A Death Wish (Texas Oil Book 4)

by Dakota Black

  Blip!

  As the lights went out, thrusting them into complete darkness, the same eerie set of sensations rocketed down his spine. “I’ll get some candles. There are two flashlights in the drawer by the stove. You should put some clothes on. It’s going to be a long ass night.” He grabbed the gun, fingering the cold steel.

  “You think someone is going to try and kill us tonight. Don’t you?” she asked as she inched closer.

  “I don’t know what to think. I have a man looking for me. You have someone threatening you, another providing you with damning lies so you tell me, what am I supposed to think?” He heard the edge in his voice and hissed between clenched teeth. “Thank you for not judging me. I was a different person. I’ve done everything in my power to live a good life, including on that rig. I don’t know what you were told, but I was there to perform a job. I was still in the Marines, but the rig was privately owned. We were there simply to perform various operations. I learned much later that there were some issues.”

  “Issues. That’s one way of putting it,” she snarked.

  Crack! Boom!

  The rumble of thunder rolled under their feet and the house began to shake.

  “I don’t like this.” She crowded closer, holding his arm.

  “Get the flashlights then put on some clothes. We’ll stay in the living room tonight. I’ll tell you as much as I know about the rig and the accident. What I do know is that neither Camden Dane or Mitchell Rush have any idea about what occurred on that rig in 2009. None. But, they will respect what you need to tell them.”

  Groaning, she kept her hold. “Get the candles. I’ll be right there.” She felt her way around the kitchen island.

  He watched her, even in the darkness and knew he was going to lose her. No woman could hear such a story and not walk away. As another tear formed in his eye, he realized the worst thing to do was to keep the remainder from her, but at this point, he felt he had no other choice.

  Why had she been lied to? Why? And by not one but three men? She held the flashlight straight in front of her as she walked into the bedroom, finding a pair of shorts and a tank top and drying off. She was jumpy, terrified she’d see a monster staring at her through the window.

  The wind howled, creating whooshing sounds. She could hear the trees even through the thick wooden blinds. Even the shutters covering the French doors were rattling, hitting the glass. Whatever the ending would be, she had no doubt John was behind everything. The threats, the roses. He knew how terrified she was of Ramone. But to lie this way and to convince Frank that the monster had been let out of jail was a deed she couldn’t fathom, even given her bitter arguments with John. Why would he do this?

  She grabbed a ponytail holder and wrapped her hair as the tapping on the glass continued. Fear ebbed and flowed, forcing her stomach to revolt. She slapped her hand over her mouth, trying to keep from vomiting.

  Tap. Tap.

  The noise wasn’t random. She would swear it. Swallowing, she controlled her breathing and walked closer to the shutters. Just a peek outside would calm her fears. Her hand shaking, she reached out, touching the handle, twisting slowly then peering outside.

  A flash of lightning lit up the sky and for just a split second, one moment in time, she saw the face. His face.

  Then she screamed.

  Snake came tearing into the room. “What the fuck happened?”

  “He’s out there. I saw him. His face. I swear to God. A man.” Skittering back from the set of doors, she climbed over the bed to get away. She noticed the gun in Snake’s hand. “Be careful.”

  “Go into the hallway and listen for any other sounds.” When she hesitated, he hissed, “Do it!”

  She tumbled off the bed and raced into the hallway, but she watched as he advanced toward the set of doors, the gun gleaming in the dull glow of the flashlight.

  Snake peered out then eased back before placing his hand on the doorknob.

  “Don’t!”

  “Relax. I’m only going to take a look.” Opening the door slowly, a rush of wind and rain forced the door back with a hard slam and he walked out onto the deck.

  Katherine held her breath and scanned the perimeter of the hallway, able to see a portion of the kitchen lit up by candles. “Do you see anything?”

  “Nothing. Not a damn thing. If someone is out here, they’re insane.” Slamming and locking the doors, he stalked toward her, the gun still in his hand. “All the windows are locked as well as the front door. We will know if anyone tries to break in. Let’s go into the living room and talk.” He grabbed the flashlight, holding it out to her. “We’re going to be all right. One way or the other, we’ll get off this damn island in the morning.”

  Still shaking, she wrung her hands and nodded.

  When they were settled on the couch, facing the doors leading out to the deck, she grabbed her glass of wine. “I think John is behind the threats against me.”

  “Your ex-husband?”

  “Yes. He knew the details of the case from my past and the fact Ramone had sent roses. I received a dozen at the office the other day. If your source really found out that Ramone is still in prison, then why would I be told that John had been responsible for re-opening the case? Why would he let me believe that my life was in danger?”

  “I don’t know. That’s what we need to figure out.”

  “One thing I do know is that John is capable of making good on his threats, and he’s made plenty given what I have on him. He wants me terrified. He was the one who told me about your time on the oil rig.”

  Snake held up the gun. “I don’t know John, but given what happened in the bathroom, I wouldn’t put it past him to allow you to believe that I’m a bad guy. What did he tell you?”

  “Just that you’d served on the rig and very little details but what he alluded to, he knew my attorney instinct would kick in, which it did.”

  “I did serve on the Westmont Offshore Oil Rig during my last year serving in the Marines. We were assigned to work with a team of engineers on a specially commissioned project, one that was considered top secret by the military and the government. Something went wrong. Corners were cut, the budget pushed to the maximum and my commanding officer at the time didn’t seem to give a shit. As far as I’m concerned, he was the man responsible for twenty-two riggers and three Marines losing their lives as well as the oil spill. It’s the reason I left the Marines. The people who were charged weren’t the men who caused the accident. I was one of the lucky ones and got out alive. I finished my degree to do some good for the environment. That’s the only reason I took the job with Rush.”

  “Jesus and I believe you.” Katherine fiddled with her wine glass. “Then the fact I came here and that I’m pushing for this referendum has ruffled some feathers. My guess is that this top-secret project would float to the surface, creating a military nightmare.”

  “That’s entirely possible. Perhaps someone figured out a way to terrify you, convince you to leave the island, forgo your work.”

  “Good summation and you fell into the ruse as well. All the pieces are falling into place. My guess is that your involvement with the Westmont Project will end up in the news, discrediting both you and Rush Enterprises.” She laughed. “And we both fell into the ploy. That much I can fix, even if it means giving up my seat in the senate.” At this point, she was more than disgusted with politics.

  He nodded several times. “That’s entirely possible about discrediting. I’ll alert Camden when we have cell service again. We’ll go from there. I have some information that I kept from the time on the rig. I just didn’t know how or when to use it.”

  “Good. I’ll take that information and I’ll back you in every way I can and trust me, reporters do not want to come up against me. However, that doesn’t solve the issue about who’s trying to find you.” She dropped her head. “Or trying to kill you.” She realized that she would have to talk to a member of the court, but there was no way she was going to let Sn
ake go to jail for being tortured and forced to have involvement with the Mexican Mafia. She knew enough people who owed her a favor.

  “No, but I will find out.” He crouched down beside her, taking her hand. “I have a hell of a lot to live for.”

  As the candles flickered, creating a golden hue, she could see such relief in his eyes. “This might be crazy, completely insane but I love you. I think I loved you the minute I saw you.”

  “I love you. I have no idea what we’re facing, but let’s get through tonight.”

  “Agreed.”

  “At least you know that Ramone Chivas isn’t getting out of jail any time soon.” Snake walked toward her. “If you talk with John again, play along. If he wants you rattled, let him think that you are.”

  She knew what he was saying was true, but her sixth sense continued to tell her that she was in danger. But from whom and why?

  Snake stretched and rubbed his neck as he tried to open his eyes. The sunlight filtered in and his neck was killing him. Shifting, he blinked several times as he tried to focus. They’d fallen asleep on the couch very late and while the storm was still raging. “Katherine.” He heard nothing, including howling winds. As he sat up, he groaned, a headache pounding behind his eyes. The storm must have passed. Breathing a sigh of relief, he eased off the couch.

  She was nowhere to be seen.

  “Katherine.”

  No answer.

  Beep. Beep.

  The sound disoriented him until he realized it was coming from her cell phone that she’d left on the coffee table. Looking down, the moment he saw John Wallace’s ID, he snatched up the phone. “You motherfucker. I could kill you with my bare hands.”

  “Who the hell is this?” John’s voice was gruff.

  “Someone who has your number. Threatening Katherine? You are one low piece of shit.” He grabbed his gun, shoving it into his waistband.

  “What are you talking about? Does this have anything to do with the phone message she left last night?”

  Snake walked toward the window, unlatching the shutters then opening the French doors. “Phone message? I know you warned her about me.”

  “Snake? Yeah, I did warn her about you but after the message she left me and the fact I couldn’t get in touch with her, I did some digging. Did Frank tell her about your wife?”

  “Frank? Who is Frank?” Snake demanded.

  “Frank Sapino. He’s Katherine’s partner in her law firm and from what I can tell, one giant asshole.” The instant he said the name, a cold shiver skated down Snake’s spine, a long hiss escaping his lips.

  “What is it?”

  “Frank Sapino?”

  “Yeah, do you know him?”

  Snake exhaled then began to shake as he walked outside on the deck. “Sergeant Frank Sapino of the United States Marines was my commanding officer when I was assigned to the Westmont Offshore Oil Rig during the last year I served in the Marines.”

  “What? I just found out that Frank was in the Marines, which was an interesting surprise. What the hell happened to him?” John asked, his tone of voice anxious.

  “Dishonorable discharge from what I know. He certainly wouldn’t want the fact he was involved with the Westmont Offshore rig disaster on his resume. Now, would he?”

  “You were a member of the rig.”

  The words were said in an accusatory fashion. “Yeah, not something I’m proud of.” Snake went and stood by the railing, searching the beach. Where the hell had Katherine gone?

  “That I can understand. Where is Katherine? I need to talk with her.”

  “She’s taking a walk.”

  “Listen to me, Snake. I don’t know you and I’m certain that Katherine has filled you with horror stories about my threats given the status of our marriage, but she’s in danger.”

  Danger. The word hung. He could just make out someone moving onto the deck by the boat. “What do you mean danger?”

  “I had to dig all night, but I found out that Frank Sapino has had it in for Katherine since she began her investigation into the various oil companies. What she could uncover is damning and he can’t allow that to happen.”

  “What are you saying?” He walked down the stairs, waiting on the landing given the reception.

  “I’m saying that the man is dangerous. Not only did he allow her to believe I was involved in letting a vicious criminal out of prison, but I have it on very solid evidence that he’s out to kill her.”

  The echo inside his head created additional pounding. The understanding was clear, and he knew in his gut if she tried the engine on the boat… “I have to go.” Dropping the phone, he raced out onto the sand. “Katherine! Get off the deck. Get off now!”

  As if in slow motion, she turned her head and waved.

  He continued running, his feet thumping against the sand. “Get off!”

  She took several steps closer then froze.

  “Get off!”

  Katherine’s face registered what he was saying, and she took a leap off the deck, tumbling onto the ground.

  Boom!

  Pitched to the ground, he struggled to get to his feet as flames broke out, debris from the explosion everywhere. In the smoke, he was unable to see Katherine. Racing forward, he fought to get to her, his muscles tense, his mind reeling. “Katherine!”

  “Here.” Coughing, she stumbled forward. “What happened?”

  “Come on. Now. Let’s go.” Grabbing her arm, he started running toward the house.

  “I don’t understand.”

  “He’s here.”

  “Who?”

  “The man trying to kill you.” Snake darted a look over his shoulder. Seeing movement in the trees, he picked up the pace, racing toward the stairs.

  Pop! Pop!

  “Shit!” she screeched and hunkered down.

  “Get up the stairs. Get up the stairs!” He pushed her hard until she bounded up the stairs two at a time.

  Pop!

  The shot ricocheted off the railing.

  “Fuck.” When she was safely inside, Snake crouched behind the railing and the table, peering out. Unable to see anything but the billowing smoke, he shrunk back, catching his breath. Checking the ammunition, he darted out his head and could see a man running in the direction of the house.

  Pop!

  The single shot didn’t hit its mark.

  Cursing, Snake crawled closer to the edge.

  Pop! Pop!

  The bullets missed him by mere inches. He listened and could hear the man’s approach. Counting to three, he rose to his feet, the gun firmly planted in both hands. He was able to see his target and knew he had very few chances.

  As the man lifted his head and raised his gun, Snake peppered off several shots.

  Pop! Bam! Pop!

  Dropping down, he prayed to God he’d hit the target. When he heard nothing, he lifted his head. Thank fucking God. Keeping low, he headed down the stairs and onto the sand. Very carefully he approached, keeping both hands on the gun.

  “Snake! Look out!”

  Bam!

  Chapter 11

  Katherine stood outside, pacing the floor. Every few seconds, she darted a glance at the door, anger remaining, the kind of rage that created ridiculous actions. Breathe in. Breathe out. Rolling her eyes, she knew the control mechanism wasn’t going to work. She was pissed off and ready to lash out. In the last ten days, her entire life had changed, and she wasn’t entirely certain for the better. She held the thick file in her hand, gripping it tightly as if the information inside could alter the outcome. In the days since their return, she certainly had gathered damning evidence of collusion with regard to certain oil companies.

  But she couldn’t help Snake. She hissed as the same sadness enveloped her system. She was having difficulty breathing and her heart rate had increased. His freedom hinged on whether or not charges were brought against him for his actions twelve years before.

  Her stilettos clipped against the ugly tile, a grey and whi
te pattern meant to soothe, keep an even keel. She could only see red. Blood red. After glaring at her watch for the umpteenth time, she was prepared to bolt inside, interrupt the interrogation. The FBI had no understanding of what both she and Snake had been through. Nor did they seem to give a fuck.

  She heard the sound of heavy feet echoing as the person walked down the shadowed hallway in her direction. She prayed to God a reporter hadn’t managed to finagle their way inside or she would rip out their eyes with a single finger. Oh, who the hell cared who was coming to gloat, push or demand she provide additional details, even after hours of doing just that? Maybe the new mantra should be kill or be killed. At least the thought gave her a snicker.

  Hovering against the floor to ceiling window, she waited oh-so impatiently until the interloper moved closer. She almost breathed a sigh of relief. Almost. “What are you doing here?”

  He exhaled as he approached, one hand in his pocket, the other wrapped around the handle of an expensive leather briefcase.

  The very one she’d given him almost a year before.

  “I wanted to make certain you were all right, for one thing.” John half smiled as he flanked her side, easing his back against the railing in front of the window.

  “And number two?” You bet her words were laced with venom. She wasn’t entirely certain she could trust anyone. Her partner had betrayed her, sent a hitman to kill both she and Snake on the island. He’d also undermined her with various senate members, sending emails reeking of innuendoes and lies. And the worthless fucks had believed him.

  “Number two, I came here to talk with the FBI agents on Mr. Driscoll’s behalf.”

  She shot him a look, almost longing to see the same plastic smile and practiced expression, one she knew very well given his indiscretions. Instead, she could see nothing but concern and relief. “What do you mean?”

  John turned toward her, inching closer. When he spoke, he kept his voice hushed, as if fearful the hallways contained listening devices. “You and I both know that Snake Driscoll wasn’t involved in any serious crimes during his stint with the mafia in the Caymans. He was as much of a victim as many others; however—”