Page 70 of Crude Heir

“Plug and abandon,” she says with an underlying note of excitement.

“This might be it.”

“How old are the invoices?” he asks, looking from Nicole to Elena.

“Is there somewhere we can set up the computers?” Elena asks, her voice filled with anticipation as she reaches for the computer bag she put on a nearby stool.

“You can use my desk.” Ezequiel points to a door behind us that must lead to the office.

Everyone starts filing into Ezequiel’s office. Sage gives him a sideways glance. “You still have thosewildlifephotos on your screen?”

Ezequiel’s cryptic grin makes me think that’s no regular wildlife she’s referring to.

“Taken care of,” he assures her.

My phone rings. “Fuck.” I manage to keep the curse under my breath, but just barely. I sent her to voicemail yesterday and didn’t think to call her later. Despite the urgency of the situation, I can’t ignore her again. If I do, she’s just going to continue calling. So, in order to avoid ongoing calls, I press the button to answer.

“Mother,” I say curtly, as people disappear into the office.

“Derrick,” she says, sounding worried. “I’m checking on you. The news says there’s no power again downtown.”

“I’m fine.” I dismiss her concern without a second thought. The office being closed actually helps keep this under wraps. “We’re in South Texas, with Addler.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize that.”

I hesitate a moment before deciding on whether to fill her in on what’s going on. “We may have a lead on the embezzlement.”

“Derrick, really? That’s wonderful.” Her excitement comes through, easing the pressure in my chest I hadn’t been aware of. “Is there anything I can do?”

“No, I think we have things covered.”

“Oh, all right.” The disappointment in her voice weighs on my conscience.

“But keep your phone handy,” I suggest. “In case we need help researching costs.”

“I will,” she says, her tone improving. “And, Derrick, I’m so proud of you for doing this.”

I’ve been numb to anything dealing with her for months now. Yet there’s a little part of me that’s pleased at her remark. “I have to go. We’re working on a game plan now.”

“Good luck out there. I love you.”

Ending the call, I join the group in the office.

“The invoice was approved by Sunny Hearst,” Nicole states, pulling the invoice up on the screen.

“I don’t know who that is.” Bill looks to Sage.

“No clue.” She shakes her head.

“Let me see.” Elena types furiously.

“The pipe and fittings show they were moved to inventory,” Nicole adds.

Bill frowns. “I don’t remember having any pipe as part of the inventory.” He pulls out his phone then catches himself. “You don’t want calls.” He blows out a breath. “So someone will have to go to the warehouse and physically check for the pipe.”

“I can go.” Sage raises a hand, volunteering from her spot against the wall.

“Sunny Hearst was from the Houston office.” Elena leans in, her gaze scanning the screen. “No longer with us so there’s no detail on the position other than he/she worked out of Houston.”

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