Dead in the Water (A Cal Murphy Thriller Book 4) Read Online Free PDF

brightest developers at the firm to the top developer. His stock options bonuses and patent royalties turned him into a multi-millionaire. With the capital he acquired, he founded his own software development company. He tripled his money before selling controlling interest in the firm so he could spend more time doing what he’d grown to love: fishing, hunting, and following Bryant University football. And although he enjoyed shooting an eight-point buck and snagging a six-pound bass, nothing gave him more joy than when Bryant defeated Alabama. He pictured a drunk Harry Williams sitting on the tailgate of a pickup truck as he wiped away his tears. It made Johnson smile.
    These days, Johnson still tailgated with the same crew, but they all sat in his luxury box. His large donations to the athletic program over time eventually earned him a sit-down meeting with Bryant head coach Gerald Gardner. And before long, Johnson agreed to assist coaches on Gardner’s staff whenever they needed a little help with a potential recruit.
    From January to June, he lived in his home in Saint-Parran, where he enjoyed daily fishing trips. He returned to Huntsville only for brief business meetings. All the locals in Saint-Parran knew him, though he toned down his passion for Bryant University football. This was Louisiana State football country and it was always best to respect that. But it was November and Bryant requested Johnson’s services in Saint-Parran.
    A week ago, Johnson had received a call that a pair of five-star recruits from Saint-Parran decided to renege on their commitment to play for Bryant. He had spent plenty of time talking with both Tre’vell Baker and Dominique Dixon. He didn’t think anything could sway them from attending Bryant. But something happened on their visit to the school that changed their minds, an unusual turn of events. If anything, recruits came back from an official visit more committed to the school than ever before. But not Baker and Dixon. And Gardner asked Johnson to find out why.
    Johnson had only been in Saint-Parran a few days before he learned of the tragic news of Baker’s death. Shot right in front of his little brother. In days past, Johnson would’ve railed about such senseless violence in the South, all over the stupid game of football, no less. But that was before he understood its place and importance in the culture. Nothing shocked him any more, nor would anything make him climb atop a soapbox and chastise anyone for misplaced passions. This was his way of life now, too.
    ***
    Johnson eased his truck along the dirt road that snaked toward Dominique Dixon’s house. The Dixons didn’t live on the water, but it was close enough. Johnson could hear the faint slapping of the water against the cypress tree roots as he climbed out of his truck and headed for the front door.
    Before Johnson even had a chance to knock, Dixon opened the door and stared at him through the weathered screen door.
    “What are you doing here?” Dixon asked.
    “I wanted to stop by and see how you were doing,” Johnson responded. “I heard about Tre’vell and just wanted say how sorry I was and find out if there was anything I could do for you.”
    Dixon slipped out the screen door and shuffled over to the front porch swing that creaked loudly when he sat in it.
    Dixon stared at the ground before finally speaking.
    “Is that why you’re really here?” Dixon said. “You sure it’s not out of some guilt you have or some need to make sure I keep my mouth shut?”
    Johnson was taken aback by the accusations. “What do I have to feel guilty about? And what would you need to keep your mouth shut about?”
    “I think you know more than you’re letting on, Mr. Johnson.” Dixon paused a moment as he looked Johnson up and down. “I think you’re a snake. And you know what we do to snakes around here?”
    Johnson didn’t answer the question, nor did he feel like Dixon really wanted one.
    “Look, I don’t know