Page 71 of Crude Heir

“We’re on to something now.” Bill turns to Sage. “Can you go to the location instead, make sure it’s not still sitting there?” Hesounds doubtful that she’ll find anything. “If there’s nothing on-site, check the logs at the gate and see when it was pulled.”

“I can go through the material transfer log,” Nicole volunteers, her fingers already tapping away at the keyboard.

Bill glances at his watch. “Okay, I need to get going if I’m going to pick up Simon.”

“I may not get to the location and the sheets on time,” Sage says with concern. “Not if I’m supposed to pretend nothing’s up.”

“The tires won’t kick up a dust cloud since it’s been raining,” Ezequiel points out. “You can speed. I give you permission.” Which earns him a dirty look.

“Can you stall somehow?” Elena proposes.

“Yeah, I guess we have to come up with some way to let me know.” Bill turns to Sage. “You can call and tell me we need to cut through the ranch. That should add some time to the trip.”

“You know.” Ezequiel eyes Addler. “A copter would be great right about now.”

Addler blows out a breath. “Okay, you’re right. We could use a damn helicopter.”

Ezequiel has a satisfied smirk on his face.

“We’ll get that done after I get my hands on the guy causing all this shit,” Addler promises.

“Whatever you say, boss.”

“Go check the location,” Addler says with disgust. “Sage can hit the guard shack.”

That’s enough to dampen Ezequiel’s cheer. “I’m not in my truck.”

“Seriously.” Addler’s glare is sharp enough to kill.

“It’s in the shop,” he answers, giving him a pointed look, followed by a subtle shake of his head.

I’m not sure what passed between them, but Addler’s tone changes. “Grab the SUV and run Derrick and Nicole over to thewarehouse. If I show up this early, we won’t be able to keep things quiet.”

“I should have brought my car,” Elena mutters.

“We’re good, baby,” Addler says, dismissing her concern. “We’ll cover this side of the ranch, checking locations, until Simon arrives.”

With that, everyone heads to their vehicles, intent on being the one to find the thing that will blow this wide open.

* * *

Derrick

Nearly an hour later, we approach the gate to the main office, Ezequiel eases the SUV to a stop in front of the guard shack. He lowers the window, letting in the light drizzle that’s hitting this side of the ranch.

The security guard, dressed in a standard-issue uniform, similar to what Sage was wearing, peers into the vehicle with a practiced gaze. “Morning.”

“Derrick Stockton and Nicole…” Ezequiel looks to me to complete the name.

“Fuentes,” she supplies from the back seat.

“They’re here from the Kelly office in Houston,” Ezequiel announces.

The guard nods. “ID please.” He brings up his clipboard.

I pull my wallet while Nicole’s eyes widen in alarm. “I don’t have my purse with me,” she admits, a hint of panic in her voice.

My phone chooses that moment to ring. Glancing at the screen, I see it’s my mother again. With an inward groan of frustration, I quickly send the call to voicemail. I don’t have time for this right now.

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