Read Online Blackmail by Robin Caroll - Free Book Online Page A

money.
    â€œWe don’t know the extent of the leak just yet.” Deacon’s voice cracked. “But it was sabotage again. The tank valves.”
    She nodded, her mind scrambling for what to say. She glanced at Sheriff Theriot. “Let me guess—y’all have no suspects at this time?”
    â€œWe’re following any and all leads, Ms. Thompson.” The sheriff kept his tone as rigid as his posture.
    Sure they were. “What about the local group of fishermen and hunters who’ve been publicly speaking out against Vermilion Oil? They want the company out of their bayou. Surely that’s strong enough motive for you to follow up with? A group of them are out back, waving picketing signs.”
    Sheriff Theriot nodded noncommittally. “I said we’re following any and all leads. We’re looking into them. I’m not at liberty to discuss the investigation with you at this time.”
    Only problem was that they wouldn’t dig deep enough. She’dhave to make sure the leads were followed up. “Well, that’s not good enough.” Sadie rose, grabbing her notebook. “Something needs to be done immediately.” She glanced at her boss.
    â€œThis facility is located near a federal wildlife reserve. The federal investigators are on their way.” Mr. Morris had such smugness in his words that Sadie tightened her hand into a fist.
    Without waiting for anyone to reply, Sadie spun on her heel and marched from the room.
    Only when she was safely ensconced behind her desk in her private office did she give in to the emotions and shake profusely.
    She was in way over her head. Oh, Lord, please give me wisdom. I don’t know what to do.
    â€œHow can I help?” Georgia breezed into the office, tossing her purse onto Sadie’s desk and fisting her hands on her hips. “This is a mess. I passed at least three media vans out front. Not to mention a group of local men and they didn’t sound too happy.”
    Sadie swallowed her groan. “Coffee. Let’s start with caffeine.”
    Georgia rushed from the room. Sadie lifted the phone and punched in her home number. The phone rang four times before her own recorded voice greeted her. She slammed the phone down. Great. Caleb wasn’t back yet.
    Georgia appeared at her side and set a steaming cup of coffee on the desk. Sadie mouthed her thanks and rubbed her temples. “What in the world is going on?”
    â€œI don’t know, but we can’t wait for the sheriff to figure it out.” Sadie pinched the bridge of her nose. “Can you get me a list of all the local fishermen and hunters who’ve protested against us? About five of them are in the back parking lot, yelling. It’s time we start digging into their motives.”
    â€œYou got it.” Georgia let out a heavy sigh. “What else can I do?”
    Lifting her head, Sadie smiled at her assistant. “You can prepare a brief statement to release to those goons out front.”
    â€œStating what, exactly?”
    Sadie glanced out her window into the bayou’s darkness—would the night ever end? “Just state that we’re in the twelfth and final round, have gone down for the count and can’t be saved by the bell.”

SIX
    D irty-blond hair…wide, emotional eyes hiding…fear?
    Jon groaned and slipped on his sunglasses. Sadie Thompson filled his waking thoughts, just as she’d haunted his dreams last night. The morning sun crested over Lagniappe, tossing prisms of light through the cypress trees lining the road. Jon squinted against the glare on the windshield as he turned into the parking lot of the office. Barely eight on a Thursday morning, and he was already distracted. All thanks to his mind not being willing to relinquish the images of Sadie.
    Dinner—no, supper—with her had been interesting. He sensed a vulnerability in her, even though she fought to hide it well. It was her