Lalo spit out his beer. Youre going to get another one after Welita tore you apart for getting the first one?
Naomi burst out laughing at the look on Chuys face.
Not now, Lalo, Chuy hissed.
Megan raised an eyebrow. Welita? Whos that?
Chuys grandmother. Lalo picked up a nacho chip and put a jalapeño on top of it. She moved up here with us. He popped the chip into his mouth.
You live with your grandmother?
Lalo held his hand up as he chewed quickly before answering her. Chuy lived with her in Houston, but after her heart attack, we had to move up here to work.
Sweat beaded on Lalos forehead, and he took a swig of beer. Shes in an assisted-living complex near our apartment.
Naomi took a step forward, hoping that he would say the name of the place Welita was staying.
Oh, thats so sad. Is she all right? Megan asked.
Yep, shes good. Lalo picked up a chip and pointed it at Chuy. Good enough to whip your ass if you get another tattoo. He grinned.
Chuy groaned.
Love ya, Lalo! Naomi thought.
Aw, thats so sweet, Megan purred as she batted her thick lashes. I like that...taking care of your grandmother like that. Where do you work?
Chuy threw Lalo a glance and then turned to Megan with a smile. Prescott Oil. Were in their job-training program.
Her green eyes widened. You guys are engineers?
Lalo wiped a napkin over his forehead. Nah, they have me doing janitorial work in one of the offices. But Chuy, they have him working on the wells, and
The glasses and beer bottles on the table trembled.
Whats that? The bartender asked, trying to keep the glasses from falling to the floor.
I think its an airplane flying overhead, a waitress said.
Its happening again. Jeremy glanced at Naomi, his face furrowed with worry.
Do you know anything about this?
He shook his head. I was only told about my assignment. Its not difficult to figure out where this could lead to, though.
The shaking grew more violent. People started screaming and running toward the exit.
Naomi watched Chuy catch Megan when she lost her balance and then help her to the door. She followed them closely, thankful that she was near Chuy and Lalo and could make sure they were okay. She hoped Welita was safe, wherever she was.
As soon as they stepped outside the bar, the trembling stopped.
Are you okay? Chuy kept his arm around Megan.
Yes, Im fine. The flirtatiousness in her voice was gone, and her face grew serious. I-I need to get home.
Ill walk you to your car. Where is it?
My trucks over there. She pointed to across the lot.
When they reached the truck, Chuy and Lalo stood off to the side as she tried to start it.
Damn it! She slapped the steering wheel when the engine didnt turn over.
Hold on. Chuy popped up the hood and tinkered under it for a few minutes. Try it again.
She turned the ignition. Nope. Still nothing.
Could be the alternator, Lalo said.
Yeah, it looks like it. Megan, let me take you home. I can fix this up for you in the morning. Chuy closed the hood.
Oh, I dont want to be a bother. Ill find someone to give me a ride.
No bother at all. Chuy grinned. Lalo, Ill leave you off at Sunrise Haven. Look in on Welita, and let her know Im helping out a friend.
* * *
Naomi stood in the middle of the circular drive in front of Sunrise Haven. Welita was in there, somewhere inside that two-story building. She wanted to see her so badly.
It was a nice facility. Paved sidewalks were lined with perfectly trimmed hedges, and there were beds of flowers scattered around the building. There was even a huge porch that wrapped around one side of the wood and brick building. Naomi could imagine Welita sitting in one of the rocking chairs, enjoying the evening sunset and fussing with the landscapers for not feeding the surrounding flowers and plants enough.
When Lalo jumped out of the truck and waved after Chuy and Megan, she watched with deep yearning as he went through the sliding glass doors of the entrance. It took every ounce of strength for her to not run inside.
Naomi, Jeremy said softly. We need to go.
Cant I stay? Just for a few minutes? The glass doors slid open as a couple walked out. It would only take her a few seconds. She would be quick. Run in and out. She just wanted to make sure Welita was safe.
Jeremy placed himself in front of her, blocking her view of the building. He placed a hand underneath her chin, lifting her head. Blue eyes gazed into hers. We have jobs to do. If you see her, itll just make it harder for you to leave. We need to go.
Naomi looked deep into his eyes and saw how much he wanted to let her stay, to give her what she wanted. Then she thought of Lash, and her heart ached. She was still upset with him, but she couldnt help that she needed him, wanted him with her. He would understand.
No, Jeremys right. She had a job to do. She pushed the thought of Lash to the back of her mind, focusing on what was expected of her.
Okay, lets go.
They caught up with Chuys truck as it rambled down a rural gravel road. There were no other houses in sight, and she wondered how far from town Megan lived.
After a few minutes, he finally turned the truck onto a dirt path, barely visible from the road. He came to a stop a few yards from a small ranch house with green shutters. The porch was a matching dark green that looked freshly painted. On one side of the porch, a Texas flag hung proudly. A U.S. flag waved on the opposite side.
A few yards to the left of the house were a few cars. Most of them had flat tires. She smiled, thinking how Chuy and her father would love to get their hands on them. They loved to bring old cars back to life.
Naomi took a deep breath, wishing she could turn back time. She missed her parents.
She furrowed her brow as she inhaled a strange odor. Do you smell that?
She looked to Jeremy with alarm when he didnt respond. He simply looked down at her with a knowing sad look in his eyes.
Her heart dropped into the pit of her stomach. Whatever it was, he knew, and he wasnt telling her. She tensed, readying herself. Whatever was coming, it was coming soon. She hoped and prayed that Chuy wasnt involved.
She watched carefully as Chuy jumped out of the truck, ran to the door, and opened it. Megans pink lips curled into a delicate smile.
A breeze blew hard, making the flags flutter wildly. Megan swiped a hand around her hair as it blew wildly in the wind and then tied it into a ponytail.
Everything looks all right, she said, glancing at the house. Thank you for everything tonight. You dont have to fix the truck. I can get it towed in the morning.
I want to. Lalo and I fix up stuff like that all the time. Its simple, really.
Youre sweet. She tapped his muscular chest. Her finger slid down his tight-fitting T-shirt and started outlining his abs. She then looked up at him and smiled.
Chuy reached out and tucked a loosened blonde strand behind her ear. So are you.
He dipped his head, and his lips gently touched hers. Her hands worked their way up his bulging arms and into his thick hair. A soft moan escaped her as he placed a hand against the small of her back and pressed her against his chest.
The front porch light switched on, and there was the sound of a door slamming.
Megan, is that you out there?
They jumped.
Crap! Its my aunt. Megan stepped away from Chuy. Yeah, its me. Are you guys all right?
Emmas in her room, sleepin like a rock. Verna took out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from the pocket of her robe. The house could fall down round her and shed still be sleepin. Nothin can wake her up once shes down.
Thats good! Megan yelled back. Ill be right in!
Verna placed the cigarette in her mouth. Take your time. She raised the lighter.
I should be going, Chuy said as Megan turned back to face him. Ill call you
Naomi heard the flick of Vernas lighter, followed by a loud explosion. She screamed as fire flashed out toward Chuy and Megan.
Chuy threw himself over Megan, sending them both to the ground. Without thought, Naomi rushed to them, her body shielding both from the intense heat.
Aunt Verna! Oh my God!
Chuy tightened his grip on Megan, who clawed the ground. His eyes widened at the ball of fire blazing on the side of the porch.
There was another explosion, and flames shot through the windows, sending shards of glass flying through the air. He covered Megan with his body and ducked his head.
What do I do? Naomi looked in horror at the spot where Verna was.
Jeremy stood by her, holding her hand. Youre doing it. Just stay with Megan.
Emma! Megan cried as she tried to push Chuy off her. I have to get Emma.
Emma!
The thought screamed in Naomis head and slammed her chest like a sledgehammer. An image of a cute little girl with red hair, freckles, and chocolate-stained lips flashed before her eyes. She looked frantically at Jeremy, her eyes wild.
He squeezed her hand, eyes glistening, and shook his head.
No. Stay here. Ill get her. Chuy scrambled to his feet. Where is she?
Second door on the right. Towards the back of the house. Hurry, please, hurry! Megan cried.
Chuy, dont! Naomi screamed as Chuy leapt to his feet and headed for the burning house.
Jeremy tackled her by the waist when she attempted to run after him.
Let me go! Let me go! Its Chuy! She kicked out, trying to escape his grip.
You cant do this, he grunted as she continued to struggle against him.
Hes my family. Please, please let me go, she cried, tears streaming down her face. He was too strong for her, and he wasnt budging.
Slowly, he turned her to face him. Fiery shadows danced on his tense face. His eyes flicked between her and the house. He brushed the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs and gazed intently into her eyes. Stay with Megan. Whatever happens, do not leave her side.
She nodded as she choked back the lump in her throat and watched Jeremy fly into the house.
Naomi turned at the sound of Megan gasping and crying. She stayed on the ground clutching her stomach and mumbling Emmas name over and over.
Naomi circled Megan, twisting her hands as she fought a war within herself. She was torn between wanting to calm Megan and wanting to run inside the house. She knew it was her job to stay with her. She had been given direct orders. Every fiber of her being wanted to disobey them and go protect Chuy, her own flesh and blood, at any cost. It was eating her up, having to protect the woman she had once loathed and being forbidden to help her own family. She could only hope that Jeremy would help Chuy and Emma.
Naomi inhaled sharply as a sudden thought crossed her mind. Jeremy is the angel of death. He is in there with Chuy.
Curling her fingers into fists, she banged them against her thighs. Why hadnt she thought of that before? And shed let Jeremy go in there! Who was he there for? Chuy? Emma? Maybe it was Megans aunt.
She glanced at the spot where the older woman lay. She jerked her head away as bile rose in her throat at the sight of the poor woman.
Guilt gnawed deep within her. What kind of angel was she? She couldnt believe she was hoping someone else would die, just so Chuy would be safe.
Sirens screamed in the distance, and she prayed for them to come faster. She stared at the front door, where the flames grew larger.
Come on, Jeremy. Come out with them. Please come out, Naomi prayed.
Fire engines emerged from the distance. Within minutes, they came to a halt near them.
Megan got up and ran to them. Theyre still in there. My Emma is in there! Shes just a little girl. Please get her!
Just as two of the firemen ran into the blazing house, Jeremy stepped out.
Pained eyes locked with hers.
No! No! No!
She felt herself failing as the world collapsed around her. Flashing lights of the fire engines shrank into tiny specks of light as the darkness took over. Sirens and the yells of the firefighters merged into one sound that muffled until there was nothing but white noise whistling in her ears. She wheezed, struggling for air as a sea of pain washed over her, drowning her. She reached out, desperate to hold on to something, anything to keep her from falling further into the darkness. A pair of strong arms found her and held on to her tight as she sank to her knees and wept.
12
Place the bags over there, Jane instructed the young man carrying two of her suitcases. Does Mr. Prescott have the Dallas paper?
Ill have it brought to you, Maam.
Thank you, she said as he walked out the door. She should have known Luke would have everything she needed ready for her. Why wouldnt he? The size of his house staff could rival that of all the boutique hotels in the area.
It wasnt the first time shed stayed in Lukes sprawling Dallas ranch home. Although this time, she wouldve preferred to stay at a hotel, especially since she was back in Texas specifically to make her announcement to run for president. She was surprised when Luke insisted that she stay with him. He didnt seem at all concerned that the media would accuse him of seeking congressional favors.
She still hadnt decided what to do about Congressman Keiths bill. She had a funny feeling it was why Luke insisted that she make her presidential campaign announcement in Gardenville rather than Austin, the states capital. He wanted her to see the families who would be impacted by the bill if it passed.
She sighed. Luke had never pressured her like this before. Voting down the bill must be really important to make him act like one of the hundreds of lobbyists who hounded her on a daily basis. It was so unlike him, and she wondered if there was more to it than just business.
Just as she was about to take off her shoes and relax, there was a knock at the door.
She opened the door. Yes?
Mr. Prescott is waiting for you in the library, said a young woman who stood at the entrance. He would like to go over details of the presidential announcement in Gardenville as soon as possible.
Of course.
Oh, and here is the paper you requested. The woman handed her a copy of the Dallas newspaper.
Jane skimmed the headlines. She felt a knot in her stomach when one caught her attention.
Gas Explosion Kills Gardenville Woman.
Maam?
She blinked and looked up at the woman. Tell Mr. Prescott Ill be there in a moment.
She nodded and closed the door.
Jane pulled out her reading glasses and sank to the plush sofa. Scanning the paper, she inhaled sharply when familiar names appeared.
A gas explosion in Gardenville, Texas, a small town west of Abilene and the hub of Prescott Oils hydrofracture drilling, ripped through a home, shaking the nearest neighbors, miles away.
The blast instantly killed the homeowner, Verna Dalene, 45. Emma Dalene, 4, was seriously injured and taken to a nearby hospital for burn injuries and smoke inhalation. Megan Dalene, 21, and Chuy Duran, 23, were treated for smoke inhalation and released.
Authorities reported that the explosion may have been caused by a gas leak after a gas line in the home was damaged. One authority noted that a recent string of earthquakes has caused cracks in underground pipes and gas lines.
Residents in the community suspect that the quakes are linked to the recent fracking in the area and are calling for local officials to investigate Prescott Oil.
Billionaire Luke Prescott is well known for his ties to Senator Jane Sutherland, who will be formally announcing her presidential campaign in Gardenville on Friday.
She folded the paper, tucked it under her arm, and headed out of her room toward the library. As she walked down the stairs, she wondered if Luke knew anything about this and if maybe they should move to a different location for their announcement. Or maybe postpone.
And the name...Chuy Duran. It couldnt be the same Durans. Could it? It was too much of a coincidence. Maybe Luke could have Sal look into it.
When she was a few feet from the library, she heard muffled voices arguing. She stopped outside the door, shocked when she recognized Sals harsh, baritone voice. Shed never heard him raise his voice at Luke before. Something was wrong.
How can you be so sure shell make an appearance? Sals voice drifted down the hall.
Do not forget, Saleos. The girls greatest weakness is her love for her family, Luke said. She is so much like Raphael.
Raphael? Whos Raphael?
Luke shared a lot of his business contacts with her, often giving her little bit of gossip to amuse her during boring social functions she had to attend in Washington. She didnt recall anyone named Raphael. And why was Luke calling Sal Saleos? Was that his real name? Strange.
Youre taking much risk going after that one. We should focus on the plan to increase the companys investments so that we can take Prescott Oil global. Without it, youll not be able to rise in power. As we speak, Michael is gathering forces.
Its a risk worth taking, Luke snapped. Your job is to make sure that the Durans stay put, and see to it that theyre not put in harms way until the girl is here.
Jane gasped. The Durans! It wasnt a coincidence. It was Anita Durans grandson who was in the paper.
Why was Luke bothering that poor family, especially after the girl, Naomi, disappeared in the desert a year ago? She wondered what he was hiding and why. Why would he do something like that? She remembered asking him about the boy, Javier Duran. Could it be that he lied to her?
She shook her head. None of this was making sense. What did Sal mean about Lukes rise in power? Luke was already a powerful man with his vast amount of financial resources. She knew he wanted to expand fracking into third-world countries. He was also expanding into water exploration. Was this Michael who Sal mentioned a business competitor?
Ive checked the hospital. The boy called Chuy suffered no injuries, other than smoke inhalation.
Good, make sure he and his grandmother stay out of trouble.
Sal laughed.
Do you find anything humorous about the situation?
Sal cleared his throat. Dont you? It was the quake that created the leak in the gas pipes that eventually led to the explosion. Do you think Michael placed Megan Dalene in Chuys path?
That would be very unlikely. It would be an act of desperation for Michael to place a human at risk. He has too much faithLuke sneered the wordto do something like that. No, I think it was mere coincidence.
Should I do something about the Dalene girl? Theres a lot of media attention on her right now. Your political adversaries may use her against the senator.
The blonde whore? Who in their right mind would listen to her? Luke laughed. I have a copy of her criminal file right here.
After a ruffling of papers, Luke continued. Arrested for prostitution, in possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, petty theft, and the list goes on. No, this Megan Dalene is not a threat. Let the media have their fun with her. Itll blow over quickly.
Jane heard footsteps down the hall heading in her direction. She quickly walked toward the library, clicking her heels loudly on the wood floor, making sure she was heard and then knocked. Luke?
Ah, Jane, come in, come in.
She entered the library and glanced over at Sal, giving him a slight nod of greeting. His jaw flexed as he clenched his teeth, his head barely making a nod in return.
She blinked and felt a sense of cold wash over her. She took in the way he stood stiff and unmoving. Somehow, he seemed to look bigger, more threatening. Although she was used to his dismissal of her, only acknowledging when it was expected from him, his animosity toward her seemed to have grown within the past few months.
She took in black eyes that pierced through her, the ferocious scowl, and huge muscles that bulged in a snug-fitting black suit. He looked like a hit man. The type of guy one would see in the movies, who mob bosses hired to kill people like...political figures. She shivered at the thought.
Did you read the Dallas paper? She waved the paper at Luke.
Yes. What a shame.
Jane studied his face. For the first time, she noticed his gray eyes looked empty, void of emotion, even though his words sounded sincere. I was thinking we could put together a small fundraiser for the family.
My dear Jane, he took the paper from her and placed a hand on her shoulder. I do admire your compassion. However, its not a good idea to do so at this time. We dont want to draw attention away from your announcement.
We have to do something. And the poor little girl, shes fighting for her life. If Prescott Oil is to blame, we need to make this right, Luke.
Anger flashed across his face. His hand seared her shoulder as if it was on fire. She winced, taking a small step away from him.
In a blink, his face was back to normal, as if she had imagined it. His lips curled into a smile that caused the hairs on the back of her neck to stand. Ive already made some phone calls, and theres a full investigation underway as we speak. Ill send Sal to set up an anonymous donation to the family.
He crumpled the paper and tossed it into the trash. There. Done. Now, shall we go over the key points in your speech?
Jane was shocked by the way he took over. Hed never done that before. He was definitely hiding something from her.
She glanced over at Sal and then back at Luke. Both were watching her expectantly, as if wondering what her next move would be. A voice screamed inside of her, warning her not to press the issue with him. That same voice warned her that it would be dangerous for her to do so.
Shed stop for now, but she wasnt letting go. Somehow, she was going to get to the bottom of this. Shed find out, one way or another, what was going on. And the place to start was to find and talk to Anita Duran.
13
Naomi brushed the tears from her cheek with the back of her hand as she watched Megan read to a sleeping Emma. It broke her heart to see the little girl in the hospital bed, her tiny body lying in a sea of white: white bandages around her arms and hands, white sheets and pillows, and the white walls of the hospital.
Naomi alternated between feeling heartbroken for Emma and elated that Chuy was alive. She hadnt believed Jeremy when he told her Chuy was still alive until shed seen him, limping out of the house with a fireman under his arm, helping him.
She had cried into Jeremys chest, relieved, until another fireman came out with Emma in his arms. Pain had crossed over Jeremys face, and she had realized that the look hed given her when he first came out was because of Emma.
Chuy sat in the corner of the room, taking turns with Megan reading all of Emmas favorite stories. Naomi wasnt surprised that he had stayed with them, even though he had just met Megan. He was always the first person to volunteer to help a neighbor when it was needed. And when it came to children, he was putty in their hands.
Chuy had held onto Megan when the doctor told her that her aunt died. Naomi could tell Megan already knew her aunt was dead. There was something about hearing it from someone else that somehow made it more real. She knew what it was like, and so did Chuy.
He even helped her by contacting her aunts ex-husband, who was driving in from North Dakota. When he read a Berenstain Bears book to Emma, Megan asked him to do voices as he read. Naomi couldnt help but smile when his voice went up three octaves when he read the momma bears part.
I hope shes not in pain, Naomi said as she watched Emmas little chest rise and fall. Do you think she can feel anything?
I dont think so. Jeremys voice was somber as he also focused his attention on Emma. Ive been doing this for a long time. I must have taken hundreds of children to the other side. I still cant get used to it.
Really?
He looked down at her, his eyes sad. Yeah. Theyre so full of life, so trusting.
Naomi glanced over at Chuy just as his hands gently brushed back Emmas hair out of her face, and she thought of Welita. She wondered how Welita was reacting to Chuy almost getting killed. She hadnt been able to follow Chuy when he left the hospital briefly to visit Welita. Knowing Chuy, he probably hadnt told her, or if he had, hed played it down.
The thought that Chuy could have died, leaving Welita all alone, tore her heart. If only she could see her, somehow she would let her know that she was watching over her.
Naomi? Jeremy placed an arm around her shoulder. What is it?
She looked up into blue eyes that looked at her tenderly. I need to see my grandmother. Please, she breathed.
He held her eyes for a moment and then pulled her to him, pressing her against his chest. She heard his heart pounding frantically. She knew she should pull away, but she couldnt help herself. She felt so alone, and he was her friend.
Lips pressed against the top of her head, and he sighed. I know its been hard for you. Ill find a way for you to see her.
She squeezed him tight. Thank you.
When she looked up at him, the raw emotion on his face took her breath away. Intense eyes searched her face and then rested on her lips. Slowly, he ducked his head, lips parting.
A voice inside her told her to let go, step away.
I cant stand this anymore!
Jeremy jumped at the sound of Megans voice.
Naomi pulled back and watched Megan as she rose from her chair and paced the room.
That was close. She couldnt let that happen again.
Why dont you go outside and get some fresh air? Chuy said, placing the book down on his lap. Ill stay with her until you come back.
No, its not that. She pressed her hands against her forehead and shut her eyes. Its just that this didnt have to happen. If we werent getting all these quakes, the pipes wouldve never gotten damaged, and Aunt Verna would still be here, and Emma...Emma would...
Red blotches appeared on her face and she choked on tears.
Chuy immediately stood up and wrapped his arms around her.
She sobbed into his chest. Its not right. This shouldnt have happened.
Megan, youve been here twenty-four hours straight. You need to get some sleep. Youll feel better, he said as he rubbed her back, trying to soothe her.
She shook her head. No, I cant just sit back and let them get away with this. All my life Ive been pushed around. I never fought back because I thought I deserved it. I thought I was nothing. Im not nothing. I am somebody.
Of course you are. What do you want to do?
Megan sniffed. I want to take Prescott Oil down. I just know this is happening because of all the fracking theyre doing. Its messing up the land somehow. I even heard that theyre putting something in the water.
I dont know, Megan. He brushed a hand through his thick hair. People have been saying that for years. There are entire organizations that have tried to bring them down. No one can touch them, and theyre gonna keep growing.
Megan shook her head. I dont care. Ill find a way. Ill go to the media. Wait a minute. She paused, furrowing her brow, deep in thought. Then her eyes widened, and she snapped her fingers. You work for them. Maybe you can find out what theyre doing. Im sure theyre doing things illegally.
I cant do that. I dont want to lose my job.
You still want to work for them? Emma doesnt have a mother anymore because of them.