock or trying to buy Rush Enterprises outright would get a gold mine.”
“The oldest kind of takeover attempt in the book,” she suggested, sounding eager. “The explosions. What about those?”
“Yeah, we lost hundreds of barrels but…” He couldn’t help but laugh.
“They were purposely set.”
“To buy time and to be able to have a reason to fake the numbers. A takeover. Tank was right. This company, Canterfield Industries, wants to take over Rush Enterprises. If they are selling weapons of various kinds, having crude oil might be a damn good deal.”
Veronica huffed. “That would take more than a single rig depending on what you’re talking about.” She paced the room then snapped her fingers. “You need to talk to Camden Dane. They need to know who their enemies might be.”
“You’re right.” He yanked his phone from his pocket. “No reception. I’ll go up on deck and see if it’s any better. Keep your mouth closed about your suspicions. These walls have ears.” Espionage? Military secrets? Weapons trade? This was insane.
“Then they know about us,” she said, a lilt in her voice.
Ignoring her comment, he studied her face, the way in which she was standing for a few seconds. She’d almost broken down his defenses, finding a way into his blackened soul. Almost. He couldn’t allow that to happen. After the situation was taken care of, he was going to ask for a transfer. He couldn’t afford to allow anyone to get too close. “Come on, get your things. I’ll take you to my cabin.”
“Nash, I’m not going anywhere. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself,” Veronica said as she stood defiantly in front of him.
