For Her Eyes Only (McCormack Security Agency) by Curtis Shannon

Author:Curtis, Shannon [Curtis, Shannon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Carina Press
Published: 2013-11-03T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

“What is it that you really want to do?” Neil asked the group at large. They all stood at the crest of the mountain, chairlift creaking behind them, and snow-blanketed ski trails before them. They were above the tree line, and the vista was stunning. Clouds were white and fluffy above them, but grew to a gradual blend of dark gray in the distance, as though an artist had used a brush against the canvas of big sky. A storm was brewing.

For once, the picture-postcard perfection left Ryan unmoved. Let’s just get on with it. He shifted on his skis. The chill winds bit like sharp needles into the exposed skin between cap and scarf. He didn’t want to don his goggles until Neil and Gavin had finished whatever inspiring baloney they could dredge up and shovel to their gullible guests.

“What is it that you want to achieve with your life? What do you want to be?” Neil looked around expectantly.

Oh, God, it’s not a rhetorical question, the man actually wants answers. Ryan shifted his gaze around the group. Vicky stood beside him, and was intently fidgeting with the strap on one of her stocks. She didn’t look at Neil or Gavin, nor did she look at Jeffrey and Margie. Or Ryan. Hell, she hadn’t looked at him since last night.

“Jeffrey, what would you like to achieve, to be?” Gavin asked the tall lawyer.

“I want to make partner,” the man replied instantly, and Ryan noticed Margie nodding in approval behind him. Must be a joint goal.

“What about you, Paula? What would you like, really?” Gavin asked, and Paula glanced uncertainly around the group. “It’s okay, Paula, we’re all friends here, and we all have hopes and dreams. What are yours?”

The young woman forced a smile. “Well, I guess I’d like to get some catwalk jobs, get out of the swimsuit calendars. Then I’d like to use that as a springboard to my own label—fashion, cosmetics, organic food, whatever.”

Ryan’s eyebrow rose. “Whatever” would be hard to brand.

“That’s a great plan, Paula. What about you, Deborah?” Neil asked, his smile reflecting the brightness of the snow.

Ryan shuddered. Oh, please, don’t make this a bare-all session. The powder was soft and fresh, the weather was great, and he had to talk about dreams. Kill me now. He tried to look interested as Deborah answered the question.

“Well,” she giggled, “this will probably sound silly,” she said.

“No dream is too big, too small or too silly, Deborah,” Neil encouraged her warmly.

Ryan decided it was time to don the goggles. It would make it harder for anyone to notice when he rolled his eyes.

“I want a family. I’d love to have several children, and start up a cupcake business.”

Ryan had to grab hold of Vicky, who had startled at Deborah’s remark. Vicky muttered a quiet thank-you as she schooled her features into polite interest.

Hank shifted on his skis. “Come on, Deb, we’ve talked about this.”

Deborah’s eager expression stuttered, as though someone had extinguished the light from the candle.

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