The nerve endings in his body tingled like they did before a big op, the HERO Force chopper vibrating beneath him and anticipation running through his veins. In this state, adrenaline eked into his bloodstream at a constant pace that kept his body on high alert, plans crystalizing as he visualized the ideal outcome he wanted to take place when the bird hit the dirt.
What did it mean that he felt that way now?
He couldn’t imagine there was any kind of danger out there. They were on an isolated island in the middle of astorm, and while they might soon be cut off from the mainland, the worst that could happen was that they’d be locked in with an elderly scam artist and an endless supply of martinis.
He blew out air, laughing at the senseless worry that had crept beneath his skin, and turning to head for dinner. There was no danger here. Nada. Zero. Zip. Just the guarantee of time with the people already on this island, and he was grateful for the opportunity to push his little frog back into traffic before Charlotte got too far away.
Turning on his heel, he headed for the doorway and began whistling the theme fromThe Muppet Show. No sooner did he get the first few notes out than the hair on the back of his neck stood on end, and he was filled with the insidious certainty that he was being watched, reminding him of a truth he long ago should have tattooed to the front of his mind.
Danger didn’t make appointments.
It showed up whenever it damn well pleased.
6
The old house howled and whistled in the wind, the walls seeming to shake with every gust as Charlotte sat across from Cowboy and Grams at the dining room table. Several candles flickered in the drafty room as they ate from the thick marble platter full of spicy meats and fancy cheeses Grams had prepared as the first course of dinner. She’d always gone all-out at mealtime, and it was nice to see some things hadn’t changed.
Charlotte was hyperaware she needed to ascertain both her grandmother’s mental state and Tom’s intentions, neither one of which would be easy to decipher. Her stomach jangled with stress, dampening her appetite, but Cowboy ate with irritating gusto.
“This cheese is delicious, Grams,” he said, and Charlotte bristled at the use of the relational nickname, no matter that her grandmother had insisted he use it. Cowboy wasn’t family, and no matter what he wanted, he never would be.
“Glad you like it,” said Grams. “There’s something magical about candlelight, especially with a good meal. I amconcerned, though. The worst of the storm is still hours away. How high was the water when you came in?”
“Within a couple feet of the roadway,” he said. “I don’t think those low bridges are going to make it.”
“Hmm.” Grams got a faraway look in her eye.
Forget concerned. If Charlotte didn’t know better, she’d say her grandmother was downright worried. “Will Tom be joining us?”
“I’m not sure. He’s probably in his office.” She waved her hand. “Always working, that one. He’s really taken to the family business.”
Charlotte’s brows went up. “You’re letting him work for Signet?”
“Of course. I think it’s wonderful. After all these years of running the business since your grandfather passed, I’m ready to let someone eltake the reinsgns.”
“Grams, you’re not letting him run the company, are you?”
“Goodness, no, but it’s nice to have someone share the responsibility. He has some excellent ideas for the future. Expanding into new markets, thinking up new products. He’s really quite the visionary.”
Charlotte felt blindsided. This was worse than she’d feared. “So, you’re going to marry this guy and give him control over the business it took Grandpa forty years to build.”
Cowboy’s voice held a note of warning. “Char…”
The older woman clucked her tongue. “I wasn’t born yesterday, dear. I’m having him sign a prenuptial agreement to protect myself. But he’s a professor of economics with a brain for business and a deep interest in our work. Why shouldn’t he be part of the company?”
Charlotte leaned forward. “What if he’s a scammer,Grams? What if he’s taking you for a ride because he wants your money, or your house, or the entire company, for God’s sake?”
Tom cleared his throat from the doorway. “Looks like I’m late to the party.” He crossed to Loretta and kissed her cheek, despite the way Grams pulled back several inches when he got near. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I lost track of time going through some reports.”
Charlotte narrowed her eyes. Were they fighting? Is that why Grams hadn’t answered the door right away when she and Cowboy arrived?
Tom eyed Charlotte with a distinctively piqued look. “I couldn’t help but overhear your comments.”
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m just looking out for my grandmother’s interests.”
“As any good granddaughter would do.” He sat at the head of the table.
The only person she’d ever seen sitting there was her grandfather, and the image of Tom in his place was unsettling. She should be polite, make small-talk. But finding socially acceptable conversation had always been a struggle for Charlotte. Her mother’s voice spoke clearly in her mind.
