by Dakota Black
“No. They were on my desk when I got back from the bathroom.” Maggie half smiled as she placed them on Katherine’s desk.
“Okay, now, what do you need?”
“I had a call for you from Camden Dane of Rush Enterprises. He’d like to set up a meeting with you.”
“I just bet he would.” She laughed and shook her head. “When. Did he say?”
“He asked that you call him. He said he thought you’d be very interested to get everything back on track, as he called it.”
“Back on track. Interesting choice of words. Well, I’ll call him when I have the chance.”
“Sure. Is there anything else you need today? I have a date,” Maggie said, her face flushing.
At least someone was going to have fun. “No. You can go ahead and go.” She glanced at her watch. Shit. She’d been commiserating over the bullshit for almost two hours. While she might not have a date, she was going to drink a very tall screwdriver when she got home.
“Thank you. Don’t forget you have a meeting first thing in the morning.”
“Of course, I remember.” The question was, did she give a shit? “Thank you, Maggie. Have a great night.”
When the door was closed, she looked down at the flowers. There was a card attached, but no indication of the florist. She realized her hand was shaking when she yanked the card off the cheap, plastic stem. Breathing out, she slowly lifted the envelope flap, pulling out the small note.
I will be seeing you soon…
“Fuck.” She dropped the note and took a step back. This had nothing to do with her past, but this was very much like something her ex would do, merely to keep her ill at ease. Her fucking almost ex-husband wasn’t going to win this round. Over her dead ass body. Grabbing the flowers, she tossed them into the trash then glared at the television.
Who was this mystery man? The single thing she’d made note of was a tattoo on his arm. Marines. He also had a way about him, as if holding secrets. She had the distinct feeling she was going to need to dig deep and there was only one man who could help and keep her inquiry on the down low. However, she would have to pay a hefty price and one she’d promised herself would never happen again. Everything seemed to be spiraling out of control. Her marriage. Her senate seat. Everything she’d thought she believed in.
She slapped her hand on her desk and dropped her head, controlling her breathing. The man had powerful friends and wouldn’t ask too many questions. One more night. One more foray into the darkness. Grabbing her cell phone, she dialed a number she knew by heart. There was no way she’d allow this particular call to be traced.
“I need your help.” When there was a pause on the other end of the line, she rubbed her eyes. “I will pay you what you want.”
“Katherine. Interesting that you require my help.”
She heard a slight chuckle as if the man was thoroughly amused. Anger rushed into her system, but she remained quiet.
“Very well. What do you need?”
“The name and basic background of a man I met today. Nothing more.” There was yet another hesitation. Why did she put herself through this crap?
“All right. That should be easy enough. Give me what you know.”
As she relayed the snippet of information, she could feel a cold slither racing down her spine. If she was wrong about her quest for vengeance on three major corporations, she’d be ruined and there would be nowhere left to hide. “Can you have that in the morning?”
“For a price.”
“As I said. Whatever I have to pay.” Katherine could hear the hesitation in the man’s voice. He didn’t want money. He didn’t care about material items. He hungered for one thing. The steep price was almost too much to bear. To think she’d once enjoyed the concept.
Why was she bothering to lie to herself?
“Nine o’clock tomorrow night. Don’t be late. Or you will pay dearly.”
Click.
Or you will pay. Hadn’t she paid enough? She held the phone with a death grip, her lower lip quivering then very gently eased the phone down onto her desk. Dear God. The man had explored her darkness, the kind of desires few could understand and even fewer could tolerate.
And she’d enjoyed every minute.
Sadly, the man knew far too much about her and with a single phone call could destroy everything she’d worked so hard to achieve. Hissing, she pushed aside the fear and worry. So what if she had intense cravings? Everyone had a secret or two hidden in the shadows.
Katherine grabbed her purse and keys, heading for the door. Tonight, she’d go out for a change, breaking the monotony of her boring life. She was riled, on edge and needed some relief. Maybe a drink with the girls was in order. Maybe finding a snack was even better. She chuckled as she headed for the elevator. This evening, she felt the need to control.
“Fantastic job. I have to give you credit,” Camden Dane grinned before slapping his hand on his desk. “The press wasn’t entirely certain what to do with your statement.” He picked up a file, flipping through several pages. “You come highly recommended. Stellar record. I’m certain the senator was shocked.”
“Every word was the truth. The senator has no idea what she’s talking about. I’ve read and studied the reports and believe that your corporation has followed every Federal requirement. I wouldn’t have stood on that platform if I didn’t,” Snake commented as he thought about Senator Wallace. She was formidable on several levels, often challenging large corporations with regards to their environmental practices. Once she set her sights on destroying any large firm, she usually won, the company started losing customers, stocks plummeting. The fact she had her claws into Rush Enterprises should be of concern.
“Now, your corporation as well,” Camden said under his breath. “We hired you to move from rig to rig, making certain we continue to follow governmental protocol. This is just… This is bullshit.”
Snake only nodded.
“You were right to hire him. His performance alone in front of the cameras was priceless. Your reputation proceeds you as well. Marines. Serving on several oil rigs. College education. You’re a go getter.” The second man smiled as he gave Snake a respectful nod then held out his hand. “We didn’t formally meet. Mitchell Rush.”
Snake accepted the handshake as he sized up the guy. He’d been around enough of the corporate types to know what he was dealing with. Far too slick and empowered, but from what he’d learned from various sources, on the up and up. “Snake Driscoll.”
“Snake. Interesting nickname.”
“Been my name for years,” Snake said, then exhaled. Yes, he was bored out of his mind. The money was good but dealing with the corporate world not his bag. He did give a shit about the rigs he’d been hired to inspect. All the environmental concerns surrounding the various requirements, the concept of tainting waters and destroying ocean life was secondary as far as he was concerned. However, the job allowed him to stay in Dallas and close to the ranch, close to… He shoved away his personal thoughts.
“Snake comes highly recommended. Friend of Nash Waters.” Camden offered.
“Nash just realizes I know my shit,” Snake stated, the tone bordering indignant. The two men had been friends once upon a time. Their paths just happened to be a hell of a lot different. However, Nash and his opinion Snake respected.
“Well, we should have had an environmental engineer on our payroll from the beginning. Glad you’re here.” Camden tossed the file. “What are your plans?”
Snake inhaled and glanced out the oversized window. “If you mean with the senator, I think pushing her out of her comfort zone is in order. We need to find out what she’s really after.”
“After? A fascinating way of putting it. Katherine will go balls to the walls with this one. She wants the companies she mentioned shut down.” Mitchell inched closer, grabbing Snake’s employment file. “What little I know about her indicates her father had quite the following with regard to oceanography. Given the current
laws are sub-par at best, this is her pet project to champion. And very much alone.”
“Hey, who’s side are you on?” Camden teased.
Mitchell shrugged. “We’ve never been reluctant to follow regulations, but her push is very personal. In her aggressive stance, she’s pissed a hell of a lot of people off, including the majority of her fellow senators. She’s a bear.”
“That she is. I’ve taken the liberty of calling Senator Wallace’s office, suggesting a meeting. We need to grill her enough to know what we’re dealing with,” Camden said quietly. “We’ll see if she responds.”
“I know her type. She requires the upper hand. We have to force her into any kind of meeting.” Snake snickered. The woman was also beautiful, stunning in fact. A single twitch of his cock forced an exhale. He resisted rolling his eyes as his crotch responded to his lurid thoughts. Last thing he needed was to get involved with anyone. Period.
Mitchell had a wry smile on his face. “The senator has quite the reputation. She was an incredible and aggressive prosecutor for years. Worked for the Dallas DA’s office then built a practice with a buddy of hers. Good ol’ Frank Sapino, a closet hitman if you ask me. The switch was interesting.”
“Maybe she’s sick of Frank’s overbearing attitude. Not an attorney you want to get on your bad side. That much I know,” Camden added. “But you’re right. She shifted gears almost overnight.”
“She has her reasons.” Snake knew about her father’s past. The change wasn’t out of the ordinary. Perhaps the reason why was her secret, one that kept her on edge and very hungry. Then again, the kind of hunger she craved no one else in the room had any inclination of.
“I figured you’d already looked at your competition.” Camden winked.
“I always want to know who I’m dealing with. Everyone has a hidden agenda. Everyone.” Snake could sense discord in his employers. There was no loyalty as far as he was concerned and certainly zero trust. He’d learned his lessons the hard way.
“Understood. Then what do you suggest?” Mitchell asked.
Snake had seen the single moment of fear in her eyes, as if his words represented everything she wasn’t comfortable with in her position or even in her personal life. He’d rattled her. “From what I’ve learned about Katherine Wallace, she’s tough and takes no shit from anyone, including her staff. She is a loner, at least in the business world, and doesn’t mind getting in the trenches. Allow me to find out more, one on one.” The woman definitely had something to prove. She was also hiding behind a mask, a shield keeping her safe. The problem with safety was that it was often a catalyst for a dark and dangerous desire. His cock was throbbing, pushing in an agonizing fashion against his jeans.
Camden exhaled and walked around the desk. “You realize that we have the press all over us given the new building is almost completed. The rumor mill is high, various reporters certain we’re going to announce a new offshore site, especially since we’ve hired additional riggers.”
Snake nodded. He knew a hell of a lot more about Rush’s future plans than he’d let on. There was no way he’d get involved with any corporation without doing his own level of due diligence. Rush had enemies, of that there was no doubt, but they also had more backers than Canfield or The Shotts Corporation, at least for now. “I can handle the oil field questions as well.”
“I have no doubt you can,” Mitchell said then grinned.
Snake had no desire to revisit his past on any level. He’d worked hard to climb his way out of the oil pits. “I do have a question. Are you planning a new site?” The way Camden’s eyes flashed gave him the answer.
“The concept was presented in a long-range plan. At this point, the Board of Directors has no desire to go through the process.” Camden kept his tone of voice even.
“Even if we did, the project would take years.” Mitchell walked closer.
Every word, even the way the men were standing reeked of hiding something. Snake accepted the information. “I think it’s time I had a conversation with the senator. We need to find out her plans.”
Camden studied Snake for a few seconds then shrugged. “Play it your way. Just keep us informed. I don’t want to find out about some legislative mess on the television.”
“No problem. I have a rather ingenious way of allowing Senator Wallace a first-hand look at what we do.”
Mitchell laughed as he shot Camden another look. “You remind me of Nash. All brawn and take no shit. He might be able to help, if you need any assistance that is.”
“I won’t.” Without saying another word, Snake headed to the door, stopping when his hand hit the doorknob. “I’ll need an expense account. Unlimited.”
Camden whistled. “No matter what you’ve heard in the press, we aren’t loaded, especially given the new building.”
Snake remained silent.
“Fine. I’ll have my assistant set you up. Just keep the damn receipts or our accountant will be all over my ass, which means I’ll tank yours,” Camden snarked.
Giving a single nod, he opened the door, taking long strides down the hallway. As if anyone was going to tell him how to run his operation. He knew exactly what he was doing. At the end of two weeks, Senator Wallace would be an ally.
Then again, maybe more.
The streets were dark, limited activity given the location of the bar. Quiet. Unassuming, the corner dive had seen better days. What the hell did he care? Snake wasn’t here for the atmosphere. Snake walked inside, allowing his eyes to become accustomed to the shadows, the dim lighting. No one bothered to glance in his direction or give a fuck who was walking in the door. They were content sucking down booze and watching whatever game the bartender happened to flick on.
He scanned the long galley before walking to a table in the back. She hadn’t arrived. There was no need to motion to the man behind the bar. The scruffy dude knew exactly what he wanted. He sat down, his back facing the wall, the position allowing him to see anyone walking inside as well as a good portion of the crossing streets. Anonymity was vital, if only to his now late companion. Exhaling, he nodded to the bartender as a tall cold bottle of Budweiser and a shot of whiskey was placed on the table in front of him.
After the interesting day, he could use the shot. He held the glass in front of him, swirling the dense crystal back and forth. How many nights had he sat here, waiting? Perhaps too many. However, the meeting and the subsequent sex gave him a sense of relief, a control over his sadistic needs if only for a few days. The next couple of weeks he would need to concentrate in order to satisfy his directive. Olivia would certainly help.
Snake tossed back the cheap liquor just as the door opened. He eyed the statuesque blonde as she took purposeful steps inside, her gaze never bothering to glance in any direction but toward the back of the bar. She knew exactly what she wanted. He had to admire the woman, who was no doubt even more beautiful in her youth. She risked everything, her upstanding career, her upper echelon society memberships and even her fortune to spend even a few hours with him.
The beer was cold, soothing his parched throat, and he nodded to the bartender once again. If any of Olivia’s friends knew of her kinky desires, the way she craved pain as if the intensity of their sessions was the only thing keeping her alive. They would never know. Soon, this would end. He already knew the score. She was beginning to get too close. But for tonight? He would have his way with her.
Olivia stood in front of him, awaiting a brief moment of his inspection, then untied the sash on her long trench coat before sitting down. Within seconds, a gin and tonic was placed in front of her, another whiskey for Snake. “I’ve missed you.”
He studied her face, the way her makeup was expertly applied, hiding the grueling years spent with a man who could care less about her. “You’re late.”
“Yes, sir. I know and I’m sorry. A late phone call before I left the office.” Olivia sighed and fingered the glass.
“You will pay for your tardiness.”
“I would expect nothing less.” Her voice was just a whisper, a quiet moment of resignation.
Snake had no doubt she tempted fate, pushing his boundaries for nothing more than the whipping she’d receive. After all, she was a pain monger. He shot back the whiskey, savoring the burn sliding down his throat, and could tell she was nervous. He never asked about her work or her home life, but he certainly knew everything about her life. Everything. His methods of research were… He inhaled her perfume and growled, his cock already aching. Oddly enough, he wasn’t certain his burning hunger had anything to do with Olivia.
She remained on edge, her lower lip quivering, her eyes darting over her shoulder and into the street.
“Someone following you?”
“No. At least I don’t think so. Just a lot of questions asked lately. Besides, work has been difficult as of late.” She chose her words carefully.
She had no idea he’d followed her, had even been inside her house, double checking on the woman he temporarily owned. “Finish your drink.”
Nodding, she gave him a waning smile before taking a sip then a gulp.
Even her hands were shaking.
Snake glanced outside, studying the few vehicles that passed by. There was nothing suspicious, no outward sign that they’d been discovered. He lifted an eyebrow as he thought about a flash bulletin on the morning news. That is, if their affair was discovered. Well, she was in the process of getting divorced and the sad situation was tabloid fodder, Olivia’s brutal husband raked over the coals. The man was going to get what he deserved.
He polished off his beer and noticed she’d only consumed half of her drink. This wasn’t about romance or any kind of a date. They were simply engaging in a carnal moment. Yanking several bills out of his wallet, he tossed them on the table then stood. There was no doubt she’d follow.
When he was out on the street, he waited until she flanked his side before walking toward the corner, turning sharply and moving to a rather deserted street. The flashing neon sign was cracked, two of the letters no longer lit, but he knew his way and so did she. The reservation was standing, once a week, paid for in advance in cash.