Perfect Partners

the main industry of Echo Cove, would you have gone after the commercial fishing operation that is located there instead?”
    “Hell, no.”
    “Then it’s safe to say that your target is Victor Copeland, not the whole town.”
    “Damn it. What is this? An inquisition? I’ve already agreed with that. It’s no secret. But I’m going to bring Copeland down and that’s final.”
    Letty studied him for a long moment. “Joel, there may be a way to do that without sacrificing the whole town.”
    Joel stopped pacing and walked over to the desk. He planted his hands on the surface and loomed over her. “You can keep your klutzy secretary, and you can rewrite all the instruction manuals you want. Hell, I’ll even let you plan the office Christmas party. But don’t even think about getting between me and Copeland. I’m going to break him, Letty. I’ll do whatever it takes. If you get in the way, you’ll get hurt. Understand?”
    “Yes, Joel. I understand.”
    He glowered at her, aware that something had gone out of her voice; it sounded flat and distant all of a sudden. He realized her lower lip was quivering slightly. He felt like a brute.
    “For Christ’s sake, Letty.” He straightened away from the desk and paced to the window. “I’ve told you how it is between me and Copeland.”
    “I know.” Letty got to her feet. She picked up a file from her desk. “You’ve made it clear that revenge is more important than any other minor considerations in your life.”
    He gritted his teeth, knowing full well she was lumping herself in with the other minor considerations. “You’re too emotional, Letty.”
    “I’m too emotional?” She gave a choked laugh. “That’s a joke, coming from you. You’re one of the most emotional people I’ve ever known.”
    That accusation infuriated him. “The hell I am.”
    “Joel, please, no more scenes. I’ve had enough for today. I want you to take Keith Escott’s file and read it. See what you think. If you can get past your highly emotional reaction to his proposal, take a close look at the numbers. Tell me honestly if he’s right about being able to save Copeland Marine.”
    “How many times do I have to tell you that I won’t walk across the goddamn street to save Copeland Marine?” Joel roared.
    Letty flinched, but she held her ground. She shoved her glasses up onto her nose. “Stop ranting and raving for one damn minute and
think
. Saving Copeland Marine does not necessarily mean saving Victor Copeland.”
    “Copeland
is
Copeland Marine.”
    “Only in your mind. It doesn’t have to be that way, you moose-brained idiot.
Keith Escott could be Copeland Marine
.”
    Joel stared at her dumbfounded. “What the hell…”
    “It’s true. Just read that report and think about it, Joel. We own controlling interest in Copeland Marine, right?”
    “Damn right.”
    “Then we can kick out the old management and install a whole new bunch of managers. Starting at the top.”
    Joel’s brain seemed to have turned to mush. He struggled to grapple with the concept at hand. “Fire Victor Copeland?”
    “Why not?” Letty smiled grimly. “Just as he fired your father, Joel. And then we’ll hire Keith Escott to run Copeland Marine.”
    Joel shook off the cobwebs. “It won’t work.”
    “You may be right. But you won’t know that for certain until you read Keith’s five-year plan summary, will you?”
    “Give me one good reason why I should read this management plan, Letty.”
    “Because I’m asking you to read it.”
    He eyed her sharply. “Are you threatening me in your own unsubtle way? Are you telling me you won’t sleep with me unless I read it?”
    She gave him a brittle smile that did not conceal the hurt in her eyes. “Of course not, Joel. You said yourself just this morning that I would never be able to use our personal relationship to manipulate you when it came to business.”
    “Letty, I didn’t mean—”
    “You also made it quite clear a minute ago that you intend to have your revenge even if it means hurting me. I know exactly where I stand in all this. I have no illusions about being able to influence you just because we’re involved in an affair.”
    “Damn it, Letty…”
    “Try to read Keith’s proposal with an open mind.” Letty got to her feet and went to the door. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going down to the third-floor conference room to pitch a tent.”
    Arthur looked up as she went past his desk. He blinked