by Piper Stone
“Rezoned. Of course,” Hawk chided. “You can’t drill for oil if you can’t have it zoned properly. And who’s in charge of handling that within city government? Cashen Kane. What a perfect operation.”
“How much did you give him?” I asked, a certain amount of relief rushing into my system.
“Enough. The asshole,” Douglas huffed.
I cocked my head. “Maybe you simply forgot to tell Cashen oil was found. That would make his portion even more significant that you originally bargained for. That would make him very pissed off.”
“The implications are far reaching,” Hawk added.
This time, Douglas smiled. “But you can’t prove anything. Trust me. While you may believe I breached my fiduciary duty, I have enough corroborating details and notes, including the signed agreement in Jasper’s handwriting. And the fact he wanted me to be a part of his holding company shows a tremendous amount of respect. Since I didn’t start that fire, you have no evidence, Scorpion. However, very nice try. The simple fact is that I control what happens to the parcels surrounding your bar. They belong to me. You can have the holding company. What I have is worth a hell of a lot more. I will find a way to ensure that you are pushed out. Trust me, I am a patient man.”
Sighing, I turned and walked toward the door, stopping short, barely tipping my head over my shoulder. “We shall see, Douglas. What you don’t know is that there was another will, which turns over control of the holding company to me. You have nothing to hold onto.”
As we walked toward the door, I could hear him laughing.
He had no idea what kind of fight he would have on his hands.
When we were outside, I took a deep breath. “My guess is he’s on the phone to Kane.”
“Brandy was right.”
“Now it’s all about having the new will executed.”
Hawk slapped me on the back. “Looks like you’re going to be a rich man. Now you don’t have to worry about the bar.”
I laughed as I pulled out my phone, ending the recording. “It’s not about being rich, my friend. I’m going to turn Raunchy Ride into a destination. As far as the oil? It can wait.”
As I climbed into the truck, I realized the fight was long from being over, but with the recording, there should be enough to arrest both men.
Seconds later, my phone rang. Brandy. I’d insisted on swapping numbers. At least I had something decent to tell her.
“I have enough evidence for you at least for disbarment,” I stated, eyeing the rearview mirror to see if Douglas had decided to follow. “Cashen Kane is involved.”
“Yes, you’re right. After you left, my father asked me to meet him. He did some digging. He’s no fan of Cashen Kane. They’ve sparred for years, convinced that Kane was taking kickbacks in exchange for zoning approval.” Brandy spoke quickly.
“Just like he arranged with Douglas, only my guess is that Kane wanted a larger piece of the pie.”
“Wouldn’t you? Kane likely thought he could hold everything over Douglas’ head, able to pull the zoning at any time. And you were right. Caroline talked with one of the firefighters asking if they saw anyone.”
“Shit,” I hissed, my grip tightening on the steering wheel.
“I talked with the fire inspector. He mentioned that whoever set the fire at the ranch was likely interrupted, leaving a gasoline can dumped in the woods.”
I grimaced, more enraged than ever. “We need to nail both Kane and Douglas.”
“That’s what we’re going to try to do. However, I think Douglas was about to betray Kane.”
“How do you know?”
“Because my father used his power to pull some phone records. I had a hunch that I followed. It would appear I was right. I think I know who’s responsible for the fires.”
When she continued speaking, I was floored. What a complicated mess.
The call ended, I pushed down on the accelerator.
“What the hell is going on?” Hawk asked.
“We’re going back to the hospital.” I was shaking as the adrenaline rush kicked in.
“Did Caroline really see someone at the fire?”
“I’m not sure, but I think that’s what she was trying to tell me.”
“Then she’s in danger,” Hawk stated. “Whatever happens, they’re going to try and eliminate loose ends.”
“Yeah, I already know.”
* * *
There were always reasons why good men crossed the line, especially greed.
There were also reasons why women crossed the same line, including passion.
This time, it was a combination of both.
As Hawk and I raced down the hallway, pushing past visitors and hospital staff, my heart was racing. If anything happened to Caroline, there wouldn’t be enough places on this earth for anyone to hide.
The moment we burst into the room, everything drifted into slow motion, my entire world was shoved into a cataclysm. There were no soft beeping sounds, no ventilator pumping.
Just silence.
“No!” I roared as I advanced, yanking the perpetrator away, her body slamming against the wall, the pillow she held in her hands dropping to the floor. “Fuck!” As I shifted my head, I realized there was another distinctive sound.
Flatline...
Chapter Fifteen
Caroline
Five days later
Life.
I hadn’t fully embraced how important it was until almost losing it twice in twenty-four hours. And both times, my hero had been my savior.
Scorpion.
The man I loved.
There were still so many questions, but the ugliness of what had occurred continued to weigh heavily on his mind. While he’d been able to reconcile that Jasper had always wanted him to return to Montana, ensuring that he had a chance at a new life if he wanted it, the fact a woman had come between his father and Jasper was difficult for him to understand. But from what Scorpion had told me, Jasper had loved his wife very much. Love was a funny thing, often disturbing and usually creating heartache.
That’s exactly what I felt today, uncertain of the future but longing to embrace whatever it offered.
Then there was the note Jasper had written to Scorpion, the one that remained unopened. While I hadn’t pushed him, it was something he needed to do in order to heal, just like visiting Snake’s grave.
“Where are you taking me?” I asked for the third time as I slid my hand onto Scorpion’s leg, teasing him relentlessly.
“If the little filly isn’t careful, she’s going to get a hard spanking.”
“But I’m injured.” I held up my arm, giving him a pouting look.
He darted a glance and rolled his eyes. “It’s just a sprain. Trust me, you’re not getting out of a spanking.”
“For what?”
“Let’s see. For running into a burning fire. For disobeying me. For mouthing off. Pick something.”
Moaning, I fisted my hands, pounding them on the dashboard for a dramatic effect. “I’m a good girl.”
“Nice try, brat. As far as where I’m taking you, you’ll see soon enough. Relax.”
I honestly had no idea where we were going. The man had driven out of his way to try and keep me guessing. I settled against the seat, realizing that there were still so many things for us to talk about. “What about the ranch? What are you going to do?”
He grinned then reached over, sliding my dress up several inches. As he fingered my skin, my entire body trembled. The man had a way about him that was irresistible, driving me to full arousal in five seconds flat. “We are going to build a great big house, one where a family can grow and expand. Of course, if that’s what we want.”
“We? Who is we?”
“Well, there might be a special lady in my life, one that I’d like to keep around.”
“Who is she? I just might kick her ass.”
He laughed, joy in the tone. “That’s my rebellious brat. I think you might have an idea of wh
o she is.”
I shivered to my very core. He had yet to ask me to stay and I wasn’t interested in assumptions.
“That is, if she’ll have me.”
“I...”
“Wait a minute,” he said gruffly. “What am I saying? You belong to me, so the decision has already been made. You ain’t getting away from me, sweetheart.” The amusement in his voice was so different than I was used to, lighter, as if a certain amount of weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
I nuzzled against him, imagining building a house. “I would love to stay, although I have to figure out what I’m going to do with my life.”
“Hmm... I’m certain we can figure something out.”
Closing my eyes, I could still see the woman’s face as she stood over me, a pillow in her hand. Gretchen Kane had been so angry, certain I’d seen exactly who she was at the barn. The truth was that I’d only seen a blur. While I’d tried to fight her off, I’d been too weak. To think she’d been involved with Douglas, betraying Brandy’s relationship with him remained disturbing. The fact she hungered for the money more than anything else was... There were no words. “What’s going to happen to them?”
“Them?”
“You know exactly who I mean.”
Scorpion sighed before answering. “From what I’ve heard, disbarment procedures are already in place against Douglas Graham. There are criminal charges pending based on his confession I taped and the bogus company he set up, but the outcome will depend on his day in court and he has some very influential friends. As to whether Gretchen was under Douglas’ direction isn’t certain. She’s not doing any talking. And Cashen? He’s under investigation for several acts of racketeering for making under the table deals with several business owners, including duping Jasper by going into business with Douglas. His reputation is toast and my guess is his days on city council are numbered.”
“What about Gretchen? I can’t believe that she was having an affair with Douglas or that he dumped Brandy for that woman.”
“Love can be blind. It’s all about power and the lure of money. The rumor mill has it they met at a fundraiser and she latched onto Douglas as soon as she found out about the oil, but you never know.”
“But she torched your house. Why go to that extreme?”
“Think about it,” he said in a hushed tone. “I’d already put too many of the pieces together. Both she and Douglas knew it was only a matter of time before the truth came out. If what the survey says is accurate, the potential for oil is very high, the easiest access point directly under Raunchy Ride.”
“And what are you going to do with that information, oilman?”
He laughed. “The new will Jasper had Brandy draw up is in probate, which is likely to take some time given all the issues surrounding it. All I care about right now is following my uncle’s hopes and dreams for Raunchy Ride. I plan on creating a beautiful venue, whether I have any idea what I’m doing or not.”
“Good employees. I told you that before.”
“Yes, little Miss Know-it-all.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that,” I breathed.
“Now, little brat. Close your eyes. If you open them before I tell you, your spanking is only going to be that much worse.”
“Party pooper.” While I closed my eyes, I couldn’t help but slide my hand to his cock, stroking like a bad little kitty.
“You’re so going to get it later,” he growled.
“Promises. Promises.”
After a few minutes, I heard the change in the motor as he slowed down, finally pulling the truck to a stop. The anticipation was killing me.
“Wait right there,” he instructed.
Even the huskiness of his voice made me tremble. I was flushed with excitement as he guided me out of the truck. I could hear traffic, but nothing else.
“Come on, bad girl. Just take my arm.”
“Yes, sir.”
He chuckled again and pulled us both forward, the sound of a door being opened amplified. When my boots hit the floor, the same familiar scent rushing into my nostrils, I knew where he’d taken me.
“Raunchy Ride,” I half whispered.
“Maybe. Keep your eyes closed. You know, some very bad girl tried to tell me a couple weeks ago that this bar could be something special. While I had my doubts, I saw those incredible designs hidden in the attic you found. Then I had a few conversations with the designer and made some plans.”
“You did, huh? And you didn’t tell me?”
“A need to know basis,” he stated.
“Are you keeping the bull?”
“Hmmm... Only if you agree never to ride it.”
“I can’t make that promise.”
“Funny. I didn’t figure that you could.” He walked us a few more feet then I could feel his presence behind me, his fingers dancing down my arms. “You can open your eyes now.”
When I did, I couldn’t have been more shocked. “You rebuilt the stage.”
“Yep. Pulled in every favor I could in order to get it done quickly.”
“It’s amazing, very professional looking. And beautiful. I can imagine some amazing acts on that stage.” What he’d managed to do in a few short days was incredible. The stage was raised, allowing for everyone in the bar to see the bands, platforms designed for various instruments. There were new lights installed, the beautiful shimmer of cerulean blue shining down over the wooden stage. Even what I could see of the sound system indicated he’d spent a hell of a lot of money on upgrades.
My eyes fell to a guitar, the beautiful instrument highlighted by a single white light. As I walked closer, I was unable to stop from brushing my fingers over the neck, able to tell instantly the brand of guitar. “What is this?”
“That is a Martin D-28. I’m told it’s one of the best in the business. If you ask me anything else about what it can do, I can’t tell you a thing. But I wanted the best.”
“I know what it is, and the guitar is beautiful, but what is it doing here?”
“Oh,” he said as he nuzzled into my neck, nipping my ear and whispering, “It’s my gift to you.”
“What? Why?”
“Because you’re a musician, and from what I heard on that CD Brandy lent me, you’re very talented.”
“You listened to it?” I wasn’t certain whether to kick Brandy’s ass or hug her for doing something so... caring.
“Every single song, thank you very much.” He pushed me forward, smacking me on the bottom. “I want you to have everything your heart desires.”
“I already do. I have you.”
He sighed, the sound ragged. “I love hearing you say that, but you need more out of life.”
“You’re right. After Maverick fired me, I honestly never knew if I’d take the stage again. People in Nashville are fickle, and news travels fast.”
“Well, the bastard is going to have to get used to competition and do so nicely or he’s going to face my wrath. Now, there are two caveats that must be obeyed.”
I turned to glare at him. “What, cowboy?”
“First. You’re going to sing me a song. Right here. Right now. I’ve craved hearing your voice.”
My entire face flushed, my heart racing, nervousness wrapping its claws around my throat. What if he didn’t like the song? What if I froze up? “That I can do. Number two?” I suddenly felt lightheaded, as if my entire world was coming to some kind of pinnacle.
He swaggered closer, his grin mischievous. “I do happen to own what is going to be the finest bar in all of Montana. And, I just happened to enlist Brandy’s help in locating a few musicians who are currently unemployed. From what she told me, they’re pretty damn decent, although they need a tough lady as their leader. Somehow, I think you can fill that bill. In other words, you’re going to have your own band. Then we’ll see about finding you a record producer. Brandy seems to think she might sweet-talk your dad into getting you a few auditions.”
“It’s not that easy.” M
y last conversation with my father had been tense. I’d even accused him of lying to me. “And I doubt my father will want to help me.”
“That’s where you’d be wrong. Families stick together during happy and difficult times. An amazing little lady taught me that,” he said as he winked. “Plus, you’re very talented.”
I crowded his space, tilting my head. “Did anyone ever tell you that you’re a softie inside that rugged body of yours?”
“No one who lived.”
I threw my arms around him, rising on my toes until our lips were almost touching. “My cowboy. My hero.”
His eyes instantly clouded over, the man still hating the word, but I knew in my heart he was a true hero, a man forsaking his own happiness in order to save others.
“I’m nobody’s hero, but you do something to me, lady, that I can’t deny.”
“You are my hero. Period, hunky Marine. Get used to it.”
As he captured my mouth, I shuddered in his arms, the feel of his rugged body pressed against mine electrifying. He held me close, dominating my tongue for a couple of precious moments. When he released me, he gave me the same stern look as before. “Time for that song.”
“Yes. Sir.”
I inched backward, taking the guitar into my hand and stumming my fingers across the strings. “Perfectly in tune.”
“It damn well better be or I’d have to kick somebody in the ass.”
“Bad boy.” I thought about what song I could sing and closed my eyes. Every melody was going to be about him, every chord with adoration in my heart. I refused the paralyzing sensations, swallowing hard as I tried to remember the very first time I’d stepped on stage. I could do this. I would do this. The moment I began to strum the guitar, it was as if my life had come full circle. Suddenly, all the craziness of the last few days disappeared. There was nothing like holding a beautiful instrument in my hand. Well, almost. I had to admit, I preferred holding Scorpion. There was no pain in my wrist, no sadness in my heart.
Only sweet music.
And love.
The words came easily, a song that no one else had ever heard before.
