“How does it work?”
“Nyle sets up a real estate partnership deal that’s too good to be true. Very little money required up front. Huge profits when it’s finished. Folks like Darren fall for it and then get told the partnership has folded. They’re told that, as partners, they’re liable.”
Katy pushed her hair back behind her ear. “Then they’re told they have to come up with cash to pay off innocent people who actually purchased the properties or risk going to jail?”
“Right. The kicker is there aren’t any innocent purchasers. There was no development project. Just Nyle. He collects what he can from the various partners and vanishes. Goes somewhere else and sets up shop.”
“Good grief.” Katy was shocked. “And poor Darren fell for the scam?”
“Yeah.”
“But how did you find out it was all a con?”
“I did a little research. The kind of basic investigation Darren should have done when Nyle first approached him through the broker. Nyle’s partnership deal is a complete fraud. It’s all built on smoke and mirrors. Darren is safe.”
“He must be terribly relieved to hear that.”
“He doesn’t know it yet,” Luke said succinctly.
“You haven’t told him? Luke, how could you do that to him? You know how worried he is.”
“It won’t hurt him to do a little more worrying. I told him how to go about finding out what he needs to know to save his ass. He’ll discover that he’s in the clear in a few days if he goes after the information I told him he’d need. In the meantime, maybe he’ll learn something.”
Katy mulled that over for a couple of minutes. The fact that Darren was safe was wonderful news. The fact that he did not yet know it seemed cruel. Perhaps she should call him tonight and tell him the whole truth.
“Don’t even think about it, Katy.”
“Think about what?”
“I can read you like a book. You are not going to call Darren and tell him what I just told you. He’s going to learn this lesson the hard way. The Gilchrist guardian angel is going to stay out of it.”
“But Luke—”
“Forget it. That’s an order, Katy. You asked me to help. You got my help. Now you’re stuck with it. If you don’t like the way I solve problems, that’s just too damn bad.”
“I’ll remember your approach the next time I have a problem,” she grumbled.
Luke grinned suddenly. “You do that.”
She did not like his smile. Too many teeth. She decided to change the topic. “Did yesterday’s round of meetings give you any new information?”
“Not really. I’m convinced the problems we’re having in the restaurants and in Gilchrist Gourmet are due to criminal actions, not bad luck or even bad management.”
“Oh, dear. So you’re continuing with the investigation?”
“Yes.”
Katy hesitated. “You still think someone in the family might be behind the problems, don’t you?”
“Let’s just say I’m not ruling anyone out.”
“But Luke, the only members of the family who work in the business are Darren and Eden. They wouldn’t do anything like this.”
“I’m not so sure about that. But you’re wrong when you say they’re the only suspects in the family. Maureen and Hayden have been connected to Gilchrist, Inc. for decades. They don’t work directly for the company, but they’ve had access to vital information for years. And in this day of computers, anyone who knows what he’s doing can cause trouble.”
“But why would any of them want to cause trouble?”
“How about a nice little motive like revenge? It may have escaped your notice, angel, but not everyone in the family thinks Justine is a saint.”
Katy winced, remembering Maureen’s frustrated anger and fear of Justine. She also recalled the computer in Maureen’s gallery. “I suppose you’re right.”
“Of course I’m right. When it comes to business, I’m always right. Now let’s talk about something that’s a hell of a lot more interesting than Darren and the rest of the family.”
“What’s that?”
“Us.”
A delicate thrill went through Katy. She had been trying hard not to think about their relationship. At the same time she had known that sooner or later she would have to confront it. The knowledge had filled her with an edgy anticipation. “What about us?”
“I just want to be real clear here. I don’t want any misunderstandings. We’re together now, Katy. You and me.”
The intensity in him was radiating outward, drawing her into his force field. Katy found herself struggling to balance desire with common sense. “I don’t think you’re going to like having an affair with me,” she warned gently.
He threw her a quick, annoyed glance. “Why the hell not?”
“Because I can’t just abandon myself to passion the way a Gilchrist would expect,” she explained.
“Don’t worry about the passion part. You were doing just fine last night.”
She blushed and concentrated on the car ahead. “That’s not what I mean. Luke, I can’t just fling myself into a scorching affair. I’m raising a seventeen year-old boy, remember? I have to set an example.”
“For all intents and purposes he’s a man, Katy. And you’re an adult. You don’t have to explain your private life to him.”
“Don’t you understand? I’m not used to this kind of private life. I don’t want Matt walking in on us some morning. You can’t stay the night with me at my place. I won’t stay the night with you at your cottage.”
“In other words, we have to sneak around?”
“We have to be discreet,” she said. “Very discreet.”
“Damn it, Katy, I’m too old to play games.”
She lifted her chin, aware that her lower lip was trembling. She had known this would never work. “I told you that you wouldn’t like having an affair with me. I’ll understand, of course, if you would prefer to call the whole thing off right now.”
“Not a chance.”
“Luke, it might be best if we did. Last night was very special for me. You must know that. But the truth is, you and I are very different. We have nothing in common. Things are bound to end eventually. You said six months was the limit.”
“Look Katy—”
“To be honest, I would rather end it all now than have you turn surly whenever you don’t get what you want.”
To Katy’s astonishment, Luke gave her a slow, enigmatic smile that rattled her nerves all the way to her toes. “If that’s all you’re worrying about, forget it. I’ll handle the passionate side of things. I won’t turn surly just because you can’t spend the night in my bed.”
She slanted him a wary glance “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means that if you want to sneak around, I’ll sneak around. For a while.”
CHAPTER TEN
Two mornings later Liz stuck her head around the door of Katy’s office. “Psst. This is it. Justine just sent for him. He’s going downstairs in a few minutes to give her a full report.”
Katy leapt to her feet. “Thanks, Liz.”
Liz grinned. “Hey, no problem. Now that I’m handling his calls as well as yours I’m a regular gold mine of information. A vital cog in the corporate wheel. An indispensable asset. A valuable and loyal employee who is willing to give her all to her boss.”
“If you’re fishing for a raise,” Katy said as she went through the door, “save the sales pitch for Mr. Gilchrist. He’s the one in charge of that kind of thing now.”
“True, but I’ve been analyzing him, and I’ve come to the conclusion he’s putty in your hands. So put in a good word for me, will you?”
Katy halted in astonishment at the outer door. “You’ve come to the conclusion he’s what?”
??
?You heard me.” Liz picked up a book that was lying on her desk and opened it. “You know how to handle him, just like you do the rest of the members of the coven.”
Katy felt herself turning a brilliant shade of red. She peered at the title of Liz’s book. Return to the Jungle: The Psychology of Male/Female Sexual Dynamics in the Modern World. “What on earth is that about?”
“Take a guess. We’re studying human sexual response in my psych class this week. You know, it says in here that even though modern psychology has created a lot of new theories about sexual behavior, the truth is that men are still motivated by a bunch of really primitive hormones and instincts.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Liz.”
Liz flipped to a page in the middle of the book. “Listen to this, and I quote: ‘A male in pursuit of a female is fundamentally an animal.’”
“Tell me something every woman doesn’t already know.”
“Having selected his chosen mate, he will concentrate on her. He will cut her out of the herd, perform courtship rituals to get her attention, and fight off other males who attempt to get close to her.” Liz snapped the book shut and shivered. “Sends chills down your spine, doesn’t it?”
Katy clutched at the edge of the door. “Yes, it does. I’ll be glad when you move on to something that involves rats in mazes.”
“Actually, I think we’re going to cover sociopathic behavior and other forms of deviancy next. Do you know what a sociopath is?”
“I’ve heard the term. Someone without a conscience.”
“You know, I wouldn’t be surprised if your old friend Nate Atwood fits the clinical definition of a sociopath.” Liz assumed her best professorial manner. “Charming, intelligent, and absolutely no conscience at all. As cold-blooded as a reptile.”
Katy was about to agree, but something made her hesitate. “No, I don’t think so. Nate was not cold-blooded. He had his own agenda and it was important to him, but I don’t think he wanted to hurt me.”
“You always look for the best in people, that’s your problem.” Liz shook her head. “Poor Eden. Her life with that man must have been awful. You were lucky you escaped his clutches.”
“So everyone keeps telling me,” Katy muttered. “Excuse me. I’ve got to talk to Luke.” She hurried out into the corridor and knocked on Luke’s office door.
“Come in,” Luke called.
Pushing open the door, Katy stepped inside. She stood with her hands behind her on the knob. Luke looked up from the file that was open on his desk. His eyes gleamed at the sight of her.
Katy suddenly felt very warm. No doubt about it, that was an extremely primitive look. He had not made love to her since they had returned from Seattle three days ago, but he was definitely looking at her as if she belonged to him.
Good Lord, Katy thought, he had promised to be discreet, but at this rate everyone was going to know they had started an affair. That was the trouble in dealing with Gilchrists. There was nothing subtle about them.
“What’s wrong, Katy?”
“Liz says you’re going downstairs to give Justine a report.”
“In a few minutes. She’s asked for regular reports, and I figure she’s entitled to one occasionally. She does own Gilchrist, Inc., if you’ll recall.”
Katy released the doorknob and rushed over to the desk. “Luke, I don’t want you to say anything yet about your suspicions.”
He lounged back in his chair and eyed her consideringly. “No?”
“No. Wait until you’ve completed the investigation and know for certain who’s to blame for the trouble at the restaurants and at Gilchrist Gourmet. There’s no reason to make her think someone in the family may be behind the problems. After all, you may be wrong.”
“Not likely.”
Katy glowered at him. “Don’t be so damn arrogant. I happen to think you are wrong. Until we find out for sure what’s going on, I don’t want you alarming Justine. She’ll go crazy if she thinks there’s a traitor in the family.”
“What do you suggest I do?”
“I don’t know.” Katy made a vague gesture with her hand. “Yes, I do know. Gloss over the problems for now. Tell her you’re getting them under control.”
“Lie to her?” Luke’s brows rose. “Tsk, tsk, Katy. That doesn’t sound like the angel I know.”
“There’s no need to lie exactly. Just tell her you’re still collecting data. Which is the truth.” Katy leaned forward and planted her hands on the desk. “There’s something else. I want you to promise me you won’t mention Darren’s little problem either. It will upset her, and there’s no telling what she might do.”
Luke contemplated her instructions for a moment. “Let me see if I’ve got this straight. I’m not supposed to tell her that I think someone in the family is embezzling from the company.”
“Right.”
“And I’m supposed to avoid mentioning Darren’s situation.”
Katy nodded quickly, relieved that he understood. “Right.”
“Anything else you want me to keep quiet about?” Luke asked politely.
Katy frowned in thought. “I think that covers it.”
“Okay. I’ll follow orders.”
She brightened with relief. “You will?”
“If you make it worth my while.”
“What?” She straightened in outrage.
“Give me a good reason to keep my mouth shut about embezzlement, the fraud, and the extremely poor judgment of a certain member of the family, and I’ll do it,” Luke said.
Katy glowered at him suspiciously. “What sort of reason do you want?”
“Not having your high standards, I’m susceptible to a good bribe. Invite me out on a date,” Luke said.
Katy blushed. “A date. Yes, well, I’ve already explained that it’s going to be extremely inconvenient to conduct an affair with me.”
“Correction, you said it was going to be extremely difficult to find opportunities to make love to you. I’ll worry about that problem. Right now I’m just fishing for a dinner date.”
“Oh.”
“Is that all you can say?”
Katy hid a smile. “No, I was somewhat surprised, that’s all. I can’t quite see you on a normal dinner date.”
“What do you think I do for nourishment?”
Katy’s eyes widened innocently. “Drink blood?”
Luke started to get out of his chair.
Katy warded him off with both hands. “Just a joke. Okay. Come over for dinner tonight. I’ll try out one of my new pesto sauce recipes on you.”
“You’ve got a deal. My silence on certain matters when I talk to Justine in exchange for dinner tonight. Sounds fair to me.”
Katy hesitated. “You do realize my brother will be there? We won’t be alone. You’ll have to go home around ten. Alone.”
Luke got to his feet and came around the desk. “I told you, I’ll worry about organizing our sex life.” He brushed his mouth lightly across hers. “You just worry about fixing dinner.”
He walked out of the office before Katy could think of a suitable response.
After he was gone she stood lost in thought for several minutes. She realized she didn’t know what to expect next from Luke. It was true she had not had any experience with affairs, but she’d had plenty of experience with the passionate Gilchrist family. They were nothing if not predictable in that they were ruled by their passions. She had been certain that once Luke decided he wanted her, it would be extremely difficult to control him.
And what he wanted from her, apparently, was sex.
But to her surprise, Luke had not pushed for sex since they had returned from Seattle. In fact, this was the first indication he had given her that he was still planning on pursuing her. She felt confused and curiously disoriented.
A Gilchrist who could disci
pline his own passion was an anomaly.
A sorcerer.
It occurred to Katy that such a Gilchrist might be infinitely more dangerous than an ordinary Gilchrist.
Katy went back to her office and sat stewing at her desk. She would have given a great deal to know exactly what Luke was reporting to his grandmother.
Having wrung from him the promise to keep silent about his suspicions and about Darren’s predicament, she did not think he would betray her. She trusted him that far. But she also knew that Justine would expect some definite answers to her questions about the state of the company and Luke’s plans to save it. Justine could be very persistent. But then Luke could be extremely unhelpful when he chose.
Forty minutes later Katy heard footsteps in the hall outside the office. Luke was back. She heard the outer door open and close and realized he must have stopped by to tell her he had followed instructions. She summoned up an approving smile.
There was a single peremptory knock on the inner door before it opened to reveal a grinning Darren.
“Hi there, Katy. Luke’s not in his office, so I thought I’d drop in to see you while I wait.”
“Of course. Sit down, Darren. What are you doing here?”
“I drove up here to fill Luke in on the situation with Milo Nyle.” Darren dropped lightly into a chair. He was looking happier than he had in a long while. “Damn, I still can’t believe the Bastard was right about Nyle. But he was. The guy’s as phony as a three-dollar bill. Man, did I get suckered. But it won’t happen again.”
“You don’t have to come up with the hundred and fifty thousand dollars?”
“Hell, no.” Darren shoved his hands into his pockets and stuck his legs out in front of him. “I don’t owe him a damn thing. There are no innocent purchasers left hanging because there was no development project.”
“Thank goodness,” Katy said.
“Yeah, it was all on paper. Luke said that when I had the information I needed we’d contact the authorities. But he also said Nyle will probably have disappeared by the time the authorities make their move. Guys like Nyle operate for years without getting caught. He’s probably in a different state by now. The broker Nyle used as a go-between seems innocent. He was just trying to structure what he thought was an honest deal.”