Page 20 of Snow

I forgot to mention that this particular rig isn’t even operational yet. I believe it’s scheduled to begin drilling operations in three or four months.”

“So, it most likely has a limited crew then,” Snow said.

Derek nodded. “That’s correct. There are approximately twenty to thirty crew members currently residing on board.

“That will definitely make it easier to sweep the place.”

“I agree.”

“When do we roll out?” Snow asked.

“Saturday morning,” Derek answered. “We’ll head to Lafayette, Louisiana. That’s where Silverman Petroleum’s corporate headquarters is. The attorney will be arriving on the same day. We’ll make introductions and go over final details before deployment. Snow, you will spend a day with Mr. Silverman, and he’ll walk you through the specific checks you should conduct to sell your cover while on the rig.”

A moment passed before Aussie spoke up. “Going back to this attorney. Does this person know what they’re walking into?”

Derek’s lips curved into a knowing grin. “I doubt it. From what I was told, they’ll be made aware of the situation on Saturday when they arrive in Lafayette.”

That got a few looks exchanged around the room.

Snow straightened slightly, his brow furrowing. “What if this person isn’t on board?”

Derek’s smirk didn’t fade. “I’m sure they’ll be cooperative.”

That didn’t exactly inspire confidence. Snow leaned back again, dragging a hand over his jaw as the weight of it all settled in. Conducting an op on an oil rig didn’t faze him. But bringing in a civilian, an attorney who had no idea what they were about to walk into? That was the wild card. And he would admit, if asked, that it made him a bit nervous.

There was a phrase he had ingrained in his head and lived by—get comfortable being uncomfortable.

He exhaled through his nose, eyes narrowing slightly as he looked back at Derek. “As long as this person stays in their lane, I see no issues.”

Derek just smirked before looking around at everyone.

“Any questions?”

Snow had a lot, but not ones to bring up at the moment. Sure, the pieces were falling into place, but not in a way he liked.

The room lingered in silence a moment longer, the gravity of the mission hanging heavy in the air. When nobody answered, Derek passed out folders to everyone.

“Inside are specs and general information on the rig and both companies.” Derek turned to Snow. “Once I have information on your ‘partner’, I’ll get that information to you.”

Snow nodded.

Derek turned to the rest of the team. “I’ll let you know if anything comes my way. Again, be ready to roll out bright and early Saturday. You are all dismissed.”

As soon as Derek left the room, the chatter amongst the team resumed as they all began gathering their things.

“It still seems strange bringing an attorney onto an operation like this,” Duke said.

“Derek wouldn’t agree with it unless there was a reason,” Jay Bird replied.

“I just hope this doesn’t turn into a babysitting job for you,” Nails added.

Snow snorted as he grabbed the folder. “If they’re smart, they won’t need babysitting. If they’re not, then they’re about to get a crash course in following directions.”

He tucked the folder under his arm and headed toward the door. Whoever this mystery attorney was, he just hoped they understood that out there, policies and contracts won’t keep them alive.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Rick sat back in one of the leather chairs across from Leonard Hart’s desk, listening as his father and Leonard discussed the fallout from his affair like they were strategizing damage control for a business deal instead of the implosion of his relationship with Nova.