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veil.”
    “You’d lose. Now back to work. You know, since you don’t want the mill, why don’t you just buy land no one is already using someplace else? There are tons of beautiful places out there.”
    “Okay, change of subject. After I saw the mill’s property, I actually investigated the area for other property.” He gazed into her eyes. “The lake’s proximity to the mill, the trails, the cabins… It’s all perfectly laid out. Catherine just wants to run the mill. Well, she can. Only production will have to move to Asia. She can call the shots from anywhere in the world. Hell, how many companies are shipping jobs oversees? There’s a reason. Her desire to keep production in America isn’t feasible. The little profit the mill makes now is because she doesn’t collect a salary, she pinches every penny and she rents out space.”
    Though his words had reverted to business, the way his hand kneaded her waist made it impossible for her to concentrate on much else than turning off the lights and making love. Feeling him on her, around her, in her. Pay attention to the conversation at hand. “Wait a sec. Did you say she doesn’t make any money? How can she afford that?”
    “Her father. She needs to think globally. To compete globally. She can’t keep paying American wages and full benefits. She may think me a son-of-a-bitch right now, but this move will make her a rich woman. She’ll no longer have to depend on her father, and the factory will be self sufficient.”
    Nefertiti pursed her lips. “If she cared about money, she would be collecting a salary.”
    He rambled on about business, but she drifted into a fairy tale land where dreams came true and they could be together the way they both wanted. Stop! Some dreams hurt too much to have.
    “… Dixon Textiles will fold within the next five years if Catherine does not cut wages and benefits. Do you think she’ll do that?”
    “I feel so sorry for her.”
    “Catherine’s a fighter, but she’s fighting a losing battle. Even if she cut wages and benefits, the company would fold within ten years. Then where would those hundred and fifty families be?”
    “You’re right.” She stretched and yawned. “I’m sorry. I’m usually asleep at this time. So what’s up with the lunch tomorrow?”
    “I’ll state my case.”
    “What if she doesn’t want to go along?”
    “I’m still going forward.”
    “She’ll fight you.”
    “I know. I also know she’ll lose. I always get what I want.” He gently pinched her chin.
      Message received, she flushed. “I need a nap. Which room should I use until the cellar airs out?” Nefertiti couldn’t help but smile. She wondered if Victoria was fooling anyone with this sudden need to have the cellar treated—this was Victoria’s way of forcing her out of the “dungeon” as she called it. She also knew that Victoria would not allow her to return to said dungeon.
    “You can sleep here for now. I have work to do.”
    “I can’t sleep dressed like a water ninja.”

Chapter Four

    “Y ou sick, man.”
    Butch snarled at his cellmate. “It’s a good thing I sliced that bitch’s eyes,” he whispered. “Now her ass can’t identify me. I can’t believe she lived.”
    “Remind me not to get on your bad side. Damn. What the hell were you doin’ there anyway?” Ken prodded.
    “You all up in mah business.”
    “Shit, man, what the hell else we got to do?”
    Butch’s sinister laugh filled the cell and was soon joined by Ken’s. “True dat. True dat.” They calmed. From the corner of his bottom bunk, Butch quickly scanned the area for listeners. “I was supposed to steal them paintin’s out of her place. They worth a boatload of money.” He shrugged. “I had to punish the bitch for coming home early.” He shook his head. “I got carried away. Beating her ass was better than sex.” He grabbed his crotch. “Damn, even the thought has me hard as hell.”
    Though disgusted, Ken remained calm and