Nathan spent the next hour bringing Clayton and me up to speed on the case. He’d had a copy of the complete FBI file that included everything about the robbery, the plane crash, and poor Herbert Guillot’s death.
I would have had a hard time believing that Herbert’s death was in any way tied to the missing bank money had a fingerprint not been found on his eyelids. None of us could explain how or why the cash had moved. It honestly didn’t make sense.
“I can hack into the flight manifests to see if there were any locals arriving from New Orleans,” Clayton said.
“That’s a good idea. Can you also look into car rentals? I suspect he’s local, but I could be wrong. It wouldn’t hurt to check every angle.”
“If he’s local that’s going to make it more difficult.” Clayton said.
“I know. New Orleans is within driving distance. Since Amanda first started competing, my parents would load up the horse trailer and drive her over there. It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away.”
My smile grew. “You’ve been in town for five minutes, and you’ve already reverted back to your country roots.”
He chuckled. “Darlin, they never left. I’ve just learned to adapt.”
Mildred tapped on the door. “Dinnertime.”
“Thanks, Mildred, we’ll be right down,” Nathan called out.
Clayton clapped his hands together and grinned. “Time to put on your game faces and show them you’re a couple.”
Chapter 8
Nathan, Clayton, and I proceeded down the stairs toward the sound of voices and clinking silverware. My palms turned sweaty as a fluttery feeling overtook my stomach. I’d never had to play the role of girlfriend before. Sure, I’d dated, but playing the part with a man I barely knew anything about, other than he was a solid-ten kisser, was a first.
Nathan slipped his fingers through mine and squeezed as if sensing my turmoil just before we stopped in the dining room. A big rustic table with seating for twelve took up most of the room. A deer-antler chandelier hung from the ceiling, complete with added tear drop crystals from the antlers as if trying to make it look chic. It was nothing quite like I’d seen before and probably never would again.
Several men were already seated while Amanda and Mildred carried casseroles and serving dishes out of the kitchen.
“Well, don’t just stand there, sit down, and get some food before it’s all gone,” the man, wearing a cowboy hat and sitting at the head of the table, said.
“No hats at the table,” Mildred said, knocking the man’s arm.
“Dad, I’d like for you to meet Cassie and Clayton.”
“Um-hum,” he said, loading his plate up with fried chicken. “Amanda and Mildred already filled me in.”
“Guys, this is my dad, William Murray.” Nathan pointed to the others at the table. “You already met Grandpa, but that’s Pete and Joe. They help my dad with work on the rig.”
I held up my hand. “Hi, and thanks for having me.”
Nathan guided me to the table and pulled out a chair. Everyone’s gaze followed, as if this had been a trick performed by a monkey instead of Nathan. Maybe it had been true that he never brought home girls.
“Well, dig in,” Mr. Murray said, gesturing with a biscuit toward the other platters.
There was a sensory overload with the food. Country cooking at its finest. Everything from dumplings to fried chicken and all the southern veggies to go with it.
Clayton and I both filled our plates. The others watched in curiosity, especially William, Nathan’s dad. It was as though he was waiting to see what I’d eat, as if each dish had its own meaning.
I didn’t hold back. I took fried chicken, a heaping mound of mashed potatoes and gravy, a biscuit, and just a pinch of greens, trying to save room for that apple pie I’d smelled on the way in.
I could just imagine what he was thinking. Meat eater, check. Mashed potatoes and gravy, doesn’t care about calories or carbs, check, check.”
I must have passed his initial inspection because he turned his attention back to his own plate.
Talking around the table resumed after I took my first bite. The conversation revolved around the day in the field and how they believed the oil they’d tapped was starting to dry up and they’d have to move the rig to another place soon.
The chair at the end of the table sat empty. A single glass filled with wine sat in front of the chair. I’d expected Mildred to occupy the seat, but she never did.
William turned his gaze on Nathan. “We usually don’t see you until the end of the month. Why did you deviate from your normal routine?”
Nathan had a mouth full of food and held up his finger to his dad because he couldn’t answer. As I looked around this table, I thought there was no way they wouldn’t see through my ruse.
As if Nathan knew I was about to spew the ugly truth, he stopped me by resting his hand around the back of my chair and took a big swig of his beer.
“I wanted to show Cassie where I grew up, and she’s never been to a rodeo.”
“And you?” William turned his gaze to Clayton. “Are you always their third wheel, or are they into some kinky shit where they like three-ways?”
Clayton coughed on his drink.
“William Murray, you know that Jenna, God rest her soul, would have your hide for talking to your son’s guests that way.” Mildred said as she took a seat.
“I’m just Cassie’s driver.”
“And best friend,” I offered. “Clayton’s never been to Texas, but he’s fantasized about being a cowboy and learning the Texas two-step. Isn’t that right?”
Before Clayton could even answer, Amanda started with her questions. “Why the limo? You trying to impress us or don’t you know how to drive yourself?”
“Sure, she does. I’m just better at it,” Clayton said.
William rose from the table. His plate was only half empty. “I bet Nathan never told you about my special ability.”
I raised a brow. “No, sir.”
He nodded and met his son’s gaze. “I can spot a lie a mile away, so when you three are ready to tell me the truth about why you’re here, you can find me on the porch.”
Mr. Murray walked out of the dining room, and silence filled the air.
“Dad, wait,” Nathan said as he pushed out of his chair.
I rose and stopped Nathan from following him. “Let me.”
Nathan’s gaze went over my head in the direction his father had gone before he met my gaze again. Hurt and anger filled his face.
“I’ve got this,” I said and patted his arm before glancing at the table. “Save my plate, though.” I grabbed a biscuit and walked out.
Mr. Murray was standing on the porch, staring out at the rig when I stepped up beside him. “One of my clients was killed, and that’s what brought Nathan into my life.”
“I hope you aren’t still trying to tell me that you two are a couple.”
“I’m not,” I said and gestured to the rig. “Walk with me, and I’ll explain.”
William stepped off the porch, and we started in a slow stroll toward the equipment in the distance. “It would be easier if I start at the beginning for you to understand how we ended up at your door.”
I proceeded to tell William everything, including the uncanny way I find people and other things. How all of my sisters are unique. I wasn’t sure he was buying a word I said, because he’d remained quiet until we reached the rig.
“Did Nathan tell you why we bought this farm?”
“No, sir. He didn’t even tell me we were coming to a farm until we arrived.”
“I bought this land thirty years ago, after I married Nathan’s mother, Jenna.” She fell in love with the rose garden. She was the love of my life and still is.” His voice softened, proving he was a man still in love with his wife. “That’s why we place the wine glass at the end of the table during each meal. It’s so if she’s ever looking down on us, she knows we haven’t forgotten her.”
> “I’m sure she was a special woman. I would have liked to have met her.”
“She was an angel. She volunteered at a woman’s shelter. She was an advocate against domestic abuse. She didn’t have to work, but just like I put in my blood, sweat, and tears here on the ranch, she did that for other women.” His gaze was trained in the distance, as if he the memories played like a movie in his mind.
“You mentioned the oil is going to dry up soon,” I said, unlatching the gate. I stepped closer to the equipment, and William followed.
“Studies have indicated that it’s inevitable.”
I squatted and ran my finger through a puddle of black gold on the ground. Rubbing my fingers together in one hand, I clutched my crystal with the other. Glancing across the field, I grinned before I rose.
“So, what are you looking for, Ms. Newman?”
“My last name isn’t Newman. It’s Bennett, but let’s keep that secret between us.” I took his arm and started walking off in another direction, still holding the crystal in my hand.
With each step we took, the crystal’s vibration increased as we approached. “Nathan has good reason to believe that one of Jenna’s killers is still alive, and I’ve tracked the money back to this town.”
William grabbed my arm. “That’s why he brought you here?”
“Yeah, and he has money from the heist to prove it,” I said and continued walking until the vibration in my crystal had traveled down my spine and through my body. I stopped and glanced around. Spotting a stick, I picked it up and moved back to where I’d been standing. I dug at the ground and shoved the stick into the hole. “You should consider moving the equipment over here.” I held up my finger, showing him the oil from the other side of the field. “Yeah…I’d dig right here.”
His brows dipped, and he crossed his arms over his chest. “You believe there’s oil right there?”
I grinned. “I don’t believe; I know it is.” I grabbed another stick and placed it next to the first one, marking the spot with an X, as if it were a pirate’s bounty. “Now X marks the spot. Dig there.”
William rubbed his neck. “How is it you think you can find the money?”
“The same way I just made you a fortune.”
“If there’s oil there, I’ll cut you in on it.”
I led him back toward the house. “I don’t want your money, Mr. Murray. I just may need your help in keeping the reason why we’re here a secret. You see the killer might have seen me while I waiting on my client. Since then, I’ve dyed my hair, my sister made me fake documents, and we’ve gone through a whole lot of trouble to help your son. So, if you don’t mind, please keep our secret, until we leave. I’d really like to help Nathan find the peace that’s been eluding him.”
“Did he tell you that?” he asked.
“I read it in his blue eyes.”
“I’ll keep your secret if you do one thing for me.”
“The oil wasn’t enough?” I asked with a chuckle.
“If you find the killer and he’s a local, I want to know about it.”
“I don’t think—”
“Take it or leave it, Ms. Newman, or should I say, Bennett?”
I shook my head. “I’m afraid I can’t do that. You’re old school. You probably believe in an eye for an eye.”
He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped the oil from my fingers. “I won’t kill him,” he said, lifting his gaze to mine. “You have my word, just like you have my word we’re splitting the profits on the oil.”
Chapter 9
We headed back to the house. Everyone who’d finished eating was sitting on the porch, eyeing our approach as if William and I were their evening entertainment.
William gestured to the door. “Mildred, heat up our plates so Cassie and I can finish eating.”
“All good?” Nathan asked as he stood.
William met Nathan’s gaze. “Good enough for now. Next time, just warn me.”
Nathan let out a long audible breath, and relief flooded his face. “Yes, sir.”
William rested his palm on Nathan back. There was a knowing glint in his father’s eyes. This was a family who told each other everything. No secrets in this bunch. I envied the connection and felt horrible about the fact he’d been willing to lie.
“If your girlfriend is right, she’s about to be rich. You might want to hang on to her before anyone else snatches her up.”
Nathan’s brows dipped. “But she told you…”
“I know what she told me, son. Cassie is an honest woman who’s just here to meet your family. We’re glad to have her.”
Nathan gave me a questionable look as I followed behind William and Mildred back into the house.
“Come on, child. Let’s heat up your food.”
Nathan walked with me, leaning in to whisper, “Didn’t you tell him?”
I nodded. “I told him everything. He’s willing to go along with it.”
Nathan snapped his mouth closed and pulled out my chair again. His father watched as we each sat at the table.
“No one needs to know the truth; besides, you picked a perfect week to have outsiders here.”
“The rodeo,” Nathan said, grabbing a biscuit and peeling it open.
“And your mother’s benefit Saturday night. I hope you brought your tuxedo.”
“Benefit?” I asked, trying to remember what Nathan had told me.
Mildred walked in, carrying a pitcher of tea. She refilled our glasses. “The Founder’s benefit and auction. All proceeds go to a shelter to help women dealing with domestic abuse.”
“This will be perfect,” Cassie said.
“This isn’t perfect, Cassie. There will be a lot more people in town, a lot more suspects, a lot more strangers I’ve never seen. This is the opposite of perfect,” Nathan said.
I understood why he would think that, even though my brain wasn’t wired the same way. In my job it was easier to go unnoticed, to get close to the target, and that was what we needed. In his job, criminals that stood out made it easier for him to make an arrest. The money was here. It was a simple question of where.
I smiled at Nathan and, beneath the table, rested my hand on his knee. “This is a good thing, Nathan. I’ll get to meet everybody, and if our fun adventures take us off the beaten path, it will make sense. What do I know? I’m not from these parts.”
Mildred crossed her arms over her chest and regarded us suspiciously. She raised a single brow. “Adventures and Nathan? Those two words are never used in the same sentence. Nathan is by the book. Every time a vacation was planned, Nathan was the one who had the entire travel itinerary typed up and ready to distribute. He doesn’t know the word spontaneous.” She glanced between both of us. “Nathan, I’ve known you since you were in diapers. Your mother and I taught you how to walk, talk, and two-step. You’re not adventurous, and you never bring home women, much less women who have drivers. You don’t encourage socialites, and you don’t flaunt your money, so start explaining.”
I rose from my seat and grabbed a napkin, loading it with a drumstick and another biscuit. I gestured over my shoulder. “I’m going to eat this on the porch. I’ll let you guys…explain.” I raised my napkin toward Mildred. “Love your cooking by the way. It’s better than anything back home.”
Obviously acting as a girlfriend was harder than acting as anything else when I’d tried to get close to people to serve papers. I probably should have taken lessons from Gwen growing up. I hadn’t been in town more than a couple hours and people were already onto our lie. The only opinion that mattered to me was William’s, Nathan’s father. Once we cleared the air, I felt better about finding the money. I could track money, I could find things, but I couldn’t fix broken families.
Pete and Ed were out in the field where I’d placed my pirate X-marks-the-spot sticks. Clayton was sitting in a rocking chair when I sat down on the swing. Amanda was missing in the wind. “I came clean to Nathan’s dad. I think Mildred is trying to f
igure things out.”
Clayton shook his head and continued in the slow sway of his chair. “You didn’t even last a full day.”
“I know,” I added with a sigh. “I’m normally so much better than this when I have to get close enough to serve papers.”
“Well, if it makes you feel any better, the oil workers think he just brought you home to hide you away. They think Nathan’s saving you from an abusive relationship, thanks to your black eye and busted lip.”
“So, in other words, I didn’t fool anybody.” My gaze went out to the barn. “Well, Amanda may have believed me.”
“She doesn’t. She’s a teenager and already snapped your picture with her cell phone while you are eating dinner. If I had to guess, she’ll upload it onto the Internet tonight and see if she gets any hits on familiar pictures.”
My mouth parted, and words escaped me. How had I not even noticed that?
“Don’t feel bad. These teenagers are going to rule the world one day, and I came prepared.” Clayton pulled a magnet out of his pocket and held it up. “If it comes down to it, this sucker should erase her entire phone, including your picture.”
“Genius,” I whispered.
“I know.” Clayton chuckled. “What’s your take on Ed and Pete?”
“I wasn’t around them long enough to get a feel about them one way or the other.”
“What’s so interesting about that ground where they’re pointing?” Clayton asked.
“That’s the next place that the Murray family is going to strike black gold.”
“Oh…that’s right. Gwen says her sisters each have abilities. I should have known that you’d have something.”
“I find things. That’s all.”
“Expensive things?” Clayton wiggled his brows.
“Lost and missing things.”
We were still out on the porch talking when Mildred appeared and handed me a glass of tea. She took a seat beside me and pushed the swing to get it moving again as Nathan came out onto the porch and sat in one of the rocking chairs.
Pay Dirt (Bennett Dynasty Book 2) Page 4