Family Man

behavior and other forms of deviancy next. Do you know what a sociopath is?”
    “I've heard the term. Someone without a conscience.”
    “You know, I wouldn't be surprised if your old friend Nate Atwood fits the clinical definition of a sociopath.” Liz assumed her best professorial manner. “Charming, intelligent, and absolutely no conscience at all. As cold-blooded as a reptile.”
    Katy was about to agree, but something made her hesitate. “No, I don't think so. Nate was not cold-blooded. He had his own agenda and it was important to him, but I don't think he wanted to hurt me.”
    “You always look for the best in people, that's your problem.” Liz shook her head. “Poor Eden. Her life with that man must have been awful. You were lucky you escaped his clutches.”
    “So everyone keeps telling me,” Katy muttered. “Excuse me. I've got to talk to Luke.” She hurried out into the corridor and knocked on Luke's office door.
    “Come in,” Luke called.
    Pushing open the door, Katy stepped inside. She stood with her hands behind her on the knob. Luke looked up from the file that was open on his desk. His eyes gleamed at the sight of her.
    Katy suddenly felt very warm. No doubt about it, that was an extremely primitive look. He had not made love to her since they had returned from Seattle three days ago, but he was definitely looking at her as if she belonged to him.
    Good Lord, Katy thought, he had promised to be discreet, but at this rate everyone was going to know they had started an affair. That was the trouble in dealing with Gilchrists. There was nothing subtle about them.
    “What's wrong, Katy?”
    “Liz says you're going downstairs to give Justine a report.”
    “In a few minutes. She's asked for regular reports, and I figure she's entitled to one occasionally. She does own Gilchrist, Inc., if you'll recall.”
    Katy released the doorknob and rushed over to the desk. “Luke, I don't want you to say anything yet about your suspicions.”
    He lounged back in his chair and eyed her consideringly. “No?”
    “No. Wait until you've completed the investigation and know for certain who's to blame for the trouble at the restaurants and at Gilchrist Gourmet. There's no reason to make her think someone in the family may be behind the problems. After all, you may be wrong.”
    “Not likely.”
    Katy glowered at him. “Don't be so damn arrogant. I happen to think you are wrong. Until we find out for sure what's going on, I don't want you alarming Justine. She'll go crazy if she thinks there's a traitor in the family.”
    “What do you suggest I do?”
    “I don't know.” Katy made a vague gesture with her hand. “Yes, I do know. Gloss over the problems for now. Tell her you're getting them under control.”
    “Lie to her?” Luke's brows rose. “Tsk, tsk, Katy. That doesn't sound like the angel I know.”
    “There's no need to lie exactly. Just tell her you're still collecting data. Which is the truth.” Katy leaned forward and planted her hands on the desk. “There's something else. I want you to promise me you won't mention Darren's little problem either. It will upset her, and there's no telling what she might do.”
    Luke contemplated her instructions for a moment. “Let me see if I've got this straight. I'm not supposed to tell her that I think someone in the family is embezzling from the company.”
    “Right.”
    “And I'm supposed to avoid mentioning Darren's situation.”
    Katy nodded quickly, relieved that he understood. “Right.”
    “Anything else you want me to keep quiet about?” Luke asked politely.
    Katy frowned in thought. “I think that covers it.”
    “Okay. I'll follow orders.”
    She brightened with relief. “You will?”
    “If you make it worth my while.”
    “What?” She straightened in outrage.
    “Give me a good reason to keep my mouth shut about embezzlement, the fraud, and the extremely poor judgment of a certain member of the family, and I'll do it,” Luke said.
    Katy glowered at him suspiciously. “What sort of reason do you want?”
    “Not having your high standards, I'm susceptible to a good bribe. Invite me out on a date,” Luke said.
    Katy blushed. “A date. Yes, well, I've already explained that it's going to be extremely inconvenient to conduct an affair with me.”
    “Correction, you said it was going to be extremely difficult to find opportunities to make love to you. I'll worry about that problem. Right now I'm just fishing for a dinner