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Wildest Hearts

Wildest Hearts

Titel: Wildest Hearts Kostenlos Bücher Online Lesen
Autoren: Jayne Ann Krentz
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evening.”

    Annie nodded, not quite sure what was expected of her. “I know.”

    “I'm going.” Valerie raised her chin. “Carson has invited me to attend as his guest.”

    Annie winced. “Oh.”

    Valerie nodded grimly. “You're right, Oliver is going to be furious when he finds out.”

    “Maybe not,” Annie said, trying to look on the bright side. “I mean, attending events that raise money for the museum is practically part of your job description, isn't it?”

    “That's one way of looking at it. But Oliver will never look at it that way.” Valerie's eyes glistened with tears. “Why does he have to be so damned stubborn? Why can't he give Carson a chance?”

    Annie sighed. “I suppose you want me to talk to Oliver for you?”

    Valerie gave her a desperate look. “Would you?”

    “I can try. But we both know it might not do any good. As you said, your brother is remarkably stubborn.”

    “I have a feeling he'll listen to you. I think he feels, well, sort of indulgent toward you.”

    “What makes you think that?” Annie asked, flattered and pleased.

    Valerie gave her a wry smile. “He's got that ridiculous cloisonné leopard you gave him on display in his study, doesn't he?”

    * * *

    “Why are you going down to California?” Annie asked Oliver that night when she took the tea tray into his study.

    “To see one of Daniel's chief suppliers, Featly and Moss. They haven't restored Lyncroft to a priority status since I took over.” Oliver set some papers aside and removed his reading glasses. “I've got to convince them to return to their original shipment schedule or we'll be in trouble within three months.”

    “They must still think Lyncroft is doomed in spite of the fact that you're in charge now.” Annie sat down across from him and poured the tea.

    “Cork says the problem is that they don't know much about me so they have no reason to think Lyncroft is in safe hands.” Oliver accepted the teacup.

    Annie grinned. “You mean the folks down in California haven't heard about your amazing reputation? How embarrassing.”

    Oliver's brows rose slightly. “I'll try to give them a clearer picture of what I intend to do with Lyncroft. By the way, do you happen to know if Daniel kept any files away from the office?”

    Annie looked at him in surprise. “Not that I know of. Why do you ask? Is something missing?”

    “There are no personal files on Featly and Moss or anyone else for that matter.”

    “Personal files? You mean personnel files? I'm sure there must be a lot of them. Lyncroft employs dozens of people. There have to be personnel files.”

    “Not personnel files.” Oliver sipped his tea with a considering air. “I'm talking about files of personal background information on the people with whom Daniel does business. Details on their personalities, problems, habits, that kind of thing.”

    “What on earth are you talking about?” Annie put her teacup down with a clatter. “Daniel runs a corporation, not the Central Intelligence Agency.”

    “I assumed that while he worked for me he at least learned the value of maintaining personal data on major suppliers and investors.”

    “Obviously, Daniel doesn't agree that it's necessary to spy on people in order to maintain sound business relationships.” Annie scowled at him. “Are you telling me that your penchant for poking around in other people's affairs extends outside the family?”

    “I don't poke around in their affairs.” Oliver swallowed more tea. “I keep myself informed.”

    “That's euphemism if I ever heard one.” Annie shook her head in disgust. “Oliver, you have got to learn that you will never make any friends by spying on people.”

    “I don't need friends. They're unreliable at best. But I do need information.”

    Annie tapped her foot. “That's ridiculous.”

    “No, it's not.” Oliver's eyes hardened almost imperceptibly. “I learned that lesson when I picked up the pieces my father left behind.”

    Annie groaned. “Must you take such a hard line on everything?”

    “You married me so that I could save Lyncroft,” Oliver said softly. “Let me do my job.”

    Annie flushed. She didn't want to argue with him tonight, least of all about why she had married him. Nor was this a good time to talk to him about Valerie and Carson. Perhaps this was one of those moments when a wise wife changed the subject.

    “How long will you be gone?” she asked quietly.

    “With any

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