doesn’t include revealing my past to Hadley.”
“Like I said, that’s your business. Meghan would never step out of bounds. But Durk is the top dog at Lambert Oil and you know how good a detective Meghan is.”
“They sound like great neighbors, but I’m not in the mood for making new friends. I can assure you that Hadley isn’t, either.”
“She might be when she hears what Durk and Meghan bring to the table. The Lamberts just brought a helicopter for ranch use and Lambert Oil has a couple of corporate jets. They might just come in handy if Fred still plans to lure the abductor into making a move that you control.”
“Then let’s invite them in.”
Within five minutes the six of them were sitting around the kitchen table. Fred had been invited to the meeting. If the Lamberts did offer use of their helicopter and/or corporate jets, Fred would be the one deciding if and how they would use them.
Durk was definitely not what Adam had expected from a high-powered oil man. He was straightforward and down to earth. And Meghan proved to be exactly what Hadley needed, a female who wasn’t connected with the investigation but was knowledgeable and sensitive.
“I know you’re devastated, Hadley. I’ve followed the case as closely as I can, and it seems to grow more convoluted by the hour. That’s why Durk and I called R.J. and offered to help in any way we could.”
“I appreciate that, but I’m not sure what you can do that isn’t already being done.”
“I can investigate anyone you think could possibly be a suspect,” Meghan said. “I don’t follow the rules the cops do, and I have friends in high places—right up to the top of the FBI feeding chain.”
“I don’t know who I’d suggest you investigate. It seems to me that Detective Shelton Lane is covering all the bases.”
“What about Alana and Sam Bastion? From what I’ve read, the police seem to be ignoring them.”
“I can’t believe either of them is involved in this. Not Alana for sure,” Hadley said. “She’s a sweetheart. She babysat the girls a few times.”
“What about Sam?”
“From everything I know about him, he’s a good kid. Mother hires him to help out at the house when she has a task requiring brawn. Nothing has ever come up missing when either of Matilda’s children is around.”
“Still, it might be good to see what I can find out about them,” Meghan said. “If I find anything alarming I’ll tell you and turn it over to Detective Lane,” Meghan said.
“Yes, you will,” Durk agreed. “I considered having that put in the marriage vows. Meghan will not put herself into danger.”
“I did tend to do that in the past,” she admitted. “But not anymore. I have more than myself to keep safe.” She rubbed a baby bump by way of explanation.
“Then I accept your help,” Hadley said.
“R.J. said something about a helicopter and corporate jets,” Adam said.
“They’re absolutely on the table if you need them,” Durk said. “I can supply a pilot, fuel and whatever else you need to get those babies home safely. If you need cash to use as bait, I can help with that as well.”
“Why?” Adam asked. “Why stick your neck out when you don’t even know us?”
“It’s the cowboy way,” Durk said.
“But you’re a businessman.”
“My job is CEO of the family oil business. My love is the ranch. That makes me a cowboy.”
“Fair enough.”
“What are you planning to do now that you’re out of the service and back in the States, Adam?”
“I’m not sure.”
“If you’re looking for a job, drop by the office one day. I’ll hook you up with personnel and we can see what they can come up with that fits your interests and expertise. No pressure, of course.”
“I guess giving out jobs is more of the cowboy way.”
“No, I’d only hire you if you were a fit for the position and for the company. But we hire a lot of veterans. They have good work ethics and a strong sense of loyalty. And we all owe you a debt of thanks.”
“In that case, I appreciate the offer, but the only thing I can concentrate on now is rescuing Lacy and Lila.”
“I understand completely.” Durk turned his attention to Fred and described the aircraft. “If you can use any of that, just let me know.”
“I’m thinking that the helicopter or perhaps the small jet might be useful.”
Durk pulled two business cards from his pocket. “This is my brother Tague’s number. He’s