Family Man

“Eventually. She was quite happy with my father. They had a good marriage. Unfortunately, Dad was not the businessman my grandfather was.”
    “Just as my father hasn't got the genius for business that Justine has. Damn it, I wish Justine wouldn't assume that the talent has dried up on our side of the family just because my father didn't inherit it. Talent sometimes skips generations.” Darren's hand clamped around the railing. “All I want her to do is give me a chance.”
    “I know, Darren. I'm sorry. I've tried to talk to her about it, but she's convinced herself that Luke is the only one who can take her place. That's all she's been able to think about lately.”
    “Bastard. Walks right in through the front door and plucks the ripest fruit from the tree. I can't believe it. How could Justine agree to turn the most successful restaurant over to him as a fee? We don't need him that badly.”
    “Justine thinks you do.”
    “Shit.” Darren looked down at her with sudden intensity. “Look, Katy, I need to talk to you.”
    “You are talking to me.”
    “In private. I've got to discuss something important with you. I can't do it here with the others in the next room. When can I see you?”
    “Anytime, I guess. I'll be in my office tomorrow at eight.”
    Darren shook his head quickly. “No, not in your office. I'll come by your place late tomorrow afternoon.”
    Katy hesitated and then shrugged. “All right.”
    “Thanks, Katy.” He leaned down to kiss her lightly on the cheek. “I appreciate it. You've always been a good friend of the family.”
    There was no sound behind her, but Katy sensed a familiar presence standing in the open French doors. She turned her head and saw Luke standing there. The lights of the living room blazed behind him, throwing his face into impenetrable shadow.
    “Are you ready to leave?” Luke's voice was expressionless.
    “Yes.” Katy stepped forward in relief. “I'll get my coat from Mrs. Igorson. Good night, Darren. See you tomorrow.”
    “Right,” Darren said softly.
    Luke glanced at Darren and then followed Katy back into the living room.
    “I'm going to take Katy home,” Luke said to his grandmother.
    “Of course.” Justine nodded at Katy. “It was a pleasure to have you with us, my dear. Say hello to young Matt for me.”
    “I will. Good night, Justine.” Katy gave her a quick little peck on the cheek. She bade the others good night and moved to take her coat from Mrs. Igorson.
    “Can't blame you for skipping out early,” Mrs. Igorson grumbled. “Just wish I could leave, too. It's not going to be what you'd call real cheerful around here after you two take off.”
    “I hadn't noticed it being real cheerful around here up until now,” Katy said dryly. “But then, I don't suppose Gilchrists would know what to do with a lot of cheerfulness. See you later, Mrs. Igorson.”
    Luke took Katy's arm and led her out into the night. He said nothing as they got into the Jaguar and started back toward the cliff cottages.
    “Well, that was certainly the fun and entertaining event I expected it to be.” Katy leaned her head back against the seat.
    “Yeah, it was everything I expected, too.” Luke gazed straight ahead into the night as he drove. The light over the front door of his cottage was visible in the distance. “Come in and have a nightcap with me.”
    Katy felt a tingle of uneasy excitement go through her. “Is that an order from boss to humble employee, or are you asking me politely?”
    “I'm asking politely. Of course, if you refuse, I'll probably make it an order. I feel like some company while I unwind. It's been a long day and an even longer evening.”
    “You've got Zeke for company.”
    “Zeke is terrific in a lot of ways, but he's not much of a conversationalist.” Luke parked the car in the drive of his small cottage.
    “That's what you want tonight? Conversation?”
    He removed the key from the ignition and turned to look at her. “What else would I want?”
    Katy winced. “Darned if I know. Sure, I'll come in for a nightcap. But I can't stay long. Matt will be expecting me.”
    “I know.”
    Luke got out of the car and walked her to the front door. Zeke was sprawled on the rug in the front room. His bowl was beside him. He twitched an ear and opened one eye when Luke turned on a lamp, but he didn't bother to move.
    “Terrific watchdog,” Katy observed.
    “Zeke knows when to get excited and when not to bother. I'm going to start