Read Online Conflict of Interest by Jayne Castle - Free Book Online Page B

would have come out very quickly in the initial research we did. He does drink Scotch when he drinks and judging from the stuff he’s got on order, he likes the best.“
    „You implied that last night he’d had too much…?“
    „Last night,“ Kali said deliberately, „was a special occasion. He was celebrating.“ She met Mike’s blank look. „His birthday,“ she explained politely.
    „I see,“ he replied, still looking a little blank.
    Kali burst out laughing. „I wish I had! I certainly didn’t make sufficient allowance for Lang Sterling’s desire to celebrate his birthday in proper style! Oh, well, I’ve got another chance to talk sense to him, and this time I shall try to improve my approach.“
    „How did you wangle the dinner invitation?“ Mike demanded curiously.
    Kali’s mouth turned downward in a grimace. „I’ve been asking myself that same question since yesterday morning. I thought for a while I’d really blown the whole deal but he still seems to want to negotiate. I can only conclude he’s getting a bit anxious about all the bills which will be coming due soon. And he’d probably like to take delivery on that DeLorean as soon as possible…“
    Kali devoted an unusual amount of time to the selection of her attire for the all-important dinner. Determined to strike exactly the right note, she eyed and discarded a small pinstripe suit as being too businesslike, a silk sheath as being too dressy, and a pair of evening pants as making her appear too aggressive.
    Muttering imprecations about inventors who didn’t know how to deal with the real world of commerce, she finally chose a textured evening suit done in a sophisticated but quiet brown and black. The plaid cashmere skirt, paisley silk blouse, and embroidered jacket struck just the right note for an evening of business. Paired with bronze pumps and a tiny pair of bronze earrings, the total effect was just what she wanted. Kali braided her hair and twisted it into a sleek, neat knot at her nape, and pronounced herself satisfied. The phone rang as she stepped away from the mirror.
    „Yes?“ she answered coolly, aware of the fact that it could be Davis on the other end.
    „You are coming tonight, aren’t you?“ Lang’s gritty, laconic tones didn’t quite conceal a hint of wariness.
    „Of course,“ Kali said quickly. „I have all the facts and figures of the IAI deal to present to you. I think you’ll be impressed with the total offer…“
    „Good. I didn’t want to open the Cabernet unnecessarily,“ he interrupted, sounding relieved. „I’ll see you in half an hour.“
    The phone was hung up in her ear. Drawing a calming breath, Kali lifted her chin and composed herself in patience. She was, she reminded herself, dealing with an inventor and they were notorious for being somewhat eccentric. Picking up the small purse which matched the pumps, she headed for the door.
    Lang Sterling’s address was in the lively and eclectic neighborhood of Capitol Hill. It was an area Kali knew well, having lived there herself until her recent move into a waterfront high rise.
    The area was filled with apartment houses, many in charming old Victorian brick, some of the city’s most imaginative restaurants, and a collection of intriguing shops. It was a portion of the city popular with the upwardly mobile white-collar crowd.
    Although there was an abundance of apartment buildings in the area, Lang’s address turned out to be an older house of uncertain vintage nestled on a tree-lined street. Kali parked the Porsche in front of the somewhat overgrown lawn and made her way cautiously up a small flight of rickety wooden steps to an old-fashioned front porch.
    With a feeling of even greater caution, she rang the doorbell.
    When there was no immediate answer, she rang it again, frowning slightly as she wondered if she had the right address after all. Then, with a surprisingly ponderous movement, the door opened.
    Kali found herself staring in