Crude Heir (Billionaire Heirs #3)

Chapter 27

Derrick

The sun’s not up yet when we find ourselves in the cavernous hangar. The air is so thick with tension you can almost touch it.

Addler stands before us, a commanding figure scanning the group consisting of the people he feels he can trust.

“Derrick Stockton and Nicole Fuentes are here from the Kelly office in Houston,” he says, acknowledging each of us in turn. “Ezequiel Mata’s the Ranch Manager. Sage Donohue is our Security Manager. Bill Connors is our new District Manager.”

We each respond with a nod or a faint smile. They’re all glancing at their counterparts, perhaps trying to find the common thread that’s brought us together.

“I’ve asked you all here for what is, in essence, a secret meeting,” Addler declares, his expression turning grim. “What’ we’re about to discuss here should not leave the group.”

Everyone in the semicircle nods their agreement before he proceeds to update us on what we found.

“A few months ago, Kelly Oil it’s the betrayal. Who among our ranks is pulling that kind of money out from under those entrusted with the financial responsibility of the company?”

“And whoever the fuck they are, they gotta go,” Ezequiel adds fiercely. There’s a collective murmur and nods of agreement. Everyone understands the enormity of what we’re dealing with now.

“Exactly,” I agree.

“We need to act quickly,” Addler continues. “In a couple of hours, Simon Kelly, Derrick’s brother, will be arriving to announce the construction division has been sold, and I’m the new owner.”

The very mention that Simon and I are brothers rankles, not that I can do anything about it. I glance at my watch. He should be heading to the airport right about now.

“What we’re asking you to do is help check on locations where Kelly Oil & Gas has been doing business.”

“What are we looking for?” Ezequiel asks, his brow furrowed.

“We need to confirm the work being done on paper is actually being done in the field. I want to try to capture any discrepancies before they close the books on the construction division.”

“Unfortunately, we don’t have much time to do it,” I add, trying to convey the urgency.

“Hiding that amount of money means it’s something big or it’s widespread. Either way, it’s not good for the company. Since Simon Kelly was so eager to push this sale through, we’re convinced the problems are part of the construction division. I’d like to get ahead of it in case he decides to torpedo the handoff and damages the brand.”

“That’s a lot of ground to cover,” Bill says, looking doubtful.

“Nicole and Elena worked together last night to exclude anything you approved,” he explains. “Which narrowed down the list considerably.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” He crosses his arms, swallowing hard. “But what if it’s something I had to authorize because of an approval limit? I can only go by what our lead confirmed, and right now, every one of them is in question.”

“I went back to the high-dollar invoices,” Elena interjects, “because I figured you’d be concerned. We have a couple of locations we can check for items we’ve purchased, but when it comes to the cost for having boots on the ground, we can only verify if the work they claim to have performed was actually done.”

Bill leans in, rubbing his chin. “Where do we start?”

Elena looks from Addler to me then to him. “I think it may be best that you pick up Mr. Kelly at the airport,” Elena suggests.

“She’s right, Bill,” Addler says thoughtfully. “You’re still the lead, even though you don’t work for them anymore.”

“It’ll also help us control the timetable,” I point out.

“Right.” Bill checks his watch. “I don’t have much time before I have to take off.”

Meanwhile, Elena passes out a list of properties that need to be checked. Bill scans the document, frowning as he reaches the bottom. “The Rio 8 & 9 were P&A.”

I turn to Nicole, needing more information on what that means.

“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 those wildlife photos 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.”

“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?” He sounds 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 the warehouse. 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.

Ezequiel, his arm draped casually over the steering wheel, addresses the guard with impatience. “She doesn’t need ID. They’re Addler’s guests, just write down their fucking names.”

The guard’s posture stiffens visibly at Ezequiel’s tone, but he complies, scribbling something on his clipboard before stepping back to let us pass.

We continue down the caliche road, driving past the office building, a double-wide trailer that serves as a standard field office. There are several people in the parking lot, their attention momentarily drawn to our vehicle. They seem to be gathering for a meeting, likely unaware of the storm brewing behind the scenes.

As we reach the warehouse, which is more a sprawling staging area, I scan the surroundings. A quick sweep of the area reveals no sign of the pipe we’re looking for.

“Bill was right,” Ezequiel mutters. He shifts the SUV into park and pulls his cell. He punches a number and connects the call through the speakers.

“Donohue,” Sage’s voice resonates with authority.

“Can you talk?” Ezequiel inquires.

“Yes, I’m on the road though,” she replies.

“You’re not there yet?” There’s no missing the annoyance in his tone.

“Almost,” she says, exasperated.

“Well punch it, baby. You don’t got that kind of time today,” he reminds her.

Her exhale blows out the speakers. “Are you at the office?”

“We’re already at the warehouse,” Ezequiel confirms. “There’s no fuckin’ pipe here.”

“No surprise there,” she mutters. “Hang on, turning onto that road and…just need another minute or two.”

My cell phone rings again. I automatically move my thumb to decline the call when I see Addler’s name at the top.

“Hey, Keith Kelly is flying in,” he says without preamble.

“What?” I bark out, incredulous. That must be what my mother was calling about. Ezequiel turns to look at me. “Keith Kelly’s heading in,” I say, filling them in. Nicole gasps. What could he be up to? Did he want to come see what we found? Is he coming to join Simon?

“I told them they can land at the ranch instead of going to the airport in town.” Addler’s voice cuts through the tension. “We’re going to postpone the morning meeting. Elena’s on the phone getting everyone rerouted to the community center for that lunch meeting that was originally for the vendors.”

“More food?” Elena’s voice filters into the call, seeking confirmation.

“Yes, double whatever we ordered,” he instructs during the sidebar. “Guys, head to the house. They should land by the time you arrive.”

“On it,” Ezequiel acknowledges as he puts the SUV in gear.

“What happened?” Sage’s voice, laced with cautious curiosity, comes through the speakers again.

“Change in plans, baby. We’re heading to Addler’s. Keith Kelly’s coming down,” Ezequiel explains.

“Oh.” Her comment is filled with apprehension. Likely her mind’s racing, same as ours.

“Yeah, I got a feeling shit’s about to go down,” Ezequiel adds, echoing the sense of foreboding surrounding us.

“I’m almost there, but even from here I can see there’s no pipe on-site.” It’s the confirmation of our suspicions, finally giving us the insight that might help Nicole and Elena in the right direction.

“Shit. Okay, head back to the guard shack.”

Nicole leans forward from the back seat, her voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and realization. “That accounts for more than three million dollars all on its own.”

The weight of her words hangs in the air. Three million dollars—a staggering sum, now just a gaping hole in the company’s assets.

The atmosphere in the SUV is charged with a sense of urgency. My mind races through one possibility then another. Is this Sunny person the one responsible for the embezzlement? And more importantly, where has it all gone?

“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.”