Chapter Nineteen

“Cole, we both know why we’re here. I see no point in prevaricating, do you?”

Guy Cole was a large man, about six foot four, with short dark brown hair and a well developed body of a weight lifter or possibly a football player. In college, he excelled in sports and went on scholarship as a soccer goalie. That fact alone explained his take no prisoners’ attitude when it came to business. The company he spearheaded was swallowing everything. Harry’s company was small potatoes in comparison to what he already had under his belt. Shekia’s support was the final obstacle in his path, but he knew he held the trump to that ace in the hole.

“Get on with it, Aristides. You have tried my patience a little more than I usually allow.”

Harry knew the man was out to make as much money as possible. People meant nothing to him. The only thing that mattered was the bottom line, making a deal.

“I think the new drug you’re submitting for approval is a rip-off of one we have under development.”

He didn’t flinch. He gave her a long thoughtful look out of hooded dark eyes. “Prove it, Aristides, and then we’ll talk. Is there anything else?” He was baiting her, hoping for an angry confrontation.

I wonder if we were given false information and were just too late on this one! No! No, we were there first and I’m going to prove it, somehow. Harry’s blue eyes held the man in an icy gaze. “If there is a mole in my organization, I can assure you I will find out who it is, Cole. Perhaps then you might be a little less arrogant.”

“Provide evidence, Aristides, then you can point your finger in my direction. But be careful, I might bite it off. Do I assume that is the sum total of the reason you requested a meeting?”

“For now.”

Guy Cole stood up and walked over to her, capturing her eyes in a look of undisguised contempt. “Next time, I’ll call the tune, and you, Aristides, will be dancing like you’ve never danced before. I think you’d better learn a few steps…the groveling kind; I hate a poor show.” His smile was cruel as he left the room.

Totally drained, Harry sank down into her seat. If she didn’t find the evidence, she could say goodbye to her career. Pressing the intercom, she called for John Fredericks, his PA, and Sally. There wasn’t much time left to salvage, not only the company, but also all the people who depended on them. What we need is a benefactor who can buy up Shekia’s shares and give us a reserve of cash. It would take a miracle to find someone who would do that with Cole snapping at our heels.

While waiting for the others to arrive, she picked up the mail she had been neglecting for a while. Sally had placed one particular piece of mail on the top. It’s from Nicky! Harry smiled, feeling the warm rush of blood she had every time she thought of the petite blonde. The one word she focused on was “love”. Does she mean that? Is there a chance for us? The very thought sent Harry’s senses reeling. And, for the first time since she had returned, Abby spoke to her.

The only way to find out, love, is to ask her.

Smiling, Harry answered, “As soon as this is over, I will do just that.”