Page 12 of Brutal Heir

Fucking fantastic. I have to drag her out here when she may have plans for her day off. “Are you working?”

She inhales, and I can imagine her trying to figure out how to answer. Which means no, she’s off for the holiday.

“What did you need?” she asks, avoiding giving me the answer I’m looking for. Which only manages to annoy the shit out of me.

“I need you on-site.”

There’s another pause, which isn’t helping my mood.

“I’m not in uniform,” she announces. “I’ll have to go back to Carrizo Springs to change before I can come in.”

Well, that sure as hell ain’t gonna happen.

Chapter 6

Sage

It isn’t until I’m past the last gate on the ranch that it finally feels real. It’s Friday. It’s a holiday. And I’m halfway to freedom.

Laredo is a decent-sized city, sitting along the Mexican border. It’s big enough to lose myself. A place where I can unwind, do some shopping, find some delicious food, and maybe get myself a drink and a room for the night.

Although it was a short week, it was one of the most frustrating ones I’ve had in a long time. The problems started with the rig move and dealing with Ezequiel. It extended through yesterday when the ranch owner showed up and spent the day at the office. There was so much tension, you could cut it with a knife.

Worst of all, it included Bill running out because his wife isn’t doing well. I can’t even imagine what they’re going through.

At this point, I’m glad for a day, any day, I don’t get homewith mud on my boots. It’s why I decided to take advantage of the three-day weekend and separate myself from the job. I didn’t even bring work clothes with me.

I’m nearing the intersection with Highway 44 when my phone rings.Nooo. I don’t have anyone who’d just check in to say hello. If I get a call, it’s something to do with work.

The phone rings.

I take my foot off the gas pedal and pull onto the shoulder where many of the local truck drivers stop. I have to pull over before I get to the checkpoint. If I’m close enough for the border patrol agents to see me, they might think I’m up to no good. If I pass the location, I’ll have to sit in line to get back.

The phone rings.

Hold on. I come to a full stop and put the truck in park. I reach out to check my cell phone. Ezequiel.Oh hell.

The phone rings again as I stare at the name, my stomach twisting at the thought of having to talk to him. I lock the doors, knowing this is going to take more than a quick minute. Letting my lids drift closed, I press the button to answer the call. “This is Sage.”

“Well I’m glad it wasn’t an emergency,” he says in his usual surly tone.

I grit my teeth and open my eyes. What does he expect? Am I supposed to drop what I’m doing the exact second he calls? I was driving for goodness’ sake.

“Where are you?” he continues.

I don’t want to tell him, but I don’t have much of a choice. This role I accepted comes with the responsibility of beingavailable at any point of the day or night—that includes holidays. “I’m out of town,” I reply. Though I’m actually close enough to turn around in case of emergency. “Well, on my way to Laredo.”

“Are you working?”

Now, there’s a question. I draw in a breath. When Mike was around, he took care of business. If, on a rare occasion, he took off to the valley with his wife to see their family, I’d cover for him. I was the backup. Now that he’s gone, with me taking the lead, there’s no backup. If I was already in Laredo, I might consider calling Bill for help. While he’s in San Antonio with his wife, he might be able to get someone else.

Resigned, I ask, “What did you need?”

“I need you on-site,” he growls.

Ugh.I knew it. The fact I was getting a day to myself was too good to be true. If someone, anyone else, was available, I would have said I’d flown out to see my dad.Dad… Oh God, that’s a problem to deal with on another day.

I glance down at the peach colored toenails peeking out from the strappy sandals I’m wearing and curse under my breath. I should have brought my damn boots. I should have packed a spare uniform in my overnight bag, just in case. Instead, I’m in a white tank top, loose cotton shorts in the same color as my nails, and sandals that leave my toes exposed.

---