Read Online Devil's Gold by Julie Korzenko - Free Book Online Page B

not overwhelmed by the oversized piece of furniture. A scowl slashed his brow and flicked a feather of fear in Cassidy’s stomach. “You’re late.”
    Checking her watch, she refused to surrender to intimidation. “I found my bag from Africa. How’d it get here?”
    He stepped from behind his desk and walked toward her. “Really?” Pointing to a chair, he raised one eyebrow and silently commanded her to sit.
    A brief flash of hope brightened the day. “You’ve had no contact with the Black Stripe unit that pulled me out?”
    â€œNone. As far as this office is concerned, they don’t exist. Sit.”
    Cassidy covered the disappointment on her face by concentrating on the view outside his office. Modern buildings graced the skyline with tops of gilded metal and bronzed arches. Sliding into a leather chair, Cassidy decided to take the offensive position. “I know you’re upset about the lack of a report.”
    â€œYou think?” Sharpe sat back down behind his desk, leaned forward, and folded his hands. “What can I do to salvage this operation?”
    â€œSalvage?” Cassidy frowned. “Like how?”
    â€œI would still like to submit something to New World Petroleum for OPEC regarding their standing within Nigeria. What do you suggest?”
    Cassidy flipped open her folder and shuffled through several sheets of paper. “I’ve begun a brief outline of my recommendations. First and foremost, all oil corporations operating within the Niger Delta must adhere to the same regulations as those operating within the United States and the rest of the world.”
    â€œI thought you understood my position, Cassidy. I’m not looking for negatives but positives.”
    Cassidy stood up, irritation making her restless. “And I thought you understood mine. There are no positives.”
    â€œDammit, Cassidy. What am I to do?” Sharpe smacked his palm against the desk. “NWP donated a very large sum of money to ZEBRA.”
    Straightening her back, Cassidy gazed at her boss. “NWP sanctioned an attack against our camp.”
    Sharpe shook his head. “There’s no proof of that. This is a political game, Cassidy. One that’s fought on battlefields of financial give and take. Taxpayers don’t pay for our high-tech equipment, laboratories, and missions. It’s about marketing, selling, and finding contributions. It doesn’t behoove New World Petroleum to piss us off right now. They need us.”
    Cassidy didn’t move. “I know what I saw.”
    Sharpe’s eyes didn’t flicker. He stared straight at her, not one iota of emotion showing. “I contacted Robert, and he has no knowledge of the attack. He’s deeply sorry and hopes you’ll be able to compile something that’ll sway OPEC.”
    Her brain screamed at him,
Bullshit!
Cassidy glanced at her notes and collected her temper enough to speak professionally. “I won’t lie.”
    He rested his forehead against the top of his desk. Straightening, he stared at her. “I don’t want you to.”
    She re-crossed her legs and tapped the toe of her shoe against his desk. “Why don’t we twist the report and offer our opinions as to how they can present themselves in a more positive light? Clean up the spills. Transfer the never-ending gas flow into pipes that can be channeled for power. Abolish the Kill-and-Go mentality and assist the natives in protecting their homes.” Cassidy shrugged and then sighed. “I’m not good at politics. I’m sorry. This is all I can offer.”
    Sharpe gazed at her for a second, his bland expression masking his thoughts. She uncrossed and crossed her legs again, feeling like a misbehaving school child. His refusal to accept her version of the Kill-and-Go hit spoke volumes of her position within ZEBRA. Her job was vulnerable. After several excruciatingly long minutes, he