by Dakota Black
Saying nothing, he moved toward the door as the co-pilot climbed out, grabbing his bags and tossing them onto the deck. The moment he stepped out he inhaled, the stench of oil was significant, overpowering. Even in the shadowed light he was forced to squint as he looked up to the tallest point. The rig was nothing special, other than it was a fixed platform, secured on cement and steel legs buried deep in the ocean floor. Built in early 2002, the massive rig had seen scores of hurricanes and fires, disfiguring the once pristine platform.
“Everything is out and you’re good to go,” the co-pilot said, his hand already on the helicopter door.
Nash nodded without saying a word and grabbed his bags. He needed little on the rig to make his life comfortable. Shifting the weight, he walked toward the main body, glancing back and forth as the various workers eyed the newcomer. No doubt with disdain. They had to be curious as to who would be taking over, fearful the successor would be just as ruthless, if not worse.
He took long strides toward the communications center, ready to meet with the second in command.
“Well, lookie what we have here.”
The words were laced with scorn. Nash noticed the group of men and while he was unable to discern their rank, they were no doubt low on the totem pole considering their oil covered clothes. He stopped and turned in their direction, making eye contact with every man. “Brian Williams?”
Two of the riggers looked at each other, one snorting before nodding toward the far building. “You mean, Tank?”
“Then do you know where Tank is?” Nash asked again, keeping his tone even. There was no sense in getting off on the wrong foot.
“Up the stairs. You’ll find him. He’s been waitin’ for ya.” The rigger grinned while the others laughed.
Waiting. That meant the second in command was thoroughly unhappy to have a newcomer. Nash didn’t flinch as he headed in the direction of the stairs, hoisting his bags as he climbed the steel rungs. When he reached the top, he stood for several seconds, drinking in the expansive space. They were a solid two hundred miles from land in what had been considered prime oil digging territory. They should be producing millions of gallons of oil instead of the crap listed on the reports.
He walked into the cabin, surveying the computers lining two walls. They had been outfitted recently with updated systems. No costs cut here.
“Mr. Waters. We’re glad to see you.” The tone was genuine, the hand outstretched. “Toby Gunner. I run communication for the rig. That’s Walter Wright. He’s damn good with weather predictions. I suppose I should call you Superintendent Waters.”
“Just Nash will do.” He tossed his bags into the corner and shook hands with both men. “Nice looking rig.”
“We keep a clean ship up here at least,” Walter said as he laughed. “The rest? Never know what you’ll find.”
Toby chuckled. “True enough. You haven’t seen the bowels of the beast yet, but you will soon enough. I’ll get one of the roughnecks to show you to your quarters so you can get settled.”
“No need. I can find my way. Looking for Brian, Tank Williams?”
“Oh, yeah, I’ll get him up here.” He grabbed a radio then walked closer to Nash. “He’s not as much of an asshole as you will think, but we’ve all been through a lot. The shit stinks around here, if you know what I mean.”
Nash nodded and remained quiet. Until he assessed the rig, including every inch, he’d keep his opinions to himself.
“Tank, you’re wanted in communications.” Toby looked Nash up and down before clearing his throat. “I guess you’d like me to show you around here.”
“That would be helpful.” As Toby explained the various pieces of equipment, Nash’s thoughts drifted. The rig ran three shifts as most of the other ships of this size did, but instead of the hitches being twenty days on and ten off, good ol’ Franklin had stretched their required work periods to thirty days on, eight off. That was going to change. The crew needed time with family and friends, let alone a break from grueling twelve plus hour days.
“There you have it. We can control everything from here if we need to,” Toby said then shoved his hands into his pockets. “Hear you’re hiring a new doctor.”
This was news to Nash, although the last doctor hadn’t lasted two months, and the RN’s weren’t paid enough to stick around. “I guess so.”
“Well, I hope you found one that can take the rough shit around here, and I don’t mean the roughnecks and worms.” Snorting, he laughed until he noticed Nash wasn’t following suit. “Yeah, we have a lot of inexperienced workers here. Had to hire them. Franklin pushed all the good help away. Son of a bitch.”
Nash looked him in the eyes.
“I’m sorry, sir. I don’t mean to disrespect him but…”
“The man was a fucking asshole.” The oversized, rough looking man eased through the portal, a sneer on his face.
Toby gulped, and half smiled. “Tank, this is Superintendent Waters.”
“Nash.” He could instantly see the anger boiling inside Tank, the kind he’d experienced the majority of his life. They didn’t shake hands, nor would they be friends, but the man was going to understand that he worked under Nash every step of the way.
“Yeah, heard you were coming. What the hell do you know about an offshore rig? You look like one of those pencil pushers at headquarters, the prissy kind that never gets their hands dirty.”
Nash took a deep breath and glanced out the window before advancing, his hand wrapped around Tank’s shirt in two seconds flat. “I know enough to realize a bull shitter when I see one. I also know when corners have been cut, endangering lives. That ain’t gonna happen under my watch. You can either help me clean this shit up, or I’ll send you packing and trust me, you’ll never work for an oil rig again. Are we clear?”
Toby make a choking sound and took a step back.
Tank’s eyes opened wide, the sneer remaining. He huffed then looked down, relinquishing control. “Fine. It’s gonna take time and money.”
“You let me worry about that. I just need your expertise and I need to be able to trust you.” Nash let him go but didn’t take a step back. The pecking order was in place. Now, he took two steps back. They stood eye to eye and Nash refused to blink. He was nothing like Franklin, including his looks, but then again, looks could be deceiving.
“All right. I can handle that.” Tank gave a single nod. “I know this baby inside and out.”
“I’m going to walk the rig, then I want you to gather three men that know their shit and we will meet again. I assume there’s some sort of meeting room?” Nash turned his attention back to Toby.
“Near your cabin. Franklin didn’t want to go very far.” Toby’s eyes twinkled.
Nash hissed. “Then we meet there in one hour.”
“All right. One hour.” Tank looked down at Nash’s cowboy boots and issued the same sneer.
This was going to be a long ass day. Nash rubbed his forehead as Tank opened the door.
Then the yelling began.
Boom!
Chapter 3
The drive to Dallas was uneventful, even pleasant after the night before. Veronica was surprised that a single call after emailing her resume and cover letter had resulted in an immediate job interview. Rush Enterprises must be desperate. Obtaining the position would save her from shelling out money she didn’t have for a condominium at this point.
She rolled into the parking lot, admiring the glass building. She’d spent the better part of two hours boning up on the company, learning enough oil jargon to get her by. Maybe. She smoothed down her hair and eased out of the car, glaring down at her attire. Selecting what to wear to this kind of an interview had been horrible. She’d settled on a plain black skirt, basic black pumps and a sleeveless white blouse. She was no fashion statement, but she doubted she’d be dinged for not wearing a jacket in five-thousand-degree heat.
After grabbing her briefcase, she headed for the building, her head held high. Unfo
rtunately, her stomach remained nauseous. Even if she did get the job, she wasn’t certain how to tell her parents. Maybe she wouldn’t. She’d just disappear. Imagine the look of horror on Daddy’s face. The thought gave her a much needed chuckle as she waited for the elevator.
The moment the doors popped open, she was taken aback by the impressive lobby. An idea of niceties at her previous job had been the caretaker’s cabin, more like a grass hut but with a wooden floor and water through a hose. Before she had time to make her way to the pert looking receptionist, a woman approached her, a huge smile on her face.
“You must be Veronica Easton. I’ve read a lot about you.”
Veronica must have looked dumbfounded.
The woman laughed. “I’m sorry. I’m Danielle Montgomery, an engineer for Rush and don’t tell anyone, but I’m Mitchell Rush’s girlfriend. Let me take you to the conference room.”
“Pleased to meet you. What do you mean you know all about me?”
“Let’s see. You graduated Suma Cum Laude from Duke University, interned at the prestigious Boston Hospital, worked for less than a year with a highly respected doctor in Dallas prior to joining Doctors Without Borders. To say you’re a fantastic candidate is trifling.”
Smiling, Veronica trailed behind her. “Well, I did my homework too.”
Danielle stopped in the hallway, turning to face her. “That’s good because the boys will grill you and if they like what they see, you will likely be on a fast track to the rig. No stop lights along the way. That’s the way Rush works, so fasten your seat belt.” She opened the door, ushering Veronica inside.
“Gentlemen, Veronica Easton and she’s a keeper.” Danielle winked as she nodded to the two men inside. “Be kind to her.”
The warning was received with smiles crossing the two men’s faces.
“Veronica. Thank you for coming on such short notice. I’m Camden Dane, CEO and Mitchell Rush, owner and one of our board members.”
She eyed the blond, soothed by his lavender eyes, and realized she was utterly petrified.
“Let’s sit down and get to know each other,” Mitchell said as he pointed to the table. “This might take a while.”
“And please, give us your honest opinion. We prefer candid individuals.”
Almost two hours later of intense conversation, questions flying right and left, Veronica was back in her car. She was full of information, too many facts and figures, but the terror had taken on a brand spanking new level. Involved in a world full of rugged men, ones who took their jobs to a heightened level would prove to be an interesting career move. However, she’d been very open and as candid as she’d ever been, even pushy about some of their sketchy answers. By the end, she was satisfied she could at least perform her duties without looking like a fool.
She opened the oversized envelope shoved into her hand and pulled out a slender folder. Inside was a listing of the supervisory personnel as well as basic information about the ship. Skipping right to the crew register, she flipped through the resumes, complete with pictures, until she came to one in particular.
She bit her lip and leaned back against the seat. The name Nash Waters suited the rough and tumble looking man. He was an absolute tall drink of water with a rather dangerous persona. The hottie glared at the camera, his eyes penetrating the lens. While handsome given his chiseled features and muscular physique, the photo managed to accentuate his disregard for the intrusion. But he was all male and no doubt a dominating force. Get your mind out of the gutter, Dr. Easton. Laughing, she shoved the file back into the envelope, tossing the entire package on her passenger seat. At least a girl could dream. She started the engine, and realized she was covered in goose bumps.
“Ahh!” Screaming, she pummeled the steering wheel, laughing as she looked at the contract again. The job offer was perfect. A one-year stint on a rig in the middle of nowhere with six weeks of vacation and dozens of personal days. Her own fully furnished cabin and medical facility was on board and she was free to hire at least one additional medical professional. This couldn’t have worked out any better.
She was going home to celebrate and pack a few bags. A bottle of the finest champagne was in order. You bet she was dragging Lori out, even for a couple of hours. Had she done the right thing in accepting? Time would tell. Groaning as she second guessed her decision, she turned on the satellite radio, switching to a heavy metal station and the moment she jumped onto the expressway, she floored the gas pedal.
As she settled into the seat, singing along to her favorite Halestorm song, she thought about clothes. “Shit.” She was going to need an entire new set of attire, or so she thought. Did she? What the hell did a doctor wear on an oil rig? Oh my God. Was there running water? She thought about the clothes she had been ready to burn after returning from the stint in Africa. She’d be digging them out, along with buying at least one more pair of ugly worker’s boots. Yeah, she was used to the pony tail and disheveled clothes look.
At least she was going on an adventure. Hopefully, one that didn’t kill her.
“I think you should slow down,” Veronica cautioned as she watched Lori downing the second shot of tequila in the last thirty minutes.
“We’re celebrating. Remember?” Lori sat back in her chair and whistled as the song ended and the band waved to the crowd. “And that guitar player is damn gorgeous.”
“Right now, I think you’d find the bread man at the grocery store gorgeous.” Veronica pushed a glass of water in Lori’s direction.
Leaning over the table, she grinned. “You know what? I’m tired of being depressed and lonely. I’m going to find a man right here in this bar and take him home.”
“Your home, the one where I’m staying right next to you in another room? You mean that home?” Granted, Veronica wouldn’t mind finding a sexy stud, but she wasn’t a one-night stand kind of gal.
“Party pooper. I deserve to have a little fun.”
“Hey, sexy ladies. Wanna come and dance with us?” His voice was deep, laced with the slight slur of intoxication.
Veronica raised her eyebrow when she heard the contrived cowboy twang. Why did all men have to fake portions of themselves? “Girls night out but thank you for asking.”
“Mmm… Tasty. Me and my buddy would love to watch. Yeah, baby. A little girl on girl action,” the second man said, the words slightly garbled.
Thank God, the men were at least half trashed or she’d have zero issues punching their lights out.
Lori chuckled and leaned ever further over, rubbing her fingers down Veronica’s wrist. “You couldn’t handle us, boys. You know that. Go find a sandbox to play in so you don’t hurt yourselves.”
“Aww, come on.” The first stud muffin winked.
Veronica gave them a ‘go away’ look and waited until they moved away before she laughed. “You’re such a bad girl.”
“You know me.”
“Uh-huh. I do. That’s why I know something’s wrong. What happened today while I was gone?”
“Who said anything happened?” Lori licked around the straw before sipping her margarita through the thin, plastic piece. Her eyes continued to roam the overcrowded bar.
“Because it’s like pulling teeth to get you out anywhere. Not tonight. You pushed me out the door.”
“You’ve only been home for a couple of days. Now, you’re leaving again. You don’t know me any longer. I’ve changed.”
Veronica gripped her hand. “You wanted me to get this job, remember?” When Lori didn’t look her in the eyes, she squeezed her friend’s hand. “Did Jack call you today or stop by?”
Lori nodded repeatedly. “He has a sixth sense regarding when I’m most vulnerable. He stood there with that same loopy smile and those intense eyes.”
“Did he threaten you?” Veronica tapped her finger on the table. “Did he?”
“No. Quite the opposite. He wants me back.”
“The mother fucker. Did you laugh in his face?”
Lori cont
inued sucking on her drink.
“Please tell me you did not agree to go back to him.”
She exhaled and sat back. “I said I’d consider it.”
Veronica held her tongue, knowing the last thing her friend needed was a lecture. “Get out of that chair.”
“What? He brought me a dozen roses and a card.”
“Right. And we all know his secretary handled the purchase. I’ve had it with asshole men. We’re going to dance.” Jerking Lori to her feet, she walked with long strides toward the center of the dancefloor. Fury embroiled every ounce of her being. She’d known Jack for a hell of a lot more years than Lori. In truth, she blamed herself for the introduction in the first place. The man had once had a lucrative career in an advertising firm. His temper had gotten him fired. She wasn’t even certain if the asshole was currently employed, but she did know one thing. The fucker had hurt her friend. Never again.
“Stop pulling! Damn. What’s gotten into you?” Lori huffed when they stopped in the middle of the floor. “I appreciate your worry, but everything will be fine. I can look after myself.”
“Dance.” She shot a look at the guitar player, giving him a look that screamed flirtation, then danced around Lori until her bestie was highlighted by pearlescent blue light shimmering down from the rafters. She took a step back, watching as Lori got into the groove. The girl could dance.
“Fine.”
Within a few seconds, they were both relaxed, dancing to the country rock songs. When the set ended, they were sent drinks from two groups of admirers, including the band.
“I like this place!” Lori said, her body language much more animated than before.
“I thought you would.” She could tell Jack was all but forgotten, she was determined to keep her friend out of harm’s way while she was gone.
“You know, I could so go down on that guitar player.”
“Lori!” Veronica couldn’t help but laugh. “I think he might have a crush on you as well.”
“Really?” Turning to face the stage, she undulated her hips and blew the sexy blond a kiss.