Rough Ride by Piper Stone

Chapter 8

Madisen

There was nothing that would bring me any solace or ease the anger and pain that had come crashing down on me. I’d acted like some schoolgirl instead of following all the detailed instructions that Rutherford had given me over the years. I stood at the window staring out at the darkness. Although morning would dawn soon enough, the glass of bourbon was exactly what I needed in order to try to calm my nerves.

I could feel Jake’s presence behind me. I was too tired to react in any way, anxious for news on Big Wally’s condition.

“Are you alright?” Jake asked in such a quiet, concerned voice.

“I’m fine. I’m glad you were there. It could have been disastrous.”

“I know. We should talk about why Devlin thought the fire was intentionally set,” Jake said in a much more reserved tone of voice than before.

“As you might imagine,” I snapped, “I didn’t get a chance to grill him on the details. I’m still pissed at his fucking stupidity.” Sighing, I closed my eyes, loathing the nastiness that remained in my voice. “I’m sorry, Jake. I’m just exhausted and distraught. Yes, we need to talk. My guess is that now that Rutherford has died, the bastards are going to escalate their plans, whatever the hell they are.”

“Your anger and frustration are both understandable, Madisen. I’m not your enemy any more than you are mine. I think it’s time we work together. If we don’t, tragedy could happen.”

Sighing, I closed my eyes. “That’s what I’m terrified of. I’m afraid someone is helping Whitehorse and Cunningham try and sabotage us.”

“Why do you say that?”

After rubbing my eyes, I tried to think it all through. “Because Rutherford upped the level of security on the rigs, meaning I should be notified immediate regarding anyone who isn’t supposed to be there or anything odd. There’ve been no reports of suspicious activity.”

“Ah, Christ. If that’s true, since the person responsible wasn’t caught, he will try again.”

“And likely sooner versus later. It’s only a matter of time before everyone realizes you’re involved.”

“Also true, which is why the riggers need to be told we’re doing this together.”

I stared into my glass, every bone in my body aching. Everything he’d said made sense, as long as he was serious. Maybe I did need him by my side, at least for now. As I turned around, I was surprised that I hadn’t noticed he was covered in soot and grime. He looked even sexier than he had before. Laughing softly, I shook my head.

“What’s so funny?” he asked.

“Nothing really.”

He inched closer, lifting a single eyebrow. “Oh, no. You don’t get off that easily. What were you laughing about?”

“You’re covered in smoke residue, yet you manage to make that look sexy.” I knew I’d regret what I’d admitted. I laughed again, more out of nervousness than anything else. “I just hope Big Wally is going to be all right.”

“He was conscious when the EMTs put him into the ambulance, able to move his arms and legs. That’s a good sign.” His face clouded.

“You’re not a doctor.”

“No, but I’ve had some extensive first aid training. My mama demanded that I know what to do in case of an emergency. It helped with her constant asthma attacks and a few falls some of the riders took during the rodeos.”

I gave him a long onceover. “Another surprise.”

“I do have other talents.”

This time he wasn’t boasting, just stating a fact. “That’s good to know. I’m also fearful we might need it.” I hated the silence between us.

“This safety breach you mentioned. Has this happened with Devlin before?” Jake asked.

“Yes, but never to this degree. I’m surprised. He’s been here almost the longest of any of the riggers. He knows better.”

“I think you should have a serious discussion with him.”

I hesitated before answering, “I know you’re right and I will.” At least he didn’t act as if it was his job to do so.

“Unless you think he might have done it intentionally.”

Groaning, I rubbed the glass across my head. “Devlin might have been careless, but he adored Rutherford and loves his job. I think Rutherford’s death really affected him.”

He exhaled as he leaned against the fireplace. “Maybe you’re right. What other kind of threats have occurred?”

“They tried to block access to the road leading in more than once, including using a utility company to do it. I found out the call had been bogus. A few untraceable phone calls in the middle of the night, all to Rutherford. There was a fire at one of the barns that spooked the horses. Thank God none of them were hurt.”

“No evidence pointing fingers.”

I shook my head. “Nope. Not a single thing. Rutherford knew. He tried to ignore as much of it as possible, but I know he was losing his patience.”

“When was the last time you talked to either Whitehorse or Cunningham?”

“I never talked to them personally. Rutherford always did, insisting I stay away from them. I think he confronted Bob the last time and that was only a few weeks ago. I know enough about the bastards to make my skin crawl. They’re typical men from around these parts. You know what I mean. Women have no place anywhere but in the bedroom or the kitchen. They’re the kind of men that disgust me.”

His look of concern intensified. “I take it they are also powerful and influential.”

“Very much so. After Rutherford’s father died, their respective families acted like it was their right to jointly run the entire state. From what I’ve heard, they have politicians and corporate moguls in their pockets. One hand stroking the other kind of thing.”

Jake hissed. “I hate fuckers like that. What else do you know?”

“They’re pushy bastards with a lot of money. From what Rutherford told me, they make it their business to strongarm anyone who tries to get in their way. While this is only rumor, I’ve heard that some of their operations aren’t above board, if you know what I mean.”

“I find it difficult to believe from what little you’ve told me about Rutherford that he would get himself involved with men like that.”

“Well, Rutherford didn’t tell me the entire story, but from what I gathered, when he was in his bad boy stage, he ran with some pretty rough characters, the two assholes included. That was a very long time ago. I know this place was little more than a dustbowl.”

“In between their two properties.”

“At the time, their parents owned the land on either side. All I know is that they purchased this land together with the hopes of striking it big. They performed tests after, but either they hired one dumbass engineer, or they picked the wrong locations. I guess they labeled it a dog property. A couple months later, they were losing bigtime in some fancy poker game all three of them had gotten themselves mixed up in and all they had left to bargain with was the piece of property. From what I heard from a few folks in town, Rutherford was a masterful poker player. Not that he admitted that to me. He won the hand and at first, the assholes didn’t seem to care less.”

“Let me guess. When Rutherford actually struck oil, their friendship soured.”

I nodded, loathing the cold chill trickling through me. “Exactly. It’s funny. Rutherford was acting very odd when he told me the story, what little he did, and that was only a couple of years ago after I continued questioning him because of the increased threats. I honestly don’t know why the two assholes are dead set on getting their hands on this piece of property after all this time. They make more money than God, not just in oil.”

He chuckled as he fingered his glass. “You’d be surprised what grudges do to powerful men.”

“Does that mean you have a grudge against someone?”

After taking a swig of his drink, he eyed me carefully. “Maybe the whole world. At least according to every broadcaster in the nation.”

“Ouch.”

“Hey, I guess I deserve to be pushed off the circuit.”

“No, you don’t, Jake. You just need to learn to respect yourself as well as believe in your talent.”

“Heard that before.”

“I’m serious. You forget that I’ve seen you ride. You’re like magic with those bulls.”

He cocked his head. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say that was an actual compliment.”

“Don’t get your head over your shoulders, buddy.” I tried to smile but an awkward silence still settled between us.

“I’m going to have a chat with the two assholes. Additional threats of any kind won’t be tolerated, especially when it involves our men.”

I pointed my finger at him. “Don’t you dare. The last thing we need is some crazy kind of turf war. We have contracts to fill and work to get done. That rig has to be working.”

“And if not?”

“Then we can’t fulfill a huge contract and I’m talking about millions.”

“Shit. The assholes knew exactly how to hurt the business in a more legitimate fashion. We need to figure out how the fire was set and if anyone was involved.”

“That’s not going to be easy or definitive. Besides, I’m behind in the accounting and I have to finish payroll tomorrow. Then there’s the matter of the horses,” I sputtered on and on.

“Stop. Jesus, Madisen. Did anyone ever tell you that you talk way too much? You’re getting yourself spun out of control. If there’s anything you should have figured out about me it’s that I don’t mind pushing myself into any situation. If those two sons-a-bitches had anything to do with the fire tonight, then I’m going to find it out. If they won’t admit what they did, then I’ll beat it out of them.”

“All brawn and no brain.” Although my words were meant as a tease, I could tell I’d stuck another sharp blade into him. Another round of silence was enough to send butterflies into my stomach. “If you want to approach them, then by all means do it. Just be careful. They’re conniving and have connections in several towns around us.”

“You worried about me, little filly?”

Now I rolled my eyes. “Hardly. Maybe I’m worried about them.”

This time we both laughed, and the easy banter was unnatural as hell.

“Can I ask you a question?” he asked a few seconds later.

“Sure. Why not?”

“Why did you start calling your dad Rutherford?”

I wasn’t certain how to or if I wanted to answer him. Maybe the blunt truth was best. “I figured since he found his real child that I wasn’t allowed to think of him that way any longer.”

Jake seemed surprised by my answer, his brow furrowing. When he inched closer, I shook my head several times.

“Don’t, Jake. It’s been a horrible night.”

He glanced up at the ceiling, huffing slightly. “I’m not trying to hurt you, Madisen, or steal anything away from you. Whether you believe it or not, it’s not my intention to take over or push you out or whatever you’re thinking. You’re right that I’m in over my head. I have zero clue about terminology or any aspect regarding rigging. My arrogance could easily get in the way. I just reacted tonight, worried that the fire was going to get out of control. I’ll stay away from the site if that’s what you want, but I’m not going to allow the threats to continue.”

I could tell he was being genuine for the first time. It was almost as if he was dropping his armor, allowing me to see the man behind all the bravado. “You did good tonight, Jake. You kept your head and you actually seemed to help the situation. Yes, if you’re going to have anything to do with the industry, you need to learn the ropes, but one of the best ways is working on the rig. I’ll talk to one of the drillers if you’d like and get you assigned to the crew.”

When he hesitated, I had to fight to keep from rolling my eyes.

“Of course, if that’s not your thing, then we’ll just have a discussion about how we go from here long distance. That’s just fine with me.”

The heat of his body was even more explosive. I tingled all over from the close proximity, but I had to make a deeper commitment to the ranch and the riggers. I couldn’t allow two men to interfere any longer. Maybe a part of me wanted him to decide to leave. That would certainly make it a lot easier.

“No. I like your idea. That’s also the best way to try and determine if we have some kind of traitor. You’re right. I need to get my head out of my ass if I’m going to stay here.”

I shrank back, locking eyes with his. “You’re staying?”

“I’m not the kind of man to apologize to anyone about their rudeness, even if I did knock the asshole out. I guess that means I’m stuck.”

Stuck.

The word was exactly as I’d expected.

“Fine. I’ll let you know who agrees to take you on.”

“I am one of the owners. I guess they have to do what we say,” he countered.

“You’re also green, which means you’re dangerous. I’m not going to force any of men to work with you unless they’re comfortable. That means if you’re serious, you’re in for a lot of hot, hard, dirty work.”

I’ll be damned if he didn’t crowd even closer, enough so the bolt of electricity surging through me was almost blinding.

“Does it look like I mind getting in the trenches and wallowing in dirt?” As he brushed the rough pads of his fingers across my forehead, I closed my eyes. The last thing I needed to do especially tonight was to fall into my insane desires.

If I did, then I had a feeling it might be too late.

I backed away, giving him a single nod. “I guess we’ll see about that. Do you even know how to use a computer?”

He seemed incensed that I’d ask such a question. He took a deep breath before answering, “As I already told you, sunshine, it might just surprise you what I can do. I even brought my laptop with me.”

A warm flush crept along my cheeks. The man had a way of disarming my insolence with ease. “If you give me your email address, I’ll send you information on Whitehorse and Cunningham. They both have offices in town, but you almost never find them there. They enjoy their near celebrity status. Just try not to start a war at this point. Okay?” Both Whitehorse and Cunningham were nothing but thorns in my side, both even daring to come onto me on more than one occasion. I’d been revolted by their advances, telling them in no uncertain terms where they could shove their shit.

The look in his eyes was a combination of carnivorous and something I couldn’t read. Maybe determination. He yanked out his wallet, dragging out a business card and shoving it into my hand. “Is this good enough?” His grin returned, as shit-eating as before. The cowboy knew how to pull out all the stops.

As I glanced at the slick design listing his cell phone and email, I couldn’t help but smile given the tagline written in bold ink. When the Thunder rolls the beasts shall fall. Clever.

“Perfect. Do you need me to drive you back to the ranch?”

He was clearly disappointed, his devilish grin fading. “Nope. I can walk. Maybe the air will clear my head. Thanks for the drink. For what it’s worth, I think the roughnecks care a hell of a lot about you.”

“Maybe so. Let’s just hope they learn to respect me.”

“They already do.” After taking another gulp of bourbon, he placed the glass on the mantel, heading for the door. “By the way. Rutherford would want you to continue calling him your dad. I can tell just how close the two of you were. I’ll never try and make you feel any less than his daughter ‘cause that’s what you are.”

He gave me a longing look before walking out my door.

A part of me wanted to lock it behind him.

The other was stupid enough to crave his brutal passion.

What was clear as mud was that he was going to alter everything I knew about my life.

We were fire and ice.

Oil and vinegar.

Why did I have the distinct feeling that Rutherford—my father—had brought Jake ‘Thunder’ Travers here for more than business reasons?