Family Man

inside. Stanfield had a point. If the situation had been reversed, a Gilchrist would never have forgiven or forgotten. “Katy's different,”
    “If you think that, you're a fool. As Justine's personal assistant, Katy's been part of the inner circle for years, but not really a part of it, if you know what I mean.”
    “No, damn it, I don't.”
    Stanfield met Luke's eyes. “She's been almost like family, but not quite family. Not when it counts. She's had to take orders from Gilchrists rather than be in a position to give orders. She's had to put up with Gilchrist moods and whims and dramatics. And all the while she's known that by rights she should have owned part of the damned company.”
    Luke hauled Stanfield up out of the chair. “You're leaving. Now. If you go quietly, I'll bury the evidence that the investigator dug up. Make a scene or cause trouble and I'll smear your reputation with so much mud you'll never work in this town again. Your choice.”
    “You know what I think has eaten at her the most?” Stanfield asked softly. “The fact that her precious brother was screwed out of his inheritance. Matt's the most important person in Katy's life. You should know that by now. I think Katy would do just about anything to get even for what the Gilchrists did to her brother. Think about that the next time you're in bed with her.”
    Luke picked up Stanfield's briefcase and shoved it into his hand. He yanked Stanfield's jacket off the wall hook and tossed it to him. Then he jerked open the office door and shoved Stanfield out into the hall.
    They nearly collided with Katy, who was walking down the hall toward Luke's office. Her eyes widened in surprise as she glanced first at Luke's grim face and then saw Stanfield's derisive smile.
    “Is something wrong?” she asked anxiously.
    “Nothing's wrong, Katy.” Luke clasped Stanfield's shoulder in what he hoped appeared to be a comradely fashion. The truth was, he was squeezing hard enough to paralyze nerve endings. He smiled with false regret. “Except that we're losing our right-hand man here. Stanfield's had a better offer. He's leaving today.”
    “Leaving?” Katy was startled. “Fraser, you didn't tell me you were looking for another position. I knew you were concerned about your future with Gilchrist, but I had no idea you were thinking of leaving.”
    Luke responded before Stanfield could say anything. “You know how it is in the fast lane of the business world, Katy. An up-and-coming executive type like Stanfield here has to grab his opportunities when he sees them. Isn't that right, Stanfield?”
    “Sure. Right. Got to grab your opportunities.” Stanfield's eyes were mocking now. “Katy understands that. She's been waiting for her big chance for years.”
    “And it's almost here. Just as yours is.” Katy smiled warmly. She stepped forward and gave Stanfield a quick, impulsive hug. “I'll miss you, Fraser. I don't know what I would have done without your help. I can't thank you enough for your support.”
    Luke's stomach knotted. “Sorry. Can't hang around for any long good-byes. Stanfield tells me he has a plane to catch. I promised I'd cut some red tape for him in Personnel.” He yanked Stanfield out of Katy's light grasp and steered him down the hall.
    “Good-bye, Fraser,” Katy called.
    Stanfield raised a hand in farewell as Luke practically shoved him into the elevator. “What about Personnel?” Stanfield asked dryly as Luke punched the button that took the elevator to the lobby.
    “Forget Personnel. I'll have them send you the necessary paperwork.”
    Stanfield laughed softly. “It was a good deal, you know?”
    “What was? The sabotage? I assume it must have been to make it worth your while. Who was paying you to make Gilchrist Gourmet look sick?”
    “A consortium that wanted to buy it cheap. I was going to hand it to them on a silver platter at a cut-rate price after Justine finally realized she had to sell.”
    “How much was the consortium going to pay you for arranging things?”
    “I was going to get a piece of the action. I would have been CEO of Gilchrist Gourmet once it was under new management.”
    Luke nodded. “It might have worked. Except that I don't think Justine would ever have sold Gilchrist Gourmet.”
    “She'd have sold. Eventually.”
    “I doubt it.”
    “You'll never be able to prove a thing. We both know it.”
    Luke shrugged. “I know. But I don't have to be able to prove anything to keep you from