Page 36 of Bride By Committee

That last question had been offered as a great joke, and might have been amusing if it hadn’t been for the serious apprehension that underscored the query.

By the time the brief conversation concluded, Madison had gained the impression that Harry’s presence in Seattle roused real concern among certain elements of the business community. She fought back a smile of amusement. It would seem his intimidation tactics were a great success. Certainly these men had bought into the pretense. Little did theyknow!

The last individual waiting to speak to Harry turned out to be an employee. “I was just on my way up.” He greeted his boss. He checked his watch with an alarmed frown. “Am I late?”

Harry shook his head, quick to reassure. “Not at all, Dane. My plans have changed. Do you have the information I requested?”

“Right here, Mr. Jones.” He handed over a folder. “You asked for a basic research job. If you want a more insightful report, just say the word.”

“This should be fine. I’ll call if I need anything else.”

“Yes, sir. You have my number. For you, I’m available twenty-four seven.”

“Thank you. Iappreciate your diligence. You can take the rest of the day off.”

Dane appeared stunned. “You sure?”

“Positive.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir!”

As soon as Dane left, Harry glanced at an openly grinning Madison. “What’s so funny?”

She tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, relieved to have them on a more comfortable footing. It reminded her of their hours together in the elevator. “I have to give you credit, Mr. Jones. You’ve managed to bamboozle the whole lot of them. You really do have this intimidation thing down to a science.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “But I don’t fool you, do I?”

“Not in the least,” she confirmed cheerfully. “I’m on to your tricks.”

“What if they’re not tricks? What if all those people have a real reason to fear me?”

She chuckled. “Don’t even try that one on me. Iknow you too well.”

“And you’re not the least intimidated?”

“Not even a little.” At least, not regarding his business dealings.

“Interesting.”

It was her turn to look at him curiously. “What’s interesting about it?”

“You’re a novelty, Madison.”

“Oh, please. Ican’t be the first person to realize your roar is worse than your bite.”

“I thought it was bark.”

“Dogs bark. Lions roar.”

“So I’m a lion, just not a very intimidating one.”

She gave his arm a sympathetic pat. “Don’t let it upset you. I’m sure you intimidate those who aren’t as shrewd a judge of character as I am.” A sudden thought occurred to her. “Is that why you want my assistance with your current job? To serve as an impartial observer?”

“Not quite.”

“Then it must be because I’m beautiful, brilliant, and an expert when it comes to financial matters,” she teased.

“True, every word. But, I’m afraid that’s not it, either.”

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