Tough Enough by B. J. Daniels, Jayne Ann Krentz, Lindsay McKenna Read Free Book Online

and I did what I had to do.”
    “The way he saw it, when the chips were down, I was the one who owned your loyalty. He was right in a way, wasn’t he? But he didn’t like that one bit, Margaret. I think he saw me as the other man in your life.”
    “You were my employer, nothing more. Rafe knew that. Tell me something, Jack, did you really lie to him about us?”
    Moorcroft shrugged apologetically. “Cassidy was out of control that morning. He thought what he wanted to think, which was that you felt loyal to me not only because you worked for me but because we’d been involved in an affair.”
    Margaret shook her head in sheer disgust. “You did lie to him.”
    “Does it matter if I let him think what he was already thinking? The damage had been done. He’d already thrown you out and he knew he’d lost Spencer to me.”
    “So you decided to take advantage of the situation and gloat over your victory.”
    Moorcroft smiled cryptically. “I’ll admit I couldn’t resist the chance to sink the knife in a little deeper. Two years ago Cassidy cost me a bundle when he wrecked a merger I had set up. I owed him.”
    “And I just happened to get caught in the middle this time.”
    “You probably don’t believe this, but I’m sorry about what happened, Margaret.”
    “Sure. Look, let’s just forget this, all right? I’ve got better things to do than talk over old times.”
    “Unfortunately I can’t forget it.” Moorcroft leaned forward intently. “I can’t forget it because Cassidy hasn’t forgotten it. He’s after me.”
    “What are you talking about?”
    “This isn’t just a business rivalry between that damned cowboy and me any longer. Because of you it’s turned into some kind of personal vendetta for him. A hundred years ago he would have challenged me to a showdown at high noon or some such nonsense. But we live in a civilized age now, don’t we? Cassidy’s going to be a bit more subtle about his vengeance.”
    Margaret stared at him. “What in the world are you talking about, Jack?”
    Moorcroft sat hunched over his latte, his hazel eyes intent. “He’s up to something, Margaret. My sources tell me he’s got a deal going, a deal that could directly affect Moorcroft Industries. I need to find out what’s going on before it’s too late. I need inside information.”
    “Sounds like you’ve already got information.”
    “Some. I don’t know how much I can trust it.”
    “That’s your problem, Jack.”
    “Look, Cassidy always plays his cards close to his chest but after what happened with you last year, he’s more cautious than ever. Whatever he’s working on is being kept under very tight security. I have to find out what he’s up to, Margaret, before it’s too late.”
    “Why are you coming to me about this? I don’t work for you any longer, remember? I don’t work for anyone except myself now. And I like it that way, Jack. I like it very much.”
    Moorcroft smiled. “Yes, I can see that. You look good, Margaret. Very good. I know you’re out of thescene and you want to keep it that way, but I’m desperate and I need help. That business between me and Cassidy last year?”
    “What about it?”
    “That’s all it was until you got involved. Business as usual. Cassidy and I have tangled before. Bound to happen. We’re natural competitors. But after you came into the picture all that changed. Cassidy’s out for blood now. Lately I’ve had the feeling I’m being hunted and I don’t like it. I’m asking you to help me.”
    “You’re out of your mind. I can’t help you. I wouldn’t even if I were in a position to do so. As you said, I’m out of this.”
    Moorcroft shook his head. “It’s not your fault, Margaret, but the truth is, unwittingly or not, you started it. And now Cassidy is involving you again.”
    Margaret sat very still in her chair. “What makes you say that?”
    “He’s invited you down to that spread of his in Arizona, hasn’t he?”
    “How do you