A Solemn Creed (Texas Oil Book 5)

by Dakota Black

  Hearing about his car didn’t surprise him but reality settled in, creating another wave of nausea. “I didn’t use good judgment.”

  “You didn’t use any judgment!” Mitchell snapped then dropped his head. “Fighting with the employees, leaving the Board meeting and now this. I don’t understand.”

  The quiet was biting and tears welled up in Camden’s eyes. “I don’t know who I am any longer.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me!”

  Zach glared at Mitchell. “Let him talk.”

  “Whatever,” Mitchell huffed, waving him off.

  Camden had thought about his decision long before the car accident or the explosion at the office. The changes in him during the last few months had been brutal, the pressure slowly killing him. If he couldn’t confess, then he was going to have to avail himself of the situation. “I’ve made a decision and one I hope you both can understand.” Yes, this was the right thing to do.

  But for whom?

  Zach looked at Mitchell and lifted his eyebrows. “Do we want to know?”

  Mitchell held his tongue, but his face held intolerance.

  “I’m dragging you down, as friends and as the man in charge of Rush Enterprises. That’s not something that can happen any longer. The company is very important to me,” Camden started and had to bite his fist, trying to push away his anger and his tears. “I know you might not think so, but I’m serious. I love what I do, but I’m no longer effective, not right now.”

  “Okay, so what are you saying?” This time, Mitchell’s voice was soft, nurturing.

  Camden held his breath, calming his nerves. “I’m saying that as of today, I’m relinquishing my position as CEO of Rush Enterprises.”

  “What?” Zach pushed, blinking several times.

  “Yes. This is the right thing to do. In fact, I’m leaving the company altogether, at least for an extended period of time.” Camden could feel a weight ripped from his shoulders. He could regroup and figure out how to destroy the demons.

  “You’re serious,” Mitchell whispered.

  “Very.” Camden gave a half smile.

  “We weren’t trying to push you out, buddy. I hope you know that,” Zach offered as he walked closer, his eyes darting back and forth.

  Camden inched closer. “I know. This is something I have to do.”

  Mitchell rubbed his mouth. “What are you going to do?”

  He thought about the question and hadn’t really planned that far ahead, but whatever he did, he was going to get away from Dallas, one way or the other. “I have absolutely no idea, but whatever it is, I hope it can keep me alive.”

  And so, the secret would remain buried…

  Chapter 3

  Camden stood on his back deck, a cup of coffee in his hand, his heart empty. He’d been awake all night, trying to make peace with the demons clawing at the surface. Nothing seemed right any longer. However, his decision to take a sabbatical from the corporation had been his only decent decision in the last few months. Thank God, Mitchell and Zach hadn’t pushed for him to stay on.

  Maybe they were just sick of being around him.

  Feeling sorry for himself wasn’t going to do a damn bit of good. He’d thought about various opportunities, and nothing seemed exciting or even challenging. The bitter taste of the coffee swirled in his mouth. Nothing tasted good. Groaning, he walked back inside, turning off the coffee maker and pouring out the dregs.

  He eyed the computer and eased down on the stool. Maybe he could get a different kind of job, one that entailed hard work, physical labor. That would certainly be a different approach. Well, he could return to working as an oil rigger. Fuck no. He would be recognized in a dead ass heartbeat. What other skill did he have?

  Ranching.

  The thought wasn’t bad. He could ask Mitchell to take care of the horses at his place and work somewhere else, but not close. Yes, he’d have to return for his court date, but knowing the court system, that wouldn’t be for a month or so. He pulled up the internet and began to search. The various usual job search pages were useless. Needed, a washed-up, has-been, part-time rancher with limited skills.

  He snorted and was beginning to lose hope. Then he thought of Craig’s List. Various ranchers often resorted to the forum to find ranch hands. What the hell? He widened his search to the entire state of Texas and flipped through a few pages. “Huh.”

  Wanted: Experienced ranch hand for a cattle ranch in Val Verde County. Eight thousand acres of rich land, fronting the Pecos River. Job comes with room and board. Contact Jorge Muñez, Foreman.

  Exhaling, he studied the ad for a few minutes before picking up his cell phone. The only thing the foreman could do was say no. The change in venue was good. He’d hide in plain sight. The thought gave him jitters. Did anyone care any longer?

  Fifteen minutes later, he eased the phone down then closed the lid to his laptop. This was either the best decision of his life or the most ridiculous. Only time would tell, but the change in venue as well as the work just might give him the incentive he needed.

  Dear God, he hoped so.

  Smiling, he made a second phone call, glad he heard the voicemail coming on. “Mitchell, it’s Camden. I need a favor and I know I’m asking a lot, but I’m leaving the ranch for a few weeks. Don’t ask me any questions. Will you take care of the horses while I’m gone? I’ll check in every once in a while, but I’m not going to tell you where I am. Not right now. If you can’t or won’t do this for me, let me know tonight. I’m leaving in the morning. Thank you for everything and for understanding. I hope that…” His voice caught, the sadness creeping in. “I hope I can find myself. Take care.”

  He lowered his head and for the first time in so long, he felt very much alone. There was one thing he needed to do before he packed for the trip. Heading out back, he walked toward the barn. The horses greeted him with swishing tails and whinnying. He made certain they had adequate food and water before heading to the last stall.

  “Hello, Beauty. I’ve missed you.” He hung over the gate, admiring the beautiful Appaloosa. The name suited the gorgeous mare and he’d adored her from the first moment he’d laid eyes on her almost two years before. His promise to ride her every day was similar to every other promise he’d made and broken. Unlatching the bolt, he walked inside, rubbing his hand against her nose. “Would you like to go for a ride?”

  Beauty whinnied, her head darting up and down.

  “Good girl.” He grabbed the blanket and saddle, easing the massive leather piece across her back. After cinching it tight, he rubbed her mane, enjoying the feel. The amazing mare had seen him break down far too often in the beginning. Then nothing. Her comfort had meant the world to him and he’d allowed his joy of riding to take a back seat.

  He led her out of the barn and the corral, latching the gate before placing his leg in the stirrup and straddling her back. Leaning down, he whispered. “I think you know where we’re going. Eh, girl?”

  She snorted and pawed the dirt.

  “Let’s go.” Camden enjoyed the way the light breeze rushed past as he took off, trotting at first then after they made their way through the bank of trees, he took off at a full gallop. His hands were wrapped around the reins but there was no tension. No need. Beauty knew his emotions and state of mind so well.

  As he rode, his mind began to clear, to understand that he’d been headed in this direction for some time. Ignoring the signs had almost cost him his life. Inhaling the scent of the air, the dense foliage and the flowers he’d planted so long ago were invigorating, yet a bitter sweet reminder of a previous life.

  The ride took him almost fifteen minutes and when he entered the cemetery, he slowed down, walking Beauty the rest of the way. The large oak on the knoll was the reminder of better times, of passion and shared dinners, bottles of wine while they talked for hours, planning for the future.

  Sarah…

  Her name alone forced an intense reaction and tears rushed to his eyes. Beauty twi
sted her head, as if trying to look at her owner, to make certain that he was all right. He was anything but. Still, this was the right thing to do, to make certain she understood. Garnering what was left of his courage, he continued on the path until he could read the name on her gravestone. Easing off Beauty, he patted her flank before walking the rest of the way on foot.

  There was no worry that Beauty would leave him behind. She knew her place. She understood her master. She also knew of the intense sadness.

  Hunkering down, he picked at the few weeds, pulling and tossing them away. Everything had to be perfect for the love of his life, just like the woman. When the area was weed free, he sat down and crossed his legs. Very gently he touched the name carved into the stone and swallowed hard. “Hi, baby. I know it’s been too long since I visited. I’m so sorry. I’ve been busy.”

  The wind seemed to whip all around him, creating an eerie sound, a hollow echo. He knew she was here. She was listening.

  “I’ve missed you. The truth is I couldn’t bear to come here any longer. I just… I guess I can’t think of you this way. You were always so alive. I don’t know.” He continued rubbing the letters, finally tracing her name with his finger. His thoughts drifted. The decisions they’d made together had been difficult but necessary in order to keep their relationship a secret. If only he’d known about the future, things would have been different.

  “I’m leaving for a while. A month, maybe longer, but you’ll be in my heart, as you always have been. There isn’t a day that goes by I don’t think about you. I can’t tell you how much I miss our talks, your laugh and your smile.”

  Camden clenched his eyes shut and hissed. The pain was excruciating. “I love you.” Dropping his head, he allowed the tears to flow as the memories rushed in, images and flashes, visions of the times they spent together. There had been nothing like the love he felt for Sarah and there could be no other woman that he’d ever love as much. He was shaking, his heart rattled from the ugliness that they’d both allowed. There was no going back. There was no way to right the wrong.

  There was no method of repairing his soul.

  The tears fell, and he sobbed, wanting to go back to the time before, even for a single day. A cold chill slithered down his spine and he jerked his head up. The wind had changed direction and as he blinked, trying to focus, he could see her. “Sarah?”

  A warmth appeared on his arm, a slight grip, a comforting move.

  He turned his head slowly. The hair stood up on his arm, goosebumps popping up on every inch of his skin. “I can feel you.” In the next several seconds, he was in a bubble, a sweet vacuum as her face floated in front of his. When the vision started to fade, he breathed out and he knew she was trying to offer him peace as well as her love. Her forgiveness.

  She was also saying goodbye.

  Amber stormed past the receptionist, taking long strides as she headed for Bart Randolph’s office. She’d waited two days to confront him but after reviewing the various tapes, she could tell there was some plan in motion. And she was red hot.

  “Miss. You can’t do that. You need an appointment!”

  She hissed and refused to stop. The damn delivery of flowers had been the last straw. A bouquet of red roses with a simple card meant to scare her to death.

  I’ll take what I want when I want…

  Like fucking hell he would. The bastard was in his office. She could just make out his fat ass leaning back in his chair, his feet on the desk. The man was useless, as far as she was concerned. Without knocking, she threw open the door and headed straight for his desk, a huge smile on her face.

  Bart gave her a look. “Joe. I’m going to have to call you back. Someone just came into my office. Yeah, golf sounds good, buddy. I’ll see you later today. Drinks after.”

  “Mr. Randolph.” The receptionist was breathless when she bounded inside. “I couldn’t stop her. I tried, but she just walked right past me.”

  Shifting, he dropped his feet and waved. “Don’t worry about it, Betsy. I’m happy to see Miss Harding. You can go ahead and close the door.”

  Betsy hesitated then walked out, closing the door.

  Amber tilted back her head. “I think you know why I’m here.”

  Bart rose to his feet and shored up his sagging pants. “If you’re here to apologize for shooting up one of my trucks, then yes, little lady. I do.”

  “You’re such an arrogant ass. I wouldn’t have shot at one of your trucks if your men hadn’t been on my property trying to steal my cattle!”

  Chuckling, he eased around the corner of the desk. “That’s where you got it all wrong, missy. My men were just trying to capture a loose steer, one of my prized steers as a matter of fact. They spotted him and would have let you know what was going on if you hadn’t fired a few rounds. That could have been very dangerous.”

  “That’s bullshit, and you know it. You’re not going to threaten me, Bart. I’m not going to take it any longer. My ranch isn’t for sale. It never was and never will be. Even if I did decide to put it on the market, I sure as shit wouldn’t sell to a low life, criminal such as yourself.”

  His eyes flaring, he moved closer.

  While he stood several inches taller than her, Amber didn’t flinch. The man was going to get what was coming to him.

  “I suggest you be very careful in your selection of words, Miss Harding. I know things about your ranch and your business and I doubt very much that you’d want those to get out in the open.”

  This was a new tactic. “What’s wrong? Plying me with roses wasn’t good enough for you?”

  He wrinkled his brow. “Roses aren’t my style, little lady. You should know that by now. I prefer the up close and personal method. If ya know what I mean.”

  Uh-huh. Rat ass bastard. “Another threat. Is that all you can do, try and bully your way into getting what you want? No wonder not a single rancher wants to do business with you any longer.”

  He bristled then rubbed his jaw. “I don’t need their business. You should know that by now. I have almost everything I need, but I tell you what. I’ll make you one very special offer.” He held up a single finger as he smiled again. “Yes, I think I will.”

  “I don’t want any offer from the likes of you. I want you and your men to stay off my property or next time, I will be the one calling the law, but after I make certain that intruders are dealt with appropriately. Do you hear me?”

  The man ignored her, humming as he grabbed a pen and piece of paper.

  The audacity of him was maddening, but she was going to see this out, no matter that he believed she’d crumple at the concept of money.

  Bart grabbed an envelope from his top drawer and slipped the paper inside, taking his time to lick the flap and seal it. “I think you’ll find this more than acceptable.” Shoving the envelop in her face, he remained unblinking.

  She tried to figure out what was best to do. Yanking the offer from his hand, she shoved the envelope in her back pocket. “No deal.”

  “Uh. Huh. Just take a look. But the offer is only good for twenty-four hours. After that, I’m going to use what I know against you. That would make your pappy, God rest his soul, roll over in his grave. Now, wouldn’t it?”

  She laughed. “You don’t bother me, Bart. Not in the least. Just keep your goons off my property and we’ll be just fine.” What in the hell did the man think he had on her? She certainly wasn’t going to let him see her sweat. Turning, she walked toward the door, taking her time.

  “Trust me, little girl. You’re going to want to sell to me because if you don’t, I will destroy you. Your father owes me and it’s time I get paid.”

  Another chill trickled down her back, but she didn’t hesitate, nor did she look back. Keeping her head high, she threw open the door and headed for the elevator. Only when she was safely inside the tin box did she slink against the wall, shivering. “Fuck.” This was much bigger than she could handle by herself. “What did you leave me with, Daddy?”

/>   She sat in the truck and fingered the envelope, terrified to look inside. When she was finally able, she peeled away the flap, careful to keep her fingers away from his saliva. She swallowed as she removed the note. Rage rushed into her and she knew the man was crazy as well as out to get her. The ranch was worth millions. The offer?

  One hundred thousand dollars.

  As she gunned the engine, roaring out of the parking lot, she realized she’d have to determine a course of action. And she knew the man wouldn’t stop. There was a reason behind his bravado, but what? She thought about her father’s things, the corporate books she’d refused to look at after his death. Maybe it was time that she had a look.

  The anger flowed to the point she was white knuckling the steering wheel all the way back to the ranch. She floored the accelerator when she pulled down the long driveway, ready for a tall glass of wine or hell, maybe whiskey tonight. She’d never been this rattled since taking over almost two years before. There’d always been tough times but to be openly threatened? She had to wonder what had occurred with some of the other ranch owners. While she didn’t know them well, they might talk to her. Might.

  Grousing, she swung onto the road leading to the main house, surprised when she noticed her foreman’s truck. It was quitting time and the man was like clockwork, going home to his wife and four kids. She craned her neck, studying the brand new Dodge Ram, a rarity in these parts. Maybe Jorge had decided they needed another hard body. Yeah, they did, but she had zero idea how she was going to pay another salary. Still, a new ranch-hand would mean additional productivity. Work and life had to move on.

  She climbed out, stuffing the ridiculous offer in her back pocket and noticed Jorge standing by the fence, flanked by another man. The late afternoon sun was shining in her eyes and as she resigned herself to walk closer, she was forced to shield her eyes. The closer she came, the more curious she became. The stranger was in jeans and cowboy boots, but even from the distance, she knew instinctively that he wasn’t used to outdoor work. This should be good. She stood in the background, listening to the one-sided conversation.