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Costa frowned, for Galen was not one for idle conversation. Certainly they rarely got involved in each other’s line of work. ‘I told Kristina not to gossip.’
‘It was a formal complaint, not gossip,’ Galen countered. ‘It’s signatures next week on the Middle East deal, isn’t it?’
Costa didn’t respond.
‘I’m just curious as to why you’re seeing him tonight when you’ve been stalling for weeks.’
‘We’re Greek,’ Costa responded casually. ‘You know that means we do business face to face.’
‘Ridgemont’s not Greek,’ Galen needlessly pointed out. ‘And you stopped partying with him long ago.’
‘Some things are best said out of the boardroom.’
‘Costa,’ Galen warned. ‘I’m not sure what you’re up to, but—’
‘Let’s keep it that way.’ Costa was brusque now, closing his computer and getting ready to head off to catch his plane.
‘The recent land sale in Anapliró...theunavoidabledelays...’ Galen spoke on. ‘If I’m guessing right, then so too might Ridgemont.’
Still Costa said nothing.
‘He’s a tyrant.’
‘You think I don’t know that?’
‘Look, I don’t doubt you have the legalities covered. But for all Ridgemont’s pedigree he’s a spoiled man-child with a temper. If you’re about to shaft him...’
Christ, evenGalencould see it!
‘Then it’s just as well I was oncekakoúrgos.’ Costa shrugged, for he had survived the streets and, yes, had been a bit thuggish at times. ‘Don’t waste your time worrying about my business.’
‘Keep your guard up, Costa...’ Galen warned.
Except Costa did not need Galen’s warning. His guard had been up for more than a quarter of a century.
Costa had hated Eric Ridgemont with a passion since he was ten. Not that Galen or anyone else knew that.
Now he was headed to London with but one thing on his mind.
Severance.
It started tonight.
CHAPTER ONE
ONCEUPONATIMEshe’d been brave. Mary had it in writing!
Lost in a daydream as she swept the salon floor, Mary thought of the old-school report she had leafed through last night.
Mary can be somewhat reckless at times...
Mary seems to delight in mischief...
Yes, and once she had worn a mettlesome smile and been full of daring and spirit...
‘Mary!’
She was startled by the voice of Coral, her boss.
