1-Chloe-Kate-Bella

by Unknown

“Alright…you got me on that one. What’d you need?”

  “Wetherly Systems…what do you know that isn’t on public lists somewhere,” Kate had a pen poised. She heard him inhaled deeply.

  “Well…I know money wise, they’re not doing so hot. I know since the old man died and even a year or so before that, things have begun to get shaky. Missed deadlines…slipped deliveries. I know there are rumors about some missing block of stock. I know there’s a board meeting in three or four weeks. And if you’re talking about Wetherly, then you also have to talk about Aero Visions. Is there a story I should be aware of, Kate?”

  “You have the exclusive, Rick, as soon as I know exactly what it is,” she assured him, the confusion evident in her voice. “So what’s going on with this Aero Visions?”

  “Ok…all the problems that Wetherly has, have attracted either a buy out or less than friendly takeover. I know board members have been approached. I know they’ve lost a few recent bids because of really bad management and some seriously unhappy employees. I’m pretty certain Wetherly has been offered a decent buy out and it was refused. That’s why there is a search on for the missing stock. Either side would pay a bundle to get their hands on that block.”

  “Tell me about Aero Visions,” Kate continued writing, one hand stroking the back of her neck while she listened and wrote.

  “A good, solid company. Good management. Above average benefits and a solid reputation as far as products go. They also have an American reputation, which, these days, is turning into a major political point.”

  “In your business opinion, would it be a good thing for Aero to take over Wetherly?”

  “Yes, short and long term. Aero’s brought two other small companies into his from the area in the last three years. One was an outright buy out. He made them a good offer and they took it. The other was a forced merger.”

  “How does he decide who to take?”

  “You mean companies? Both of them were like Wetherly, Kate. Both had bad management, some poor accounting practices; some used out of the country vendors that used less than good quality materials; they weren’t growing, just kind of barely making it. But each of them had a few good solid contracts that were worth the effort. What he does is offer them fair exchange for their stock, with Aero Visions stock. He relocates the people and machinery to his location, sells off everything else. Do some people lose their jobs, yes. Again, some because of poor fit, job wise, some just because it happens. But he offers them severance and helps with job placement, as much as he can. His personnel people have a good reputation.”

  “Wetherly doesn’t want to go peacefully?”

  “Oh, hell no. The people, the workers and contracts will benefit. If Wetherly forces things and the price of their stock falls, they’ll lose money in the deal. It’s not like Aero is a corporate raider, Kate. Wetherly has problems that will hurt the employees if not fixed but I’m not sure Stephen Wetherly is capable of making things turn around. He’s one of those old school types who won’t listen to the experts. He’s had two separate companies that he paid to tell him how to turn things around, and blew them off. The older Wetherly wasn’t like that, I think that’s why the company thrived for so long.”

  “You’re right about Wetherly.”

  “What’s the story, Kate?”

  “What I can tell you isn’t for publishing yet, Rick,” she knew he would honor her request. “Probably later this week, though, you’ll know more. I’m sure you can piece together things when I tell you I know where the missing stock is.”

  “Friend or foe?”

  “Depends on your perspective, don’t it?” Kate sighed heavily. “I know what I’m going to recommend to my client.”

  “The old man died a few months back. I’m more than a little positive he held the controlling stock. So that means he left the stock to someone other than his son or anyone on good terms with Stephen Wetherly,” Rick leaned back in his chair, digging deep for the tidbits he knew about the family. “I know he has a daughter and they are estranged…so I’m going to take a wild guess and say she now owns the stock.”

  “Thanks for the information, Rick. I’ll be in touch,” Kate ended the call before he could protest. She tapped in Chloe’s number and listened to the cheerful voice on the other end. “You sound amazingly chirpy.”

  “I think I blame Simon…”

  “The authoritative voice from the other morning?”

  “Hmm…I’ll introduce you at the fund raiser Friday night. I’ve got the most incredible costume,” Chloe breathed secretively. “Who are you going as?”

  “Inara Serra,” Kate answered, the sight of the half Geisha half belly dancer outfit hanging in her closet making her smile.

  “That’s a tough one to pull together…she was beautiful in that show, so I know you’ll definitely do her justice,” Chloe brought herself to ask. “Is this about the will?”

  “Yes. I have it. And you are now the owner of your grandfather’s shares of stock in Wetherly Systems. But that isn’t all the information I have for you,” Kate proceeded to explain everything that Rick had told her.

  “Do you have the actual stock?” Chloe asked quietly.

  “I have issued a request that it be turned over to me, as your representative and it has been sent over by courier. Your father is extremely unhappy.”

  “My father isn’t good to his employees. I remember visiting the company a few times. I remember how he treated people. I wouldn’t work for him. This other company that wants the merger…do they have a good reputation?”

  “My source is good and honest. He says it’s a very good firm. With a determination to use American sources, or create his own. He tells me that most of the employees would remain employed, something that is doubtful within the next few years if a merger doesn’t happen.”

  “What happens to the stock in a merger?”

  “You’re given equal shares of this Aero Visions stock. So it’d basically go into your investment portfolio. I don’t know what that would net you in terms of a seat on the board or that kind of thing. I can find out…”

  “It doesn’t matter. Fax me whatever you need me to sign, Kate. You handle it. Give it to Aero Visions and tell them I only ask that they take care of the people and meet our obligations,” Chloe said firmly. “Integrity was important to my grandfather.”

  “Chloe, I’ve sent a very strong letter of warning to your father, through his attorney. So other people are aware of things,” Kate could feel her pain. “You won’t listen if I tell you to hire a personal bodyguard for a few weeks, will you?”

  “Between Nyssa and Simon…I’m watched, trust me. I’ve been staying with him. His place is gated and alarmed, so I think it’s okay,” Chloe assured her, promising to be careful before ending the conversation.

  Time, Kate mused, slipping her feet from her shoes and standing before the large window. She slid the short jacket off and went through a couple tension easing stretches.

  The light tap on her door brought the word, “Enter!” From her without thinking. Chris was used to seeing her go through the stretches. Kate was bent at the waist, arms straight out in a ninety degree angle when the appreciative whistle filled the office, the faintest of giggles reaching her before the door closed.

  Kate lost her balance and stumbled and spun at the same time, dark lashes wide and fierce. Until they landed on that damned boyish grin. He was leaning those broad shoulders against the door, arms crossed over his chest.

  “You know…that particular view of you will forever be lodged in my memory,” he told her with a reverent sigh.

  “H
ow did you bribe my admin?” Kate struggled for a bluster, righting her shoes and stepping into them. "I was…my yoga stretches…”

  “No explanation needed, gorgeous,” Dylan pushed away from the door. “I thought I’d come in person and talk you into a nice dinner out. Italian?”

  “How did you bribe my admin?” She repeated, striding to stand in front of him, a mistake she didn’t realize until his arms unfolded. Eyes went wide when she realized his intent, his hands wrapping around her upper arms and pulling her hard against him.

  “With this boyish grin? I don’t need bribery…but I do need to thank you for pointing out a long ignored talent,” Dylan deliberately held his face inches above hers, laughing softly at the petulant frown.

  “I want your mother’s number, mister. I’m betting you’ve been using that charm since you were born,” Kate didn’t stop her hands from settling along the waistline of his jeans. “You are a really bad influence, Dylan.”

  “Hmm…never been kissed in your office?” He asked quietly, his lips slightly parted and brushing ever so softly over hers, but not settling until she went to her toes, completing the connection with a tiny growl deep in her throat.

  Kate knew it was physically impossible for bones to melt. But for some idiot reason, her knees weren’t co-operating and she really liked the way his hair felt against her palms. She also wasn’t sure just how her fingers got twined in his hair. Working that out at the moment seemed less and less important. Warmth surged through her when her lips parted, a softly teasing fencing match making her suddenly push hard against his chest.

  She stared at him, shook her head and moved quickly across the room, snatched up the little jacket that went with the autumn colored skirt and pale blouse. Her hand rose, one finger up to halt any words from him for a few minutes. Fingers clenched around the straps of her bag. Control, her mind whimpered. You have always been in control. This was nuts.

  “Kate?” Dylan was glad his shirt was not tucked into his jeans, a long breath easing out with her name.

  “No more of that.” She announced firmly. “You said dinner?”

  “I really am a corrupting influence?” He asked when they were safely and quietly in the elevator.

  “There will be no more of that kissing stuff in my office, is that clear?” Kate’s chin was up, eyes narrowed defiantly.

  “There’s always my office…I think it would be a novel experience,” Dylan worked hard to keep from laughing at the disbelief on her face. “Not that way, I’m parked over here.”

  Kate dug in her heels and met the quizzically raised eyebrow. “I need my car in the morning, Dylan, to get to work. I can’t leave it here. Where are we going? I’ll meet you there.” She listened to the directions and nodded, digging keys from her pack and kissing him before he could react. “See you there! I’m up on the third level.”

  Dylan raised a hand and opened his mouth with a protest prepared, but she was already running along the pavement into the parking garage. He heard his younger brother’s voice in his head as he stalked his car. “Getting’ older, bro,” he chuckled with a chuck to his brother’s arm. Dylan was starting to think he was right. Between the woman’s fast feet and quicker brain, he seriously needed some vitamins.

  But he was still chuckling at the expression on her face after he’d kissed her in her office. The girl was a bundle of contradictions.

  Kate exhaled slowly once she was safe inside her car. That male was a hazard to her common sense, she breathed, starting the car and cruising through the parking garage and onto the streets of early evening in Seattle.

  She was sure the color in her cheeks was normal again when she parked outside the quietly nestled restaurant. A chill was settling around her, heels touching the parking lot with a click. She watched Dylan park his car and walked to meet him.

  “How did you find this place? It smells heavenly.” It had barely been a week but it came quite naturally to hold hands with him as they walked.

  “I work with people who seek out unusual, non-chain food stops. Should I broach the kiss in the office thing again?”

  “Not while my stomach is growling,” Kate advised with a sweet smile that made him laugh.

  “Hmm…somehow I would never have pegged you for the inhibited sort,” Dylan ignored the suggestion, greeting the young woman behind the counter. “Hi, Gina…got room for two for dinner?”

  “Dylan! Where’ve you been?” She gathered up two menus and gestured for them to follow. “How about a nice quiet corner? Hi, I’m Gina,” Her palm was held out to Kate.

  “Kate,” she accepted the palm with a bright smile. “This is lovely,” she complimented, sliding along the very smooth bench seat that curved comfortably around the red and white covered table. “I love the pictures. I’ve always wanted to visit Tuscany…just walk through villages and chill at sidewalk cafes.”

  “I was there a year ago,” Gina confided with a long sigh. “You’d love it. Olive trees and sunflowers and the people are so friendly. I did an art tour with school and made tons and tons of drawings. Well, enjoy!” She walked off briskly to the new people entering from the light drizzle outside.

  “Oh,” Kate hurriedly gobbled a bite of the crusty garlic bread. “Before I forget again…I’m going to the fundraiser costume thing at the center on Friday. You wouldn’t happen to be…” One corner of her mouth tilted at the teasing gleam in his eyes. “Hmm…I can’t even begin to guess what sci-fi character appealed to you, Dylan.”

  “Trade information for information?” He offered, pulling a piece of the bread apart and crunching hungrily.

  “I think I want to surprise you,” she said simply, knowing that he would be much easier to spot than she would. It’s hard to hide someone almost six foot three with really nice, broad shoulders.

  Light banter and food filled a couple hours, her fingers up and pulling the pins from her long hair as she leaned back against her car seat. Kate drove slowly, amazed that the marvelous sensation of his parting kiss remained. The man could kiss like she’d never experienced before, she blew a long breath through her lips and guided the car through the streets, not even caring that it had begun to rain.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Kate listened to the invitation to dinner at his apartment the same time Chris held up a big hand written sign reminding her about the bachelorette party that evening. She groaned loudly, turning the page on her calendar and swearing softly.

  “I’m really not that bad a cook,” Dylan assured her, humor in his tone.

  “No…oh, no, it’s not you. I have this…this thing…tonight in Tacoma. I’m sorry.”

  “Thing?”

  “A girl thing. A club called Strawberry Fields.”

  “Really,” Dylan felt his brows rising. He knew the club. He knew the owner. “Well, enjoy your…girl thing,” he teased, hanging up and returning to his desk.

  It was after five when Dylan pulled his tie free and loosened the top buttons of his shirt as he walked from his car. The smell of food cooking caught his attention as he entered Strawberry Fields, eyes adjusting to the inside and scanning for a familiar face.

  “Dylan?” Baron Lathrom made short work of the distance from his office when he recognized his friend, his palm out immediately, while the other clapped Dylan on the back in a hug. “Where’ve you been?”

  “Not in New Orleans anymore. I started my business up north of here, just south of Seattle,” Dylan glanced toward the dining area. “I’m headed for some food. Join me and talk?”

  “Absolutely. We’ve got a couple years to catch up on,” Baron said with a chuckle, letting his assistant manager know where he would be.

  “This is amazing, B
aron. It’s separated out like different venues at Disneyland,” Dylan complimented a couple hours later, the steak he’d had was delicious and they were sharing a cold ale in Baron’s office. “I have to confess there’s another reason I’m out here. A bachelorette party.”

  Baron looked at the computer schedule and tapped an icon on the desktop, turning the monitor. “This one? Whatever brought you down works for me. I had no idea you were back in this area.”

  “Yeah, that one. It’s open to the public?”

  “They have their own, center stage table, but yeah. As you can see,” Baron nodded to the fifty or so women clapping at the edge of the male stripper stage. “Guys are let loose in there after the show. About another ten minutes. Which one is yours?”

  Silver eyes met the dark, knowing circles of his friend. “The brunette with the ponytail. How do they get here?”