Oil Patch Romance (Mail Order Bride Series) Read Online Free Page A
Author: Susan Leigh Carlton
Fuel is proud to have you in our family. We would like to have you start the first of the month.” He gave Johnny the details of the offer and the name of the chief engineer of his department. “If I may, I’d like to ask why you took on the extra class load in agriculture?”
“It’s the family business,” Johnny said, “my father didn’t notice the engineering major and planned for me to take over operation of the farm. He took it well when I told him what I wanted to do.”
“I think you made a good choice. Knowledge of the soil and the sub-structure is important when trying to locate oil,” Barnes said.
After the interview, back home again, Johnny told his family the news of his new job. His excitement was obvious to all. His mother hugged and kissed him. “I’m so proud of you, darling. I know you will be a big success.”
He exchanged handshakes with his father, a move that evolved into a hug. “I’m proud of you too, son. I think you would make a good farmer, but then, with your mind, you’ll be successful at anything you choose.”
Immersing himself in his new job, Jonathon established a reputation of a hard worker, both knowledgeable in his field and creativity in others. He was soon known as an authority on exploration and his work on well blowout research became legend.
* * *
On January 10, 1901, a drill punched through a salt dome and into an oil reservoir. The well was a gusher; it was called Spindletop, and forever changed the image of Texas from a cattle state to an oil producer.
A Beaumont newspaper account reads:
“An Oil Geyser – Remarkable Phenomenon South of Beaumont – Gas Blows Pipe from Well and a Flow of Oil Equaled Nowhere Else on Earth.”
Another description: "With a roar like a hundred express trains racing across the countryside, the well blew out, spewing oil in all directions. The derrick simply evaporated. Casings wilted like lettuce out of water, as heavy machinery writhed and twisted into grotesque shapes in the blazing inferno.
Nine days later, and nearly half a million barrels of oil wasted, a shut off valve in the casing of the well was able to stop the flow. For years, the public’s image of an oil discovery was that of a gusher.
* * *
William Barnes called Jonathon into his office. Pointing to a beautiful blonde woman seated by his desk, Barnes said, “Jonathon, let me introduce you to Laura Ingram. She will be joining your team. She recently graduated from Harvard with honors and is coming back home to Texas. I would like for you to acquaint her with your project and get her up to speed with what we are doing here.”
“Laura,” Barnes continued, “Jonathon is our top engineer and scientist. I would like for you to work closely with him. I believe you two can achieve great things together.”
Laura extended a hand, which Jonathon ignored. After an awkward pause, she dropped the arm, and said, “I have heard a great deal about you, even back in school the things you have accomplished are frequently a subject of discussion. I consider working with you to be a big opportunity for me and for my career. I’m anxious to get started.”
“Bill, I don’t really need an addition to my department. I don’t have time to spend training someone,” Jonathon said.
“Then you will just have to make time,” Barnes said. “Our business is growing so fast, we need top talent, just to keep up. We were extremely fortunate to be able to convince Laura to join us. She brings a lot to our table, and I’m making it your responsibility to utilize the talent in the best way possible.”
“Bill…” started Jonathon.
“That’s it, Jonathon. Now get Laura set up with an office and anything else she will need.”
Jonathan walked ahead of Laura as he made his way back to his office. He had one speed, fast, and
“It’s the family business,” Johnny said, “my father didn’t notice the engineering major and planned for me to take over operation of the farm. He took it well when I told him what I wanted to do.”
“I think you made a good choice. Knowledge of the soil and the sub-structure is important when trying to locate oil,” Barnes said.
After the interview, back home again, Johnny told his family the news of his new job. His excitement was obvious to all. His mother hugged and kissed him. “I’m so proud of you, darling. I know you will be a big success.”
He exchanged handshakes with his father, a move that evolved into a hug. “I’m proud of you too, son. I think you would make a good farmer, but then, with your mind, you’ll be successful at anything you choose.”
Immersing himself in his new job, Jonathon established a reputation of a hard worker, both knowledgeable in his field and creativity in others. He was soon known as an authority on exploration and his work on well blowout research became legend.
* * *
On January 10, 1901, a drill punched through a salt dome and into an oil reservoir. The well was a gusher; it was called Spindletop, and forever changed the image of Texas from a cattle state to an oil producer.
A Beaumont newspaper account reads:
“An Oil Geyser – Remarkable Phenomenon South of Beaumont – Gas Blows Pipe from Well and a Flow of Oil Equaled Nowhere Else on Earth.”
Another description: "With a roar like a hundred express trains racing across the countryside, the well blew out, spewing oil in all directions. The derrick simply evaporated. Casings wilted like lettuce out of water, as heavy machinery writhed and twisted into grotesque shapes in the blazing inferno.
Nine days later, and nearly half a million barrels of oil wasted, a shut off valve in the casing of the well was able to stop the flow. For years, the public’s image of an oil discovery was that of a gusher.
* * *
William Barnes called Jonathon into his office. Pointing to a beautiful blonde woman seated by his desk, Barnes said, “Jonathon, let me introduce you to Laura Ingram. She will be joining your team. She recently graduated from Harvard with honors and is coming back home to Texas. I would like for you to acquaint her with your project and get her up to speed with what we are doing here.”
“Laura,” Barnes continued, “Jonathon is our top engineer and scientist. I would like for you to work closely with him. I believe you two can achieve great things together.”
Laura extended a hand, which Jonathon ignored. After an awkward pause, she dropped the arm, and said, “I have heard a great deal about you, even back in school the things you have accomplished are frequently a subject of discussion. I consider working with you to be a big opportunity for me and for my career. I’m anxious to get started.”
“Bill, I don’t really need an addition to my department. I don’t have time to spend training someone,” Jonathon said.
“Then you will just have to make time,” Barnes said. “Our business is growing so fast, we need top talent, just to keep up. We were extremely fortunate to be able to convince Laura to join us. She brings a lot to our table, and I’m making it your responsibility to utilize the talent in the best way possible.”
“Bill…” started Jonathon.
“That’s it, Jonathon. Now get Laura set up with an office and anything else she will need.”
Jonathan walked ahead of Laura as he made his way back to his office. He had one speed, fast, and
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