The Ties That Bind

cut off the flow of information.
    "Not many men want to explain to a new love that their ex-wife ran off with their best friend. James was not only Garth's friend, they were partners. I really am chatting too much, aren't I? Steve tells me I tend to talk too much, and I'm afraid he's right. It's just that I was really so pleased to see you and Garth here tonight. Come along, Shannon. I want to introduce you to everyone."
    The doorbell chimed just as Ellen Hutchinson was guiding Shannon toward the terrace. Ellen paused to open it, took one look at Wes McIntyre accompanied by Bonnie Garnett and laughed. "I think I'm getting behind on the latest style," she announced. "Where is everyone getting those wonderful tote bags?"
    Bonnie smiled, glancing down at the tote Shannon had given her after lunch that afternoon. "As far as I know, there's only one other running around San Jose. Hi, Shannon."
    "Hello, Bonnie. I'm glad you like the bag."
    "I couldn't resist bringing it tonight. It does wonders for this dress."
    Shannon was about to reply when Garth's voice sounded from directly behind her.
    "Here's your drink, Shannon."
    She spun around, realizing she hadn't heard his approach. "Thank you, Garth." Demurely she accepted the glass of white wine.
    "Come on out on the terrace. You might as well meet a few of these people."
    Shannon nodded, ignoring the cool tone of his voice. She sensed the silent tension in him as he casually made introductions to a bewildering variety of people. His possessiveness must have been obvious to the others, she decided. Garth rarely left her side as the party wore on. He hovered over her like a protective hawk, his expression watchful.
    On at least three occasions his attitude was even more austere than normal when he made introductions. The first time she noticed it, Shannon turned to look up at Garth as the man she had just met moved off into the crowd.
    "What's wrong, Garth?"
    "Kenyon's firm is also bidding on the Carstairs contract," he explained grudgingly.
    "Oh. He seemed nice enough."
    "He'd cut my throat in a dark alley for that contract."
    Shannon grinned. "Then you'd better stay out of dark alleys until the bidding is settled."
    It was Wes McIntyre who responded to her comment as he wandered over to stand beside Shannon. He cast a half-humorous, half-knowing look at his boss. "If Kenyon has any sense, he'll be the one keeping clear of dark alleys. He's competed against Sherilectronics before. He knows Garth doesn't play games."
    "What a cheerful thought." Shannon didn't look at Garth.
    A few minutes later she experienced the second overly polite introduction, this time to a pleasant young man who clearly belonged to one of the Ferraris parked outside. When he'd departed in search of another drink, Shannon cocked an eyebrow at Garth.
    "Well?" she demanded. "Why the cold shoulder there?"
    "Tyler used to work for me. When he got lured away by HiCal , he tried to take several new component designs with him."
    Shannon swallowed. "I see."
    "He didn't get out the door with them. But just to teach HiCal a lesson, I stole one of their best design engineers."
    "A fun business."
    On the third occasion she sensed an added coldness in the introductions. Shannon was almost afraid to inquire into the matter. But curiosity overcame good sense.
    "Okay," she challenged, "what awful crime did that nice Mr. Eaker commit against Sherilectronics ?"
    "None."
    "Then why all the disdain and disgust?"
    " Eaker is presently under investigation by the FBI for his role in a recent sale of restricted electronic parts to a foreign power."
    Shannon nearly choked on her wine. "Good lord. A spy? An honest-to-goodness spy?"
    "Nothing's been proven yet."
    "But you're sure Eaker is involved?"
    "It's a good bet. It's also a good bet the FBI won't be able to nail him. He's smart."
    "What's he doing at a nice party like this?" Shannon asked, bewildered.
    Garth's mouth curved. "As I said, nothing's been proven."
    Shannon tried to enjoy herself for the remainder of the evening, but it was difficult. If she smiled too brilliantly at a man, Garth moved in, cutting off whatever conversation had been going on at the time. When she tried to slip away to pay a visit to the buffet table, Garth followed, handing her a plate to fill for him, too. And on the occasions when the words " Carstairs contract" came up in a discussion, Shannon found herself being led off to join another group.
    Her first moment of freedom came when she excused