El Toro Bravo

**This story immediately follows "Double Duplicity"**

"A brave man is a man who dares to look the Devil

in the face and tell him he is a Devil."

James A. Garfield

CHAPTER 1

"Hon, Gary Jordan is on line one for you." CJ had stepped out on the patio overlooking the Los Angeles skyline to pass on the message to her husband. The private investigator was looking through some case files for his friend, Lt. Michael Hoyt of the LAPD.

"Gary Jordan?" Matt's surprise was evident as his wife brought him a phone. "Gary? How're you doing? Gosh, I haven't heard from you in ages." Apparently the answer he received was not the one he had expected. "Well bud, I'm not in the oil business anymore. Maybe…" He stopped and listened. "No, I've been away from the TV and computer…uh huh…how many got hurt?" Matt's face fell. "Oh my God, who…" He got up and went to lean on the wall overlooking the traffic down below. "Man, I'm sure sorry to hear that." Listening to the man on the other end, the tall private investigator started walking around the patio.

CJ sat down at the table across from Michael who looked puzzled. "Matt's dad used to own several offshore oil platforms. Actually those are the very reason he moved to LA." She nodded her head in her husband's direction. "He hates offshore oil drilling. Bill wanted him to oversee that part of his business and Matt refused. They had a BIG fight over it. Neither one would back down and Matt told Bill that he was going to go out on his own and prove to him that it was possible to be successful without the offshore drilling."

"I thought Bill had both – offshore and on land as well." Hoyt didn't know beans about the oil business, but knew that Matt had owned a couple of oil companies in the past, one of which had been in the top five in the country and top ten worldwide.

The lawyer-turned-private investigator nodded. "He did."

"So that's how I got landed with him, huh? Because he wanted to prove something to his dad?" Hoyt shook his head and grinned. "But I guess he did get his point across, didn't he? Houston Industries was very profitable."

"And it still is – thanks to Murray taking such good care of it; it's just that Matt gave away all his rights to it."

"You know, a lot of folks said he was crazy to do it – me among them when I met him."

"Well, he was going through a lot at that time…sometimes you have to be in someone's shoes before you can appreciate their decisions. I believe it was the right one. He's much happier now."

"Yeah, especially since he got smart and married you." Hoyt laughed but the smile left his face as Matt walked back over to the table.

"Michael, I hate to run out on you but there's been a big explosion on one of the oil platforms that Daddy used to own. They think it might be sabotage and the owner and the Coast Guard have asked me to come down and take a look."

"These are cold cases; they can wait a little longer. Do what you need to and don't worry about it." Michael gathered up the folders. "Besides, you already gave me a couple of new slants on some of these. I'll see what I come up with."

"I'm sorry, bud." Matt scooted his chair up to the table and followed his friend back into the office.

"No big deal. I hope everything works out for your friend. I'll talk to you later." He headed down the steps to the elevator.

"Chris, would you call the plane crew and have them check everything out for me? I've got to go down to Houston."

"Sure thing." The secretary picked up her phone and made the call as Matt turned and headed downstairs to the gym to pack a few things for the trip. CJ followed along and checked on their daughter who was napping in the crib there.

"I would offer to come with you but Catey has a doctor's visit tomorrow, hon." She reached into the closet and took out a couple of pairs of jeans for her husband and was startled when she turned back toward him. He had pulled his Glock and holster along with his bulletproof vest out of the other closet and was putting on a pair of black tactical pants and boots. "I take it you think there will be shooting?"

"Some of the witnesses say there was gunfire before the explosion." He was obviously upset. "Thirteen people are dead – so far. There are still six unaccounted for at this point."

"You just be careful, okay?" She walked over and pulled him into a big hug and as always he tucked his head down on top of hers before pulling away slightly and tilting her head up to his.

"I will." He kissed her. "Love you, Babe."

"Love you. Now let's get your bag ready."

The pair finished packing the bag and Matt walked over to his daughter's crib, gently kissing her cheek. He turned and followed CJ up the steps. "Do you want me to drive you to the airport?"

"No, I'll just catch a cab." He pulled her into a big hug and then kissed her again. "I'll call you later. Love you."

"Love you, hon. Be careful."

"Houston, I can take you to the airport – I've got a dentist appointment not far from there." Chris had picked up her purse and pulled out the keys.

"Are you sure it won't make you late?"

"No, come on. I'll be back ASAP, CJ." She followed Matt to the elevator.

On the ride over, Matt was pretty quiet. He finally told her what was going on. "Oh my gosh, I heard about it but I had no idea that used to be Bill's. So the owner asked you to investigate?"

He nodded. "They think there were gunshots before the explosion." He was quiet again. "God, I hate those things." Matt was quiet the rest of the way to the airport. "Chris, I appreciate it. Keep an eye on CJ and Catey for me, will ya?"

"You know I will. Just be careful." She watched as he walked inside the office and began filling out a flight plan.