Page 23 of The Time for Love
One pertinent aspect that listening to and evaluating Coulter’s offer and comparing it to Martin’s emphasized was that Martin was in significantly greater need of the steelworks—of securing just such a steelworks as Carmichael’s—to complete the line of his connected businesses. Without the steelworks, the foundry in Rotherham couldn’t connect with the knife factory, the wire-and-cable factory, or any other potential manufactory. Heneededto purchase Carmichael Steelworks, while Coulter merelywantedto purchase it.
Martin had a lot more riding on the acquisition—more to lose and, commensurately, a lot more to gain.
Hmm.
Coulter continued, “I can assure you that Coulter Enterprises would…”
Sophy glanced at Martin, but he was presently doing an excellent imitation of a marble statue. His expression was utterly unreadable.
Another point this interview was clarifying was that she was actively considering doing some sort of deal with him. She wasn’t so blind that she didn’t appreciate that Carmichael Steelworks might never receive a better offer, one that promised to keep her father’s business not just continuing but expanding and evolving into the future.
Hmm, indeed.
Eventually, Coulter reached his summation. With a dark look at Martin, he declared, “And I’m prepared to better whatever offer Cynster has made.”
Plainly, the pair entertained an open rivalry. She caught Coulter’s gaze and evenly stated, “I will tell you what I’ve told Mr. Cynster. I am not, at present, interested in entertaining offers to purchase Carmichael Steelworks. However, I do have several questions for you.”
“Yes?” He looked hopeful.
“When did you arrive in Sheffield?”
He frowned and flicked a glance at Martin. “Yesterday, late afternoon. I came up by train.”
“I see. And is this your first visit? Or have you connections with the town?”
His frown deepened. “I…” His jaw firmed. “No. I don’t. I’ve never been here before.” He looked challengingly at Martin. “Have you?”
“Yes,” Martin replied. “I own a foundry in Rotherham. But that’s not why Miss Carmichael asked.”
Confused and willing to show it, Coulter looked from Martin to Sophy. “What’s going on?”
Martin watched Sophy smile at Coulter; she was all sweetness on the outside and steel within. “We were wondering, Mr. Coulter, if you knew anything about the series of accidents that, over the past weeks, have plagued Carmichael Steelworks.”
“Accidents?” Oliver looked again at Martin, then returned his gaze to Sophy. “What sort of accidents?”
Martin studied Oliver’s face as Sophy ran down the list of incidents. Oliver had never had much of a poker face, and that hadn’t changed with the years. He was shocked, but also intrigued by the details; Martin could almost see Oliver putting the information together in his head as to what each accident would have meant for the steelworks.
By the time Sophy was describing the last incident, he was convinced Oliver knew nothing about any of them. He was so patently thinking through each happening that it was obvious he hadn’t thought of them before.
Oliver wasn’t the villain behind the attacks.
Martin glanced at Sophy and, from the slump of her shoulders, concluded she’d seen that, too.
She reached the end of her recitation and, with her gaze on Oliver’s face, sighed. “You have no connection with these accidents, do you?”
It finally occurred to Oliver why she’d asked. “No!” Incipiently offended, he looked at Martin. “You can’t possibly think—”
Bang!
The crash in the outer office had Martin straightening and brought Oliver and Sophy to their feet.
“What now?” she demanded and rushed to the door.
Martin was at her heels, with Oliver at his.
They spilled into the outer office to find Harvey attempting to calm a wild-eyed lad. Martin recognized the youth as one of the receiving clerk’s helpers. The lad was gasping like a fish out of water, his lungs heaving, but clearly had some message he was desperate to impart.
“Take a deep breath,” Harvey instructed, “and then just tell us.”
