Page 40 of The Tycoon

Cole smiled.“Then you are just the person I want to talk to.Do you have any idea what caused the spill?”

“We know it was a failure of a lot of our systems, but that could only be caused by one of us.And it had to have been someone with knowledge of sub-sea engineering.That means that either Anne Adams, Eric Franklin, or Jerry Sykes are the culprits.Jerry left just before the spill was discovered.Eric and Anne are still being held here.But Eric is the one who fixed the problem.He figured out what was happening and fixed it.You don’t do that if you’re guilty of starting the problem to begin with.I know these people and Eric would never do something like this.I don’t think Anne would, either, but Jerry wasn’t here long enough for me to get a bead on him.”

“You seem pretty certain of this,” said Cole, his dinner ignored.“How do I know you’re not trying to turn attention away from yourself?”

Arnie ran a careless hand through his hair, causing it to stand on end in places.“I guess you don’t, but ask around about me.Ask anyone you trust, and they’ll tell you the same thing…that I’m trustworthy and the most knowledgeable person on this platform.I wouldn’t lie, regardless if you were about to fire me.I have integrity, Mr.Kincaid.My reputation means something to me.”

“I can see that,” said Cole.

“Arnie, do you have one person you believe, more than any other, who could have sabotaged the platform?”asked Regan.

“I’d have to say Jerry Sykes.He’s the newest and he left before the accident by only a day, and he has yet to return, even though he was only supposed to be gone for the weekend.”Arnie leaned forward with his arms on the table.

Cole lifted a brow.“You’re the second person who has suggested Sykes.I’m taking you at your word.I like you, Arnie, and I believe you.”

Regan nodded.“I agree.You seem,” her eyebrows lifted and smiled.“Trustworthy…as you said of yourself.”

“Thank you for your time.Do you have a bar on this rig?”asked Cole.

Arnie shook his head.“Getting drunk would be too easy and accidents would follow.We’re not allowed to have alcohol of any kind.We have our luggage checked every time we return from a trip, whether for business or pleasure.”

Cole nodded, leaned back in his chair, and crossed his arms over his chest.“Good.I’m glad to hear it.”He turned toward Regan.“Do we need any additional information from Arnie?”

She shook her head.“I don’t think so.Well other than the location of our quarters for the night.”

“We only have one guest room.I’m sure that’s where they’re putting you.I know Dave has probably already apologized for not having more empty rooms, but real estate is at a premium on a platform, even one as large as this one.”Arnie stood.“I’ll show you the way.It’s not far.”

Cole followed suit.

Regan did as well.

They followed Arnie out of the cafeteria to an elevator.They exited on the second floor, where he went down several hallways before stopping in front of a door.The plate on the door saidGuest Room – 206.

Arnie pointed at the door.“This is the guest room.The cafeteria will open for breakfast at five-thirty in the morning, and it’s open until ten at night.”He grinned.“Just in case you get the munchies.”

Regan smiled.“I’ve been known to have the munchies a time or two.Especially since I’m not eating MREs anymore.”

Arnie frowned.“I remember those and not fondly, either.”Then he laughed.

“As do I,” said Cole with a chuckle.

“Well, I’ll leave you to it.Goodnight.”

“Goodnight and thanks, Arnie.”Cole extended his hand.

Arnie shook it and then walked away.

Cole opened the door for Regan to enter.

A king-sized bed dominated the room which also contained a loveseat, a wingback chair and small coffee table.Regan walked into the room and saw the door to the bathroom with a small closet to the left of the bath.

“It’s a pleasant room.The king-sized bed is definitely big enough for both of us, so you don’t have to sleep on top.I’ll try not to cuddle.”She chuckled and retrieved her bag where it was next to the bed.Then she opened it and pulled out her pajamas.“I’m going to change first.”Then she headed to the bathroom.

By the time she returned, Cole was in bed, propped up on pillows with his arms behind his head.The blankets were bunched at his waist and his chest was in full view.

She wore a long t-shirt and shorts that were barely longer than the t-shirt.She crawled onto her side of the bed.

Cole turned onto his side, facing her.“So, what do you think?Why is Jerry Sykes after me?Why would he cause an oil spill and then try to kill me?”

She turned onto her side and propped on her elbow to face him.“There has got to be a reason in his background.Hopefully, Mason will find the answer.Maybe you broke his sister’s heart or something.”

Cole was quiet for a moment.“I’ve not broken any hearts that I know of.I’m very careful in my interactions with women.”

“Perhaps this woman fell in love with you, anyway.I can see that happening.”

He lifted a brow.“Can you see yourself falling in love with me?”

Oh yes, I can.You’re an easy man to love, Cole Kincaid.She shook her head as much in answer to his question as to clear her mind of impossible thoughts.“No.Not me.I don’t fall in love…with anyone…not anymore.”