Intrusion by Kay Arlene

Author:Kay, Arlene [Kay, Arlene]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Mainly Murder Press
Published: 2011-11-08T16:00:00+00:00

Fifteen

She was waiting for me, hands folded, ankles crossed, the very picture of a well-bred lady. Even her smile was letter perfect.

“Arun tells me you have questions, Elisabeth. Come on in. Please, take a seat.”

Our eyes met, telegraphing an unspoken challenge. I’m ready for you, Doctor. Time to set things straight.

I’d handled plenty of business negotiations at Sweet Nothings. Few things bothered me anymore. As long as I focused on Tommy, everything would be just fine. I channeled my inner waif, hoping to allay Meg’s suspicions. It didn’t fool her for a minute.

“Let’s talk money,” I said. “How do you plan to use the proceeds from Tommy’s insurance policy?”

Meg uncrossed her ankles and leaned forward. “Isn’t that discussion premature? Until his murder is resolved, there is no money. Arun spoke with the insurance company today.”

“Surely you’ve considered the issue,” I said. “You’re an excellent planner.”

Meg shook her shiny platinum hair. “Perhaps I should call Arun. He’s a partner, too.”

“As you wish. I’ll speak for myself and Ms. Ott. It’s all theoretical anyway.”

She buzzed Rao’s number and poured herself more coffee. The woman mainlined caffeine. Shouldn’t a doctor be abstemious?

Arun flew through the doorway as if Meg had some strange, hypnotic hold on him. He nodded to me and claimed a seat next to his mentor.

“We’re discussing strategy, Arun. Tell Mrs. Buckley our proposal for using the insurance proceeds.” Meg leaned toward him. She had crossed her legs, letting a lacey black slip peek out over shapely knees.

Dr. Arun Rao, prize pupil and automaton, recited his lines perfectly. “The funds were always meant to support CYBER-MED. We’ll use them to buy out you and Candy … Ms. Ott.”

“Really? We’d consider that, of course, but we’re also entertaining another offer.”

Meg’s body coiled like a striking serpent. I’d played a different card in the deck.

“Another offer? May I ask who made this offer? We’ll match or exceed any reasonable bid. The survival of this company is critical.”

I shook my head. “It’s still very preliminary, and I’m not at liberty to disclose any specifics.”

“It’s Lucian Sand. I know it!” Arun leapt to his feet and started pacing. “He’s conning you, don’t you see? You can’t trust anything that guy says.”

Meg pasted a frozen smile on her face and held up her hand. “Let’s remain civil. I know this has been difficult for you, Elisabeth, what with Thomas’s death and … “

“His murder, Meg. Don’t you forget it. I never will.”

“Of course. Please forgive me.” Meg was in soothing healer mode. Arun leaned against the wall, a scowl marring his handsome features.

“You think it’s one of us, don’t you?” His eyes were feverish. “What did Tommy tell you? I was his best friend.”

My self-control tore like a gently frayed garment. “No, Arun. I was his best friend. Candy, too. Maybe I wasn’t there for him when he needed me, but I sure as hell am now. Count on it.” I rose unsteadily, bracing myself against the chair. “If you or anyone else at CYBER-MED was responsible for taking my friend’s life, watch out.

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