Silent Partner by Stephen Frey Read Free Book Online Page B

sip of his drink. “You graduated cum laude from college, yes?”
    “Yes.”
    “Then you got your M.B.A. from Duke.”
    “That’s right.”
    “Which is where you met Samuel Reese, your then future and now former husband. You were divorced from him six years ago after only a year of marriage.” He hesitated. “What happened?”
    “Mr. Lawrence, that’s a very personal question, and I don’t—”
    “Angela, if you help me, I’ll help you.”
    She glanced over at him, trying again to see beneath the brim of the Stetson. But he tilted his head forward slightly, blocking her view. “What does that mean?”
    “I told you. We’ll get to that,” Lawrence said, standing up. “Your ex-husband is from a wealthy family?”
    “Yes,” she replied uneasily as Lawrence walked around the table and sat down on the couch beside her. She was relieved when he kept his distance. He had turned toward her, putting his right arm on the back of the couch and resting his right ankle on his left knee. He was several feet away, but her entire body was tense. It had not occurred to her when her boss had told her to make this trip that Lawrence might want something not of a business nature, that in some way she was a pawn in a $500 million investment. “Based on their lifestyle, I believe my husband’s family had a great deal of money, but I was never allowed to know how much.” If Lawrence did make a move, what was she supposed to do? Scream? Tucker was out there, but he’d worked for Lawrence for twenty years. What was his incentive to help her ? Besides, the men with the guns would keep him at bay, even if he did try to come to her aid.
    “His last name is Reese, but yours is—”
    “I retook my maiden name after the divorce was final,” she explained, anticipating his question again.
    “I see.” Lawrence hesitated. “Are you okay, Angela?” he asked, reaching over and patting her hand.
    “I’m fine.” They stared at each other for the first time at close range, but he didn’t dwell on her eyes as most men did. There hadn’t been that subtle double take. And she realized that Jake Lawrence wasn’t impressed as easily as most men. Attractive women didn’t faze him, probably because he rarely dealt with any who weren’t. “Why?”
    “You seem a little nervous.”
    “Not at all,” she lied, uncertain of whether or not to insist that he take his hand from hers. He could say it was simply a friendly gesture, and then she’d look foolish. She let out a low breath when he removed it from her lap.
    “I like your accent.” He took another sip from his glass. “I’ve always enjoyed a slight Southern drawl. It sounds so nice. Especially in a woman.”
    “Thank you.”
    Lawrence stroked his chin with his thumb and forefinger. “So you want to know why you’re here.”
    “I am curious,” she admitted. “It seems odd to be whisked all the way out here to Wyoming in a private jet without any explanation. Don’t you agree?”
    He smiled at her through the dim light. “I like a little mystery. Don’t you?”
    “Not necessarily.”
    “So you’re one of those people who doesn’t like surprises.”
    “I didn’t say that.”
    “You didn’t have to.” His smile turned smug. “You probably wondered if I was going to make a pass at you.”
    “No, I didn’t,” she replied, trying to act as though his suggestion was silly. “That thought never crossed my mind. My boss said this was a legitimate business meeting, but that the subject matter had to remain confidential so he couldn’t tell me anything. My boss and I have a good relationship. I trust him.”
    “Do you now?”
    Angela glanced up. “Yes. Why?”
    “Just wondered.” Lawrence tapped the back of the sofa. “Well, here’s the deal. I’m working on a project and I want your help.”
    “A project?” she asked, leaning forward.
    “Yes. I’m considering taking a run at a public company. At acquiring it. And I want your assistance.”
    Her