by Dakota Black
“There are also some possible pending criminal charges that Bart Randolph will have to face,” Zach added.
“But everything will be tied up legally for months, preventing the basics of business operations?” Amber asked, her question directed at Zach.
Zach exhaled before nodding. “I’m not going to lie to you. There is certain to be several lawsuits, which potentially could do a hell of a lot more damage to the various ranchers than the initial problem. However, the move is necessary to obtain the actual truth.”
“The ranchers will have to sell off assets so by the time everything is finalized, they won’t have anything anyway.” Amber laughed, the sound maniacal.
Camden rubbed his eyes. “There are some alternatives that we can help with.”
Her smile changed, as if knowing what he was about to say.
“Let me take it from here, Cam,” Mitchell stated as he handed her a set of pages.
While she accepted the handout, she kept her eyes pinned on Camden. “Go on.”
Mitchell gave the other two men a nod before inching closer. “Rush Enterprises is prepared to go into business with the various ranchers in the Valley. We’d like to form a partnership in which every rancher is allowed to maintain a certain portion of their land for ranching while a calculated amount of acreage…”
“Is used to drill for oil,” she interrupted, her voice shaking.
“Well, yes. The partnership will include a significant percentage of ownership of the oil fields as well, which over time will mean money for every rancher. We’re talking the potential of millions of dollars,” Mitchell added.
“Which also pushes out the Randolph Corporation. They won’t have enough connections, influence or clout to give any of the ranchers trouble, let alone we have enough information we believe the police will find very interesting.” Zach smiled. We’re also prepared to face the possible months of legal concerns with options, additional cash to keep the ranchers afloat.”
The tension increased, a discouraging moment of silence.
“And you believe you can convince the ranchers to enter into this agreement in order to prevent the man they consider their enemy from obtaining control?” Amber rose to her feet, a sneer covering her face.
“Amber, this isn’t an offhanded gesture to pad our bank account. We care about the area, the land, the business of ranching and about the people involved.” Mitchell moved around the couch, walking closer.
She took a step back, her actions stilted, her hand curled around the contract. “And you actually believe I’m going to fall for this line of bullshit?” When the three men remained silent, she laughed. “I may be a woman, gentlemen, but I’m well aware of the dirty tricks in business. You gain control. You push the Randolphs into a dark corner. Then you pretend to be our friends. Meanwhile, you strip our land of foliage, reduce our cattle and force us into a life of servitude. All disguised as a method of basic business practices.” Shaking her head, she began to laugh. “You must think I’m a fool.”
“That’s not at all what we’re saying,” Camden interjected as he held out his hand, offering a comforting smile.
Yeah, as if she was going to accept any offer on the table.
“We have a very lucrative offer and I assure you, one that will allow you to have full control over every square inch of land while providing cash.” Mitchell nodded toward the papers in her hand. “Take some time reading over the contract. I’m certain you’ll feel far more comfortable after you do.”
Amber tipped her head, her eyes locking onto Camden’s.
He could see the change in color of her irises, golden flecks as enlarged as her pupils. “Amber, please read the offer. Please. I only want… No, we only want the best for you.”
“The best for me,” Amber parroted. “As if you had any clue. You’ve known me for several days, not years. You only think you understand what’s in my heart, my very soul. You assumed that I’d sign the contract on the dotted line like a sheep led to slaughter, or in this case, a herd of steer.” Snorting, she tossed the contract, laughing as the papers floated to the floor. “Not on your life, gentlemen, and I say that loosely. I’ll take my chances with the bank and with Bart Randolph.”
Camden inhaled, holding the ragged breath. He’d gambled and lost.
No doubt forever.
“Kyle is a dangerous man.” Camden clenched his fist.
“You know? I’ve learned the hard way that danger comes in many packages.”
“I’m not trying to hurt you,” Camden said, his voice full of conviction.
The tension remained.
“Well, you did,” she managed.
Mitchell opened his mouth, but Camden shook his head. They’d lost the upper hand.
“You need to find out what your father was so terrified of, what had him hiding away a significant portion of his life,” Camden stated.
“Not your concern, Camden. That’s mine. My life. My father. My ranch. My world.”
Camden heard the words echoing in his ears.
Storming toward the hotel room door, she jerked to a halt, slapping her hands on her hips. “I thought for once in my life I could trust someone enough to let my guard down. To even consider…” She dropped her gaze. “To even consider love. I was wrong.” Snapping her head in Camden’s direction, she blinked several times. “I never want to see you again. You’re fired.”
“You may never want to see me again, but you need to understand that you have no choices left. We’re not trying to hurt you in any manner. In fact, we’re trying to protect you, and do you want to know why?” Camden grabbed the crumpled papers before moving in front of her, his entire body shaking.
“I couldn’t care less.”
He held out his hand. “Take them. Just take these with you. If you’ll actually read the contracts, you’ll learn the offer is a damn good one. I understand the chip on your shoulder more than most, but what I’m doing is out of love.”
“Love?” Amber grabbed the contract. “I doubt you could ever understand real love.” As she threw open the door, her strangled sounds of anguish remained. Heated. Angry. Disgusted.
And full of heartache.
“How are getting back? Let me drive you,” Camden stated, trying anything he could to keep her engaged.
“I’ll take a cab.”
Camden slumped, unable to think clearly, but there was a clear understanding.
He would never see her again.
Chapter 13
Love. Love. Love! What the hell did Camden understand about love? How could he entertain the concept after a few days?
How could she?
“Motherfucker.” Amber had spouted the words at least six times during the last few hours. She was numb, unable to think as clearly as she certainly needed to. She had no idea what or who to believe; however, the various notifications she’d found in her mailbox had been enough. The bank hadn’t wasted any time.
In bold lettering, the words were frank enough.
FORECLOSURE
She’d read over the contract written by Rush, albeit briefly. Yes, the offer was damn good, the kind of protection she desperately needed and no, she refused to entertain anything of the kind.
Stupid girl. Stupid.
This wasn’t how life was supposed to end up. This wasn’t a little girl’s dream. All her hopes had been crushed, the reality of life altering her mindset years before. She closed her eyes, the ugly vision she’d been able to shove aside slithering into the forefront of her mind. Maybe Kyle had been right all those years ago. She’d laughed at his nasty string of accusations, pretending she didn’t care what he had to say, but he’d managed to slide under her skin, stealing her innocence.
And she’d allowed him to remain, furrowing into that portion of her soul she’d cut away, closing down, but never leaving, never allowing her to embrace the kind of joy so many others had found.
“You will never be anything but trash.” Kyle swaggered toward her, the sn
eer on his face magnified by the hatred looming in his eyes. “I thought you were special. I was wrong.”
“You don’t know me, Kyle and you never will.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. I know everything about you, every inch of your body as well as your mind. And I’ll never allow you to forget it. One day, you’ll come groveling to me and on that day, that very sweet day, I’ll break you. After all, princess, one day I will own you. You will succumb.”
Would he? Is that what was happening at this moment?
The words burned yet she’d refused to allow him to see her discomfort or the way he’d dashed her feelings. This was his promise and she was about to crash into his lair.
She’d known from the day she learned Kyle was back in town exactly what he wanted from her. Everything. He wanted her to grovel at his feet, to succumb to the realization that he was the only man who could save her. And she’d fallen into his trap. Why hadn’t she realized that Kyle was the one holding the cards? Why?
But there was more.
No wonder her father had kept the information locked away and whoever had stolen the key knew they’d find a firebomb. She had no way of knowing how much of the agreement Bart had kept or been given, but the indications were clear enough. Her father had gone into the oil business with Bart, only to dissolve the corporation when no oil had been found the land purchased by the corporation itself. The rest was too ugly to think about, but enough ammunition for Bart to wreak havoc in her life.
She would never divulge the information unless she was forced, and she was going to do everything in her power to keep the secret just that. A secret. One kept to her grave.
Pacing the lobby of the bank branch, she tried to remain calm, the practiced speech full of demands yet wishful, even helpful. Yeah, right. Who the hell did she think she was fooling? And so, she continued pacing, waiting her turn to speak with the Devil’s puppeteer.
Damn. Damn!
“Miss Harding? Mr. Smythe is ready to see you now.”
Glaring at the young girl, she rushed past her, perhaps fearful the window of opportunity would be closing. The second the door was closed, she held out the foreclosure papers, shoving them into the man’s face. She’d known Marty Smythe for years. He’d been out to Rattlesnake Ranch twice. She’d served him sweet tea for God’s sake, along with fucking cookies. Cookies!
“What is this, Marty? What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
Marty stretched his neck, his face blossoming into a vivid red. “My job, Amber. This is a business. You’ve been warned for weeks that if you didn’t bring the loan up to date this would happen.”
“I still had time, you lowlife. I have a plan. I told you that.”
“We can’t wait until the end of the season, Amber. Besides, I know the trouble you’ve been having.”
“Trouble? What the hell do you know?” Amber continued to shake the papers. “Are you working with Bart Randolph to ceremoniously destroy my life? Of course, you are. You’re nothing but a coward.”
“I don’t work for Mr. Randolph.”
“Uh-huh.” She heard the glitch in his voice. “Why would you do this? Why? Bastard! This is my ranch that my father built! Don’t you care about anything? Don’t you care about the people of this town?”
He seemed to soften, and he stared at the closed door before lowering his voice. “They’re dangerous men, Amber. They don’t care about anyone but themselves. I have no choice but to follow orders.”
“You are such a coward.”
“That I am, Amber, but I prefer living.”
Easing down her arm, she plastered on a smile. “You are not going to get away with this. You tell Bart Randolph that his days are numbered. That goes for you and your bank, Mr. Smythe. I’m certain your Board of Directors would like the detailed evidence I have on your collusion with the Randolph Corporation. So will the state police and the FBI.”
“Are you threatening me, Miss Harding?”
“Oh no. This is a promise.” The smile remained as the threat sunk in. “And I’m certain you wouldn’t like your wife to know about your affair with that hot little number who ushered me in.” You bet she was throwing darts, but she could tell she’d hit the target. “Stay off my land or else.”
As she headed for her jeep, she didn’t have to look back to know that Marty was making a phone call or two. She’d just played her last hand.
And there was only one thing she could do.
Make a deal.
The café was quiet and out of the way, on the edge of town and a location few of the locals bothered to frequent. Amber lifted her sunglasses, studying the weather-beaten entrance, the once vibrant logo now dilapidated from peeling paint, complete lack of care. The sad establishment suited her mood.
She could see his car parked on the corner, freshly washed and polished, gleaming in the late afternoon sun. Always grandstanding. Always lording his wealth over everyone he came in contact with. Well, this was nothing but a short-term deal. She couldn’t care less about anything but keeping her ranch.
Her skin was clammy, the humidity creating a sticky feeling on her arms and neck. However, the intense heat had little to do with the agony pooling in her stomach.
You can do this.
Could she? Could she sell her soul to stop a madman?
The words did nothing but create another unsettling feeling. She’d spent two hours talking to several of the affected ranchers and knew the harsh tactics were similar to the ones she’d experienced. She understood their positions. They felt they had no choice but to sell out. The conversations had been frank but full of such utter hopelessness.
The oil under her land was valuable, and she would use it as a bargaining chip. A quick glance at her watch told her what she already knew. Past time to get this over with. At least she might be able to find out his intentions. Holding her head high, she crossed the street and walked into the café. Three of the four other people inside couldn’t care less who she was or her reasons for being inside the restaurant.
The fourth remained silent, waiting for her arrival. Waiting for her surrender.
Swallowing, she only removed the sunglasses after she was standing in front of him. She knew he’d be able to read her level of hatred.
“Well, well. Look what the cat dragged in,” Kyle motioned to the chair. “Might as well sit down, princess.”
Amber eased onto the chair, keeping her distance. “Kyle.”
He leaned over the table, his grin sliding into an expression of knowing. “You called this meeting, princess.”
The word was one she would never forget, the very one that had attracted her to the man all those years before. He’d been sweet, doting on her for two solid months before freeing the beast inside. And she’d been young and naïve enough to fall for his bullshit. “I did. I have a business proposition.”
“I’m not certain you’re in a position to offer me anything that I want. I will have your property, as well as several of the adjacent ranches by the end of the month and I don’t have to lift a finger.” He seemed pleased with himself, his eyes twinkling.
“I have two things you will want, Kyle. One, confirmation that your father has been lying to you for a number of years.” She slid the paper across the table, careful to keep her emotions under the radar.
“What’s this?” he asked after a few seconds.
“Take another look.”
Kyle wiped his mouth and studied the information.
After a few seconds, she could tell his hand was shaking. “Seems like he wanted you out of the way. All those years in Alaska when you had little hope of getting rich. The rigs were basically dry. Meanwhile, the real money was here. Several veins of black gold. Plus, he’s been working with some old buddies of his. I’m certain you recognize their names.” She allowed the information to sink in. Anger furrowed his brow and the beads of sweat slipping down from his forehead only matched the twitching of his mouth. She’d hit the mark.
He sat back, staring out the dirty window, tapping his fingers on the table. “Why did you bring this to me?”
“Because I’m tired of playing the fool and I suspect you are as well.”
“What do you want?”
“I want you to leave my ranch and the others alone. You obviously have enough oil on the land you currently own.”
Kyle shot her a look. “And I suppose you’ll want this in writing.”
“Absolutely. Executed and witnessed.” Amber did everything she could to keep her voice calm.
“And if I don’t.”
“Then I’m certain every newspaper and television station in Texas will like to hear about the various lies you and your father have told, let alone the extortion attempts. I have several tapes, confessions from the ranchers you tried to extort. You also forget that I have evidence including surveillance tapes highlighting men from your crew. I’m certain the police will be able to follow the bread crumbs, especially with affidavits from my neighbors. They were very happy to talk with me.”
Kyle laughed. “Don’t threaten me, princess. Not a one of those ranchers has the balls to do any talking. I know better. As far as any reporter. Go right ahead. I’m certain they’ll like to hear a sad story from a woman whose ranch is about to be foreclosed on. Now, wouldn’t they?”
She smiled. “That’s your call.”
He glanced back at the paper, fingering the lettering. “What else.”
“Meaning?”
“You said two things,” he huffed as he held up two fingers. “I need something to sweeten the deal if I’m going to take my father head on.”
A cold shiver trickled down her spine. Last roll of the dice. “No more roses. No more breaking into my home. No more nasty cards. I won’t tolerate any of the shit any longer.”
He wrinkled his brow, his eyes darting back and forth. “Go on.”
“And two,” she whispered, forcing herself to mutter the words. “I’m ready to succumb.”