“I want to know more about the symbol.”
He kissed the inside of her wrist. “Yeah, there’s a lot to that symbol. I’ll tell you about it when I’m not so dead tired.”
“Of course.” Shannon leaned over to kiss his lips. “Thank you, Billy. This is the best birthday I’ve had in a long time.”
* * * *
“I owe you an apology, Rupert.” Billy pulled up a chair and gestured for his client to sit. Billingsley wasn’t having it, pacing the floor in front of Billy’s desk.
“You think?” Rupert stopped in his tracks and glared at him.
“I blew it in the courthouse. I need to try to make things right.”
“Can you?” The man’s face was red and he finally slumped into the chair. “Fuck. I’m scared, Pagan. I can’t handle jail. That was the longest night of my life. Terrifying.” He kept staring daggers at Billy. “Tell me right now if those two demon spawns got to you. If they paid you to blow that hearing, I swear to God…” His hands fisted. “I’ll pay you double whatever they offered you.”
“Listen, Rupert. I’m on your payroll, no one else’s. And I resent you thinking that I could be bribed. I was tired after a sleepless night helping another client so my game was off. Won’t happen again.” Billy wondered if he should let this one go. His first meeting with Billingsley had made him think the man might be innocent. Getting him off would be bringing justice to a wrongly accused man.
“I’m sorry, okay? But I’m sure those bastards are setting me up. If you can’t prove they’re behind Evie’s murder, I’m doomed!” Rupert dropped his face into his hands.
“Hey, calm down. You mean Dinah and Sherman Greene?” Billy had done a little background work on the players in the case. “Why would they want to kill Evelyn? Their own mother?”
“Stop right there.” Rupert sat up and wiped his eyes. “Sherman keeps calling her ‘Mother’ but Evelyn was their stepmother, big difference. When Evelyn married L.J. Greene, his two children from wife number one went nuts. After he died, it only got worse because Evie inherited a big chunk of stock in his real estate conglomerate, Greenespace. Sherman and Dinah Greene run it now, but Evelyn wasn’t happy with them. She had a seat on the board of directors. Was threatening to start a war, get the other board members together and replace those two sharks. She suspected they were skimming. Had even begun working on the other board members to start an investigation.”
“Now that’s a motive for murder. You should have told me this right away, Rupert. I’ll get my investigator to look into that, and all the financial angles.” Billy dropped a hand on Rupert’s shoulder. He really seemed broken up over his wife’s death. If this was an act, he deserved an award. “But what if this was just a robbery gone bad?” Billy dropped into the matching chair and picked up his tablet. “The police zeroed in on you quickly. Why?”
“Don’t get me started. Maria, our housekeeper. She called those fucking Greenes right after she called 911. So they were there almost as soon as the cops were. Naturally they started screaming ‘Murderer’ at me right away.” Rupert’s eyes filled again. “I’m pretty sure they slipped Maria money every month to spy on Evie and me.” He took a watery breath. “We couldn’t fire her. She’d been with Evelyn for decades. Knew things Evie didn’t want spread around.”
“Are you sure you’re not being paranoid, man?”
“No, listen to me!” Rupert gripped his arm. “Those bastards, even Maria, never believed that I loved Evelyn, truly loved her. Evie was nineteen years older than I was. Which is a lot, I know. But I didn’t care about that. Yes, she could be mean to me, but that was her way. I could take it.”
“You sure? At the hearing, the housekeeper made it sound like Evelyn was abusive.” Billy knew he wouldn’t have stayed five minutes in a relationship like that. Couldn’t imagine Shannon ever calling him the ugly nicknames the housekeeper had said Evelyn routinely used for Rupert, even in front of others. Shithead had been one of the kindest.
“Maria exaggerated. And Evelyn liked her little jokes.” He sobbed and looked away from Billy. “I loved her. Maybe that makes me a sick puppy, but I didn’t mind the name calling, or the way she treated me in public.” He took a deep breath. “Because in private, she was all mine.” He sniffled and Billy had to bring out his handkerchief. “Oh, God, I can’t believe she’s gone.”
Billy waved it away when Rupert offered him the handkerchief back. This wasn’t the first crying client he’d dealt with and wouldn’t be the last. “Okay, I believe you.”
He laid his hand on Billy’s knee. “Evelyn and I had a perfect setup. She even brought in cute guys to liven up our sex life. What did I really have to complain about?”
Billy patted Rupert’s hand. “Sounds to me like you had everything just the way you wanted it. It’s a compelling argument. Not sure how a Texas jury will like hearing about your lifestyle, but let’s hope it doesn’t come to trial.” He studied the man who couldn’t have hit thirty yet. Conservative Texans didn’t want to hear about role-playing sex games, even within the sanctity of marriage. And they sure wouldn’t believe this handsome younger man hadn’t knocked off his older wife to get his freedom, not without hard proof.
“Oh, honey, you don’t have to tell me that.” Here came the waterworks again. “Dinah and Sherman were convinced I was the Devil incarnate, once Maria let them know what kind of games Evelyn and I played. They even staged an intervention, if you can believe it. Evie laughed in their faces. Called them uptight prudes. You can bet that didn’t go over big.” Rupert sighed.
“Did they ever try to have Evelyn declared incompetent?” Billy figured a talk with Evelyn’s lawyer might give him some insight.
“Oh, sure. But it wouldn’t wash. She was practically running Greenespace, L.J.’s real estate holdings, at the time. She had too many witnesses that were willing to swear she was perfectly sane.” He blotted his red nose. “We were two consenting adults, Billy. No one should care what we do in the privacy of our own home. Right?”
“If any of this gets out, the tabloids would have a field day.” Billy stood, ready to move on. “Now let me get into this. Do some more research. Again, I’m really sorry about that fuck-up in the courtroom. Luckily it won’t be up to that judge, but a carefully selected jury when or if this comes to trial. I’m hiring a private investigator to dig into this”
“I can pay for whatever you need. Evelyn was very generous with me over the years. I have my own money now.” Rupert frowned. “Which made Sherman and Dinah Greene insane, of course.”
Billy got up. “Try to relax and stay the hell away from those people. Okay?”
“Oh, never fear. I’m terrified of them. If they think I might get off and inherit even part of Evelyn’s estate? What’s to keep them from taking me out next?” Rupert shuddered then stood. “Thanks, Billy. I was sure you’d gone over to their side for a while there in the courtroom. I thought you were sleeping on the job.” He laughed.“I just about wet my pants.”
“I don’t blame you. I promise that will never happen again.” Billy walked him to the door. “I’ll work to find evidence to prove your innocence.” He fixed Rupert with a probing stare. “You sure I won’t also find evidence that you had a little something on the side? Trust me, the prosecution is looking for that hard, right now.”
“No, hell no. I wouldn’t dare. It would void my prenup. Besides, I told you. Evelyn satisfied all my needs. All I had to do was tell her what I wanted and she provided.” Rupert reached out and straightened Billy’s tie. “Understand?”
“Yep. I’m sorry, buddy. Sounds like you had just the kind of marriage you wanted.” Billy shook his head when Rupert offered him the handkerchief back again. “Keep it. I have dozens. I’ll let you know what I find out.” He smiled as he stepped back. “You stay safe and, I’m sure I don’t need to say this, celibate, until we come to trial.”
“I get it.
” Rupert winced then straightened his own tie. “I want you to know, though, that I haven’t forgotten what happened at that court appearance.” His eyes hardened and he threw back his shoulders. “I expect the best defense my money can buy, Pagan. If I get even a hint that you’re favoring the other side?” He leaned closer, close enough to whisper in Billy’s ear. “Well, I’m not such a cream puff that I don’t know where to find my own muscle, sweetheart.” He patted Billy’s arm, a little harder than necessary, then tossed an air kiss at Mai before he walked out the door.
“He’s certainly calmed down.” Mai looked up from her computer.
“Maybe, maybe not. Can’t say I blame him. I really blew it at his hearing. Call Albert for me? I need to talk to him.” Billy walked back into his office and closed the door. Rupert Billingsley. Cream puff? Not exactly. But some instinct that he’d learned to trust told him he still represented a man who was innocent. Of murder at least.
He sat at his desk and focused on paperwork. He had several cases that needed his attention. And then there was the biggie—Calhoun Petroleum. He was going to head over there right after lunch. Bonus? He’d get to see Shannon. He tackled a mountain of paperwork then answered the phone. He’d made Billingsley happy but now he had to try to clear him. Making things right. It was why he’d gotten into the law.
* * * *
“What do you mean? Conrad did something funny with the Tribe too?” Billy couldn’t believe it. As if he didn’t have enough shit to shovel, here was one more thing staring him in the face.
“The numbers don’t add up, Billy.” Ethan Calhoun handed him a computer printout. “Your Tribe wasn’t on the list of people my father may have cheated, but I can’t reconcile the payments they’re getting with the output from their wells.”
“I know the Tribe gets oil royalties. Have for decades.” Billy frowned down at the printout. “Why are you suspicious?”
Ethan sat at his work station and began hitting keys on his computer. “Take a look.”
“What do you want me to see?” Billy stepped behind him.
It was odd, taking Ethan seriously. He’d known him since he’d been dating Shannon the first time. At fourteen, Ethan had always been in trouble, trying to get his sister’s attention by doing stupid tricks like splashing her hair or tossing towels into the pool. Now he was all business, wearing a polo shirt with the Calhoun logo and khakis.
“There’s a section on the Tribe’s website that mentions the nine oil wells that provide important revenue for the Tribe.” Ethan scrolled down so Billy could read the text. “But I’ve got a map here that shows more wells than that. And figures that indicate there were nine at first, but now…” He glanced at Billy. “You might want to take a look at what actually is there. You on speaking terms with the Tribal Council?”
“Yeah. We’re good.” Billy stepped back from the computer and took a breath. “Let me see that map.”
“I haven’t been to the area, but I guess it’s in the piney woods around Lake Livingston. The Big Thicket.” Ethan got up and went to a table where there were stacks of huge maps and plats. He rummaged through them until he finally picked one and laid it on top. “Here. Look at this.”
“You should go. It’s beautiful. Only a little over an hour from Houston. They have campgrounds around the lake with cabins they rent out, a nice restaurant and now the casino. It should take off when the people here discover it.” Billy frowned down at the map. Yes, he could see the largest lake and then the reservation’s land and several smaller lakes. “These marks are the wells?”
“I think they are. I’m still learning how to read this shit. But the money coming in from the wells and what was going out to rights owners is what I’m supposed to reconcile.” Ethan frowned. “Daddy signed the leases with them when he started the company thirty years ago. That, at least, seems on the up and up. But the section he had permission to drill is here.” Ethan stabbed the map with his finger. “Notice anything?”
“Yeah.” Billy sighed. “The wells are creeping across the line to a place where the chief might object. The Tribe is really interested in protecting its natural resources, especially the lakes. If there is any fracking going on, pollution might also be an issue.” He frowned. “Who drew these maps?”
“Engineers, I guess. I’m trying to keep this in the family, you know. I don’t want to show them to anybody else. It would be great if this is just a mapping error. We sure as hell don’t want to get crossways with the Indians. That could involve the federal government, couldn’t it?”
“Of course. The Department of Indian Affairs. But let’s see if we can handle this without that complication.” Billy shook his head. “Have you got any aerial maps?”
“No. But we should have them. I guess Daddy didn’t want them. Might catch him in the act.” Ethan’s shoulders slumped. “I hate this. Finding out Daddy was a damned thief. It was so unnecessary.”
“Maybe he didn’t think so, Ethan.” Billy gripped the younger man’s shoulder. “You have no idea how much it costs to run a big place like this. To keep on top of the oil business. Maybe your father had pressures you know nothing about. I see it every day in my law practice. A man can cave in to that kind of stress, do the wrong things for the right reasons.”
“So says a lawyer.” Ethan managed a smile. “Thanks for being on our side.” He glanced back at his computer. “So what should I do now?”
“Let me make the next move. I want to check out the placement and number of those wells myself. Talk to the Chief. I’ll let you know what I find out.” Billy held out his hand. “Hang in there, Ethan. Looks like you’re doing a fine job. You’re right. Keep this in the family. If word gets out, Calhoun stock will take a nosedive. That hurts us all, including those we owe money.”
“Guess you’ve got some of our stock too.” Ethan gripped his hand. “Sorry about that.”
“It was a good investment and paid a decent dividend so I’ve never regretted it. Now let’s make certain I don’t lose a bundle on either bet.” Billy smiled. “And now I’m heading to Shannon’s office. You know where it is?”
Ethan laughed and gave him directions. As Billy walked to the elevator. he realized he was still a little worried about boring her, his party girl. Could they really have a future together if he had to rein in his natural caution? The part of himself that liked to make plans and see well down the road? No wonder Shannon teased him about being too serious. But one of them had to plan ahead, worry about the future. He liked knowing what was around the next corner. Maybe Shannon would learn to like that too. If she didn’t, well… Spontaneity wasn’t a bad word. Just a scary one to a man who alphabetized his DVDs.
* * * *
“What do you mean, you have an airplane?”
“You really don’t know me at all, do you? I may not like roller coasters, but I love to fly. I took lessons, got my pilot’s license and bought a sweet little plane, a vintage Cessna.” Billy laughed at what must have been her shocked look.
“Why an old plane? I’d think you’d want brand new, everything right off the lot and up-to-date.” She stood. Where was this going?
“I’ve had it worked over. It’s in great shape. It’s a fine little plane. And we need to take it up. On company business.” He glanced down to where Caroline Wilson was eyeing them through her open door. “I’ll square it with your boss.”
“Wait. What are you going to tell her? Explain this ‘company business.’” Shannon didn’t like the way he was taking over, as usual. “Tell me everything.”
“Ethan showed me what’s going on with the reservation and the wells there. We need to investigate. The Big Thicket isn’t called that because you can get there easily. It’s a pine tree jungle. Impossible to navigate unless you’re really familiar with the roads and the winding paths that even the deer get lost following. I want to see it from the air, count how many rigs are actually pumpin
g on the Tribe’s property.”
“That sounds like a good idea. Why do you need me?” Shannon didn’t know why she even asked the question. She’d love to go up in a plane. It was just one more thrill ride for her. Billy as a pilot. She’d always pictured him with his nose in dusty law books. This was an unexpected side of him she liked. The adventurous side.
“I need you as navigator and recorder. I have a map that we’ll use for comparison. Then we’ll hit the reservation and talk to the Chief. Find out what anyone there might have noticed.” He grinned. “Plus I want to show you off.”
“When are we going?” She still had work to do. Caroline had piled on the assignments since she was now a staff of one. There were also more of those phone calls to the charities. She explained that to Billy.
“How about tomorrow morning? I have work of my own. Calhoun is an important client, but not my only one. And I need to check on my aunt.” He leaned in for a kiss. “Dinner tonight?”
“Sounds good. Before or after you see your aunt?” She knew his Aunt Sally was in rehab now but not where he’d arranged for her to stay.
“Would you ride out there with me?” He named a facility outside of town, looking surprisingly uncertain for self-assured Billy Pagan.
“You need moral support?” Shannon really had no desire to visit a rehab facility. Was it part of his effort to make her give up alcohol? She’d be damned if she’d be scared sober. But maybe she was being paranoid. He’d told her over her birthday dinner about his aunt and her DUI. That had clearly shaken him. She could afford to support him with a ride along.
“Call it what you want, it’s quite a drive and I’m not looking forward to it. I don’t expect you to go in to see her, just keep me company on the trip. You can wait in the car. I promise I won’t stay long, just touch base and make sure she’s taking this DUI seriously. We have a hearing next week where we’ll see if the deal I worked out with the DA will satisfy the judge.”
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