Beverly Barton - Paladin's Woman

"What's this?" Addy asked, reaching out for the paper Nick held in his hand.

Nick released the paper, allowing her to take it. Rusty kept his supportive arm around her. She scanned the letter, similar to the one her father had received almost a week ago, the morning after the failed kidnapping attempt.

"Oh my God!" The letter fell from Addy's fingers and floated to the carpeted floor. "Now we know what the kidnapper wants."

"If M.A.C. doesn't withdraw its bids on the NASP contract, then Addy's life is in danger," Rusty said. "That contract is worth millions. Hundreds of jobs that are threatened because of the economy can be saved."

"The kidnapper isn't some madman who wants a ransom, is he?" Addy's mind rioted with a dozen different thoughts, finally calming to focus on one possibility. "Gerald! It's Gerald, isn't it? If M.A.C. doesn't bid on the NASP contract, then New Age Aerospace has a good chance of becoming a NASP contractor, and not only would that add greatly to Gerald's standing with his father-in-law, but it would be the perfect revenge on us, wouldn't it?" Looking up at her father, she knew that he'd come to the same conclusion.

"New Age Aerospace isn't our only competitor," Rusty said. "We can't rule out someone at one of the other companies."

"Rusty's right," Nick said. "Just because Gerald Carlton has a personal reason to want to see M.A.C. lose the contract doesn't mean he's the only suspect."

"You can't agree to this." Addy pulled away from her father. "We have to make a bid on the NASP contract. There's too much money and too many jobs at stake to buckle under to this threat."

"Baby girl, we're talking about your life." Tears clouded Rusty's vision as he took his daughter's slender hands into his enormous grasp. "Nothing is more important to me than you."

"Oh, Daddy, I know that." Addy wanted to comfort her father, but she was incapable of easing his fears. "There's no way anyone can get to me with all the protection I have." She focused her attention on the big, dark man whose very presence in the room made her feel safe. "My God, how do you think anyone could get through Nick?"

"We have to consider all our options," Nick said, his heart thumping at a deafening roar. Addy trusted him! Really trusted him. "First, tell me about this NASP contract."

"NASP is the National Aero-Space Plane, the X-30. It's one of the boldest concepts that the Air Force and NASA have ever conceived," Ginger Kimbrew said, making her presence known for the first time since Addy and Nick had entered Rusty's office.

Nick turned to Ginger, understanding how intricately involved she was in every aspect of the McConnell Aerospace Company. "I'll contact Sam and have him check out all the competition, all the possible contractors who'll be bidding."

"The five prime contractors that comprise the NASP National Program Office are based near Air Force Plant No.42 in Palmdale, California." Rusty helped Addy into his huge leather chair, then sat on the edge of his desk. "There's no need to run a check on those guys. Their part in NASP is a done deal. But the big boys are ready to let Huntsville in on the deal, and M.A.C. wants to be part of the team."

"This is a visionary aircraft," Ginger explained. "It would enable the U.S. to have routine access to space from a runway. Access embodied in the X-30."

"Propulsion is NASP's biggest worry. That's where M.A.C. comes in. Our engineers are primed and ready for this project." Rusty's excitement danced in his eyes, vibrated in his deep, strong voice.

"You understand why Daddy can't give in to this threat, don't you?" Addy asked Nick.

"There's one possibility that we're all overlooking," Nick bent over and picked up the threatening letter, then laid it on Rusty's desk. "What if the NASP contract isn't the real motive? What if someone is using it as a red herring?"

"What are you saying?" Addy scooted to the edge of her father's chair.

"It never pays to jump to conclusions." Tapping his finger on the letter, Nick glanced from Addy to Rusty. "This letter would have us believe that the person behind Addy's kidnap attempt doesn't want several million in ransom money, but does want Rusty to lose millions on an important government contract. Reputable competitors don't deal this way. They have families of their own."

"Carlton is too hot-headed and bent on revenge to consider anything but getting what he wants." Rusty struck his desk with his closed fist. "So help me, if he's behind this, I'll—"

"Rusty, calm down." Ginger rushed forward, reaching out pleadingly. "This isn't doing your blood pressure or heart any good."

"She's right, Daddy. If Gerald is behind this, he'd like nothing better than to see you drop dead from a heart attack."

The outer office door swung open. Dina Lunden and Brett Windsor swept into Rusty's private domain, the haggard receptionist following them, screeching that they couldn't interrupt Mr. McConnell, who'd given strict instructions not to be disturbed.

"What's this about you dropping dead from a heart attack?" Dina asked, making her way directly to Rusty. Dina eyed Ginger, who had her hand on her boss's arm. Releasing Rusty, Ginger stepped aside.

"Nothing for you to worry about, honey." Rusty jerked Dina up against him. She buried her face in his chest.

"But I do worry about you, darling. Especially now that Addy's in such danger." Purring like a kitten, Dina rubbed her head against Rusty as she slipped her arm around his waist. "Has something else happened?"

"Is there some reason you and Windsor came by today?" Nick asked, barely giving Dina a glance as he concentrated all his attention on Brett Windsor.

"I'm meeting Rusty for lunch. It's almost noon." Dina took a quick look at her diamond-studded wristwatch. She ran her hand up Rusty's chest, caressing him. "What's wrong, darling? Tell me."

"We received another threatening letter," Rusty said.

Nick groaned. Why couldn't Rusty keep his mouth shut? He was a smart man, but damned stupid when it came to Dina. He shouldn't trust her so completely, and he sure as hell shouldn't trust Windsor. "The police have already been informed, and we're calling in the FBI."

"The FBI?" Dina's big blue eyes darted a startled expression from Rusty to Nick.

"I'll fill you in on all the details at lunch," Rusty said, stroking Dina's back. "Ginger, you take Dina and Brett here on into your office and get them some coffee or tea or something until Nick and I finish making a few phone calls."

"Oh, Rusty," Dina whined.

"Now, now, honey, go on."

"Are we going to be awfully late for lunch? Our reservations are for twelve-thirty." Dina pulled away from Rusty, a pouty look on her beautiful face.

"Ginger, call and have our reservations changed to one o'clock." Rusty glanced over at Brett. "Entertain your stepmother until I'm free."

"Of course." Brett came forward, taking Dina's arm and leading her toward the door.

Addy watched the way Nick stared at Dina, as if he found her disgustingly fascinating. A hot surge of jealousy ripped through Addy. Dina looked so feminine in her chic little summer suit. The beige silk draped and caressed her body as if it loved to be next to such voluptuousness. Suddenly, Addy felt like a frump in her navy dress, despite the colorful scarf draped across her shoulder.

Watching Dina and Brett make their exit, Nick thought what a perfect pair they made. Except for the twelve-year difference in their ages, they suited each other to a tee. Both were blond and beautiful, flawless in appearance but sickeningly self-centered and selfish. It was a pity they'd gone through old man Windsor's fortune so quickly. The only thing lacking in their relationship was money, which both of them seemed to value above anything else.

Brett halted just as he ushered Dina into Ginger's office. He turned, flashing his brilliant, toothy smile at Addy. "Why don't we join Dina and Rusty for lunch? Ginger could make the reservations for four."