Hidden Talents

going to force him to admit his role in this.”
    “Caleb, I'm not sure that's such a good idea.”
    Caleb looked at her. “Franklin probably thinks that I'll tiptoe around this thing. He's banking that I'll cave in to the so-called blackmail threat for the sake of the family. But he's wrong. I'm going to blow it wide open.”
    “Your uncle was only trying to protect the family name. Admittedly, he's gone too far, but surely you can understand why he's doing it. I think you should handle this with some delicacy and tact.”
    “Delicacy and tact?” Caleb's smile was even colder than his eyes. “All of my life I've handled my family that way, and what has it gotten me? I've done all the things that I was supposed to do. I've met every demand, done everything that was asked of me, tried to satisfy everyone. But it's never been enough.”
    “What do you mean, it's never been enough?”
    “No matter what I've done, I've never managed to make up for what my parents did. Every time my grandfather and the others look at me, they don't see me, they see my father's fatal flaw and my mother's bad blood. Every time I look into their eyes, I can see them watching and waiting for the big day when I'll prove that all their suspicions about me are right.”
    “Oh, Caleb.” Serenity reached out to touch his arm.
    “The big day has finally arrived.” Caleb got to his feet and reached for the jacket he had slung over the back of the chair.
    “Wait,” Serenity said quickly. “Caleb, I don't want you to do anything rash.”
    “Rash? That's funny coming from you.” Caleb leaned down and kissed her fiercely on her open mouth. When he raised his head, his eyes were gleaming. “You're the one who taught me the meaning of the word.”
    She grabbed his sleeve as he started to move away. “Listen to me. If you force a confrontation in your present mood, you could tear your family apart.”
    “Do you think I give a damn?”
    “It's your family, Caleb.”
    “No, it's not. I've never really been a full-fledged member of the Ventress family. What's more, I'm through trying to become one. I put up with a lot from them over the years, done everything they've ever asked of me in hopes of paying off the blackmail debt I inherited from my parents. But you know what they say about blackmail: It never ends. The only way to stop it is to stop payment.”
    Serenity jumped to her feet. “If you're going to insist on a head-on confrontation with your family, I'd better come with you.”
    “Forget it. I don't want you involved in this.”
    “But I am involved.”
    “You're not coming with me and that's final.”
    The door of the café opened. Webster, clad in his customary dirt-stained overalls, stood in the entrance. He beamed with triumph as he opened his hand to display a smooth, round, palm-sized rock.
    “What d'ya think, Ventress?”
    Caleb glanced at the rock. “Webster, I'm in a rush right now. Why don't we discuss this when I get back?”
    “This sucker is perfect,” Webster said. He gave Caleb a sly look. “And I know where I can get a hundred more just like it. All real beauties like this one.”
    “Like I said, I'm in a hurry at the moment.”
    “Take it,” Webster urged. “Put it in your pocket. Carry it around for a while. See how it feels.”
    “All right, all right, give it to me.” Caleb grabbed the rock and dropped it into the pocket of his jacket. “Now, would you mind getting out of the way? I've got a long drive ahead.”
    “Sure thing, Ventress.” Webster frowned in concern. “You ain't leavin' for good, are you?”
    “I'll be back tonight. We'll discuss the marketing potential of your rock as soon as I've had a chance to take a close look at it.”
    “Okay.” Webster's expression lightened. “Wanted to thank you for what you did last night.”
    “Forget it. I didn't do anything.”
    “Sure.” Webster winked knowingly. “Whatever you say, Ventress.”
    Caleb ignored him. He went through the door and strode swiftly along the wooden sidewalk to where his Jaguar was parked.
    Serenity grabbed her coat. “Excuse me, Webster.”
    “Huh? Oh, sorry. Didn't mean to get in your way.” Webster stood aside as Serenity slipped past him. “Ventress is gonna like that rock. You'll see.”
    “I'm sure he will.” Serenity paused briefly to glance back at Ariadne. “Tell Zone I'm going out of town with Caleb. I'll be back tonight.”
    “I'll tell her,” Ariadne said.
    Serenity whirled around, raced