Page 73 of Crude Heir

“Hey,” Sage says, stopping Ezequiel before he ends the call. “I’m supposed to be checking the Rio 8 & 9 that were P&A’d, right?”

“Yes.” Ezequiel glances back at Nicole for confirmation.

“That’s right,” she replies.

“Well there’s only five wells on this pad. No sign of anything else that was even started.”

Chapter 28

Nicole

The tension inside me ratchets up as we pull in front of Addler’s house. It’s my first time seeing it in daylight, and the grandeur of the two-story home, divided into sections, is even more impressive than what it seemed last night.

Ezequiel scans the area cautiously before we can proceed. It’s a reminder that while most mansions this size sit within gated communities, this one is out in the open, without a single neighbor in sight.

“We’re good.” Ezequiel unlocks the doors. We climb out of the SUV in front of Addler’s house. His truck is already parked by the entrance.

“So the all mighty has arrived,” Derrick mutters under his breath, sarcasm lacing his words. His eyes narrow slightly as his gaze goes from Addler’s truck to the gate. The only thing separating him from Keith Kelly, his estranged father.

Taking my laptop bag, Derrick ushers me ahead of him. We follow Ezequiel as he goes through the security measures that will allow us into the house. He removes his hat, stepping in to glance around, then holds the door for me.

“Thank you.” I enter behind him. Derrick flattens his hand on the door beside me, holding it open.

“Anybody home?” His voice echoes through the spacious hallway lined with works of art.

Elena appears from a corridor to the right, her expression a mix of relief and urgency. “They’re in the study.” She glances to her left, out of the corner of her eye. “I was just showing Miss Josie some of the paintings done by Addler’s mom.”

Josephine Stockton, Derrick’s mother, emerges from behind her. She’s a petite woman, immaculately dressed, perfect makeup, and a serene expression on her face. “Nicole,” she says, sounding pleased to see me.

“Hello, Miss Josie.” I try my best to keep the nervous jolt in my stomach from showing on my face. This is another moment where I wish the ground would swallow me whole. It’s the first time I’ve seen Miss Josie in months, and I’m standing here, besideher son, in butt-molding leggings. I suddenly regret giving Derrick grief about wearing something so revealing.

“Derrick.” She cautiously moves to stand in front of her son, offering a cheek for him.

“Mother.” Though he’s stiff as a board, he dutifully drops a kiss on the offered cheek, without a hint of emotion on his face. As he straightens, I catch a glimpse of sadness in her face, which breaks my heart.

I have no words. I can’t compare this man to the one I discovered over the last few days. He’s thoughtful, teasing, passionate, and sometimes downright angry. But he’s not this emotionally void person standing in front of me.

“This is Ezequiel Mata,” Elena introduces him quickly. Derrick sidesteps letting the awkward moment pass. “He’s the Ranch Manager forLa Escuadra.”

“Hello, sir.” She holds out a hand to greet him, skillfully masking her emotions.

Ezequiel runs a hand through his hair. “Ma’am,” he replies, sounding out of sorts. “I’ve been out in the field.” He squeezes his hand closed. “I’m afraid my hands are—”

“Perfectly fine for a greeting,” she interjects with a warm smile, her hand unwavering.

Ezequiel opens and closes. His shoulders drop in defeat, then he wipes his palm on his jeans a few times before finally taking her hand.

“That wasn’t so bad, now, was it?” she says with a twinkle in her eye.

“You’re a nice lady, Miss Josie,” he says, relaxing.

“Not especially,” she replies. “But I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”

“Fair enough.” He grins.

“How about we join Addler and Mr. Kelly.” Elena leads Miss Josie toward the opposite hall from where they came. Ezequiel lags behind. “You’re not coming?” she asks.

“This may be above my pay grade,” he jokes.

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