The Chilling Deception by Jayne Ann Krentz (as Jayne Castle)

Author:Jayne Ann Krentz (as Jayne Castle)
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: mom 05/31/2014
ISBN: 9780440113492
Publisher: Dell Pub Co
Published: 1986-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

There were times, Zac reflected a few hours later, when he’d give anything to have Gwen’s winning way with people, when he would find it very useful to have them confide as easily in him as they often did in her. Theoretically he should have had Gwen with him when he tried to pin down his anxiety-ridden client. She always had a soothing effect on people. But the truth was he didn’t dare get her any more involved in this crazy situation than she already was. Furthermore, if Vandyke was enmeshed in some drug-running scam the last thing Zac wanted was for his client to think he and Gwen were aware of it. People who ran drugs were inclined to be defensive on occasion. Downright hostile, in fact. The simple truth was, people who ran drugs were often willing to kill to protect their lucrative secrets. No, Zac decided, if Vandyke was innocent, and genuinely needed help, the man was going to have to volunteer more information.

By ten thirty that evening Zac had to admit that thus far the gentle art of subtle interrogation was not going well. He was fairly good at the straightforward pin-them-to-the-wall style, but he lacked the finesse needed for the more diplomatic strategy. He ordered another tequila and watched Guinevere dancing with Toby Springer. The sight annoyed him, but he had to admit it kept her occupied and away from the table while he was trying to corner Vandyke. Beside him Vandyke watched the pair on the dance floor broodingly. Washburn had retired a half hour earlier. Zac decided to make one more attempt with Vandyke.

“With your competitors gone, and now that you and Washburn have signed the development deal, I can’t see any further need to worry about that briefcase, Mr. Vandyke. I think I’ll let you keep it tonight.”

“Fine.” Vandyke sounded uninterested. He was still watching Guinevere and Springer.

“I thought Gwen and I could catch the first ferry out in the morning.”

That caught Vandyke’s attention. “You’re going back early? I thought we agreed you’d stay until I’m ready to return to Seattle. I was planning on leaving around noon. Actually, I had planned to discuss the possibility of your continuing to – “

“I’ve got a business to run, and it really doesn’t look as if you need me any longer,” Zac said ruthlessly. He looked at the older man. “I’m not sure you ever needed me in the first place. No one so much as winked at that damn briefcase.”

Vandyke shifted his glance back to the dance floor. “Having you along was just a precaution.”

“Against what?”

“You know. Theft, industrial espionage, that sort of thing. You can’t be too careful these days.”

Zac held on to his patience. “Why don’t we level with each other, Vandyke. If you’re in trouble, tell me. You’re my client. I’ll do my best to help you. But don’t give me any more bull about that damn briefcase. You were never all that concerned about it. You just wanted me nearby.

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