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He went back to his office and asked Ellie to bring him as much information as she had on Poindexter, Ltd. and its representative, John Gilbraithe.
Trace was ready for him when he showed up at two. They spoke generally for a while, then John asked about the situation in the European office and how it might impact future dealings with his company.
“I don’t anticipate anything but better service and faster turnaround,” Trace said.
“Cath says she may not head up the unit. We’d be sorry not to deal with her,” John said.
Trace felt his gut tighten.
“What did she say?”
“Only she may not get the promotion when Thomas retires. I offered her a job with Poindexter if that happens.”
For a moment Trace couldn’t believe what he heard. He was working to keep Cath in San Francisco and she already had a job offer in London. For a moment he saw his baby six thousand miles away, only to be visited a few times a year. Anger flared. Cath was not taking his child away.
“Actually I’m surprised Cath even would consider such a thing,” he said. “We agreed to live close by because of the baby.”
John looked perplexed. “What baby?”
“Cath’s—and mine,” Trace said.
The other man looked stunned.
“She never said a word. I didn’t know.”
“We haven’t told many people.”
Only family. And Phil when explaining why he was bringing him in. Cath would kill him, he knew it was underhanded. But he couldn’t let this man think she was going to move to London. And the sooner he made sure Cath knew that, the better.
“Congratulations,” John said. “When is it due?”
“May. We are delighted.”
“I’m surprised. I always thought Cath as a career woman first and foremost.”
“She is. Mothers can work the same as fathers.”
“Sure. Of course. Well, this is a surprise. We were going to dinner tonight, I guess you’ll be joining us.”
“I’d be delighted,” Trace said.
If Cath objected, he’d tell her John had invited him.
“As to business, you can remain confident in the dependability of Signals, Inc. We will be increasing sales and enhancing customer service. I don’t think it will matter who is running the European office, your firm will be in good hands,” Trace said.
They discussed business a little longer, then John rose to leave.
“See you at dinner,” he said before leaving.
Trace sat and gazed off into space for a long time once he was alone. Why had he thought Cath would do as he suggested? He’d wanted to tie her closer in marriage, but she’d have none of that. She was bound and determined to get to Europe.
And he was equally fixed on her staying.
Cath went into her room to put on a different sweater to make sure she was warm enough. Thankfully the rain had stopped. It might be cold, but at least it wasn’t wet. She had recommended a restaurant right on the water down at the Embarcadero. The food was excellent as was the service. But it would be breezy by the water and she wanted to keep warm.
John had arrived to take her to dinner. He’d said Trace would be joining them. And just why was that? Cath wondered.
She ran her brush through her hair. Suddenly a shaft of pain hit her low and hard. She doubled over, almost unable to breathe through the pain. Sinking to her knees, she tried to ease the anguish, but nothing helped. Sharp pain radiated from her lower abdomen relentlessly. She clutched her stomach, rocking with the intensity.
