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  “Forget it and get on with more important things,” Alex said in a tone that was final. His expression showed that he was losing patience.

  “Are you asking me or telling me?” Lanessa sensed the charged atmosphere between them.

  “Let me guess, you’ve put in long hours in the last few days.” Alex sat back increasing the distance between them.

  “You’ve got to trust me to make my own decisions.” Lanessa knew even as she said the words what his reaction would be.

  Alex shook his head slowly and did not answer immediately. “We keep coming back to the same place, Lanessa. You won’t give.”

  “It’s not fair to put it all on me,” Lanessa burst out.

  “There’s always something ahead of me, isn’t there? From day one you’ve wanted me on standby.” Alex pressed his lips together.

  Lanessa stared at him. “You’re right, we’ve been here before. Goodbye, Alex.” She pushed away from the table and stood.

  Alex seemed to seethe with suppressed anger. “I wanted us to be a family. Maybe you’re just not the type.”

  “Leave. Now.” Lanessa wanted him gone before she lost control. She did not want Alex to see just how much he’d wounded her.

  Without another word, he walked out the back door. Lanessa listened to the sound of his footsteps receding. A few seconds later, the motor of his Montero Sport grumbled. It too faded away. She locked the door and turned on her alarm system with mechanical movements. This time there were no fireworks, only quiet despair.

  ***

  “So like it’s really, really over?” Jackie said.

  “Really,” Lanessa echoed. Her mouth felt pulled tight when she forced a smile. “Hey, I think we did it right this time. We’ve finally got this breaking up thing pegged.”

  They sat in Jackie’s kitchen. The bright corner was comforting at least a little. Lanessa sat on the sofa on hugging a pillow. Jackie gazed at her with a look of sympathy.

  “What a mess.” Jackie struck the cushioned fabric with the flat of one hand. “That old saying is wrong; men are the root of all evil. They’re either no good or two good to the point of being self-righteous.”

  “I can’t give up my new life. Hell, I just figured out who I want to be when I grow up!” Lanessa shook her head.

  “Then he should change.”

  “Alex is a good man,” Lanessa said quickly. “And a wonderful father.”

  “He’s being unreasonable and you know it.” Jackie was not convinced.

  “You know what? We’re both right. We don’t want to be, which is why we keep finding each other. We keep trying to prove one of us is wrong.” Lanessa took a deep breath and let it out. “Because in our hearts we know that if we’re both right…” She could not finish.

  “Yeah,” Jackie said in a soft voice. “I know how it goes. My marriage was like that. My mama had used to play this old song by Gladys Knight. It’s called ‘Neither One of Us’, I think.”

  “I know the one.” Lanessa felt tears threatening. She could almost hear the smooth voice singing about two people unable to admit that their relationship is dead.

  The two friends sat thinking of their own sad endings. Lanessa was not angry with Alex. There was no reason to be. Alex was right to want a stable, conventional family life for the twins. Yet she was right to go after a career. After doubting herself and being dependent on others, Lanessa realized something vital. Part of her recovery hinged on making a successful life on her own.

  “I’ve got to get myself together before I can take on the whole family thing. Remember the advice we got in group?” Lanessa said.

  “Don’t jump into making heavy commitments too soon.” Jackie tilted her head to one side as she gazed at Lanessa. “You started a business. Pretty heavy if you ask me.”

  “Right, and taking on a pre-packaged family is pushing it.” Lanessa looked back at her.

  “So you did right to stop fighting the inevitable. You’re feeling better about it, right?”

  “Yes and no.” Lanessa closed her eyes for a second then opened them again. “But I’ll live.”

  “I’m here to see you do, darlin’” Jackie smiled at her with great affection. “That’s what friends are for. Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John.”

  “Man, you are into old school jams today, aren’t you?” Lanessa chuckled. Her smile faded after a while. “Speaking of friends, Yasmin won’t return my calls.”

  “She hung up on me.” Jackie pouted.

  “Calling Charles is scum was not the best approach, dumbbell.”

  “Sure, blame me after you got her upset in the first place.” Jackie lifted her nose.

  “Oh no. You don’t have the nerve!” Lanessa aimed an accent pillow at her head.

  Jackie caught it in mid-air. “Okay, so maybe I did shoot my mouth off without thinking.”

  “Thank you,” Lanessa said promptly. She frowned. “It wouldn’t have mattered. Charles played his ace. He figured out just out badly Yasmin needed to be loved and told her all the things she wanted to hear.”

  “The bastard!” Jackie said with vigor.

  “Yeah.”

  “So tell me what you found out about him and Paxton-Waite.” Jackie got up and crossed to the kitchen counter.

  “Ever heard of dual-use technology?” Lanessa asked.

  “Items that can be used for good or evil,” Jackie said with a grin. She filled two mugs with fresh coffee and came back to the sofa.

  “You never cease to amaze me. Umm, thanks.” Lanessa accepted the hot ceramic mug. She savored the smell of rich dark roast Louisiana coffee.

  “We have clients who make such products. There are all kinds of export regulations.” Jackie pulled her legs up on the sofa and crossed them.

  “So I’ve learned. And it seems Dawson and Hargrove find them a nuisance.” Lanessa took a drink before continuing.

  “Don’t tell me those guys are terrorists. Not those white bread old family boys.” Jackie gave a short laugh.

  “The only thing they’re after is money, darlin’. Geo-politics means nothing to them.” Lanessa settled back to tell the tale. “There are a few things that make me think Paxton-Waite annual reports are mostly works of fiction.”

  “You mean profits inflated so investors won’t jump ship.” Jackie did not seem shocked at all. “Happens a lot with companies big and small. Sometimes a fudge here or there doesn’t make a huge difference.”

  “You mean people don’t care if they lie?”

  “Well it depends on how egregious it is. For example, a report might choose to interpret figures in a way that is more favorable to the company. It isn’t a lie really. At worse it can be called misleading.”

  “Sorta like calling the glass half full,” Lanessa put in with a slight smile.

  “Precisely. It’s putting the best spin on what information you have.” Jackie lifted a shoulder.

  “Still sounds fishy to me.” Lanessa wore a sour look.

  “Sometimes there is no definitive answer. And if it helps them gain financing and no great money is lost, all is well.”

  “Then it’s called a matter of interpretation.”

  “Yes. We deal with it all the time. In fact, we advise companies how to read complex projections based on formulas.” Jackie looked pleased with herself. “As it happens, I’m damn good at it.”

  “In other words, you’ve played spin doctor.” Lanessa poked her leg with a forefinger.

  “It’s standard business practice, honey child.” Jackie grinned for a moment then grew serious. “But like I said, sometimes there are decisions that could go either way based on the data.”

  “Sure. I’ve seen that fine line walked at the legislature. Lobbyist comes in with the same data, different conclusions. Sometimes it’s all just guess-timates.” Lanessa sat thinking, her brows drawn together as she concentrated.

  Jackie gazed at her. “Are you saying Paxton-Waite has crossed that line?”

  Lanessa put Jackie
’s view in context with what she’d learned about Paxton-Waite. “I’m no expert at reading annual reports from big companies, but… I think they could get into real trouble soon.”

  “Let me take a look at what you’ve found so far. I may be able to give you an idea.”

  “That would be great!” Lanessa sat up in anticipation.

  “Of course, sometimes it like gazing into a crystal ball and calling on the spirits to speak. Reading those reports can be an adventure.” Jackie swung her legs down and planted both feet on the floor.

  “It’s easy to hide the truth behind a lot of fancy words,” Lanessa agreed. “I know that from being around politicians for ten years. But with your genius on my side, I’ll bet we can do it.”

  “I’ve offered to help, so shameless sucking up is not required. Although you can continue to acknowledge my greatness if so moved.” Jackie gave a regal wave of her hand.

  “And humble, too,” Lanessa shot back. “So when can we start?”

  “No time like the present.” Jackie grimaced. “It’s not like my social calendar is full. Saturday night and no place to go.”

  Lanessa felt the sting of loneliness. “Yeah.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to—“

  “It’s okay,” Lanessa said quickly. “No self-pity for us.”

  Jackie followed her lead. “You’re right. I’ve got an idea, let’s get some Chinese food. Not too heavy to cloud the thinking yet satisfying.” She nodded eagerly.

  “The Great Wall is only ten minutes from my office. We’ll pick up my notes and diskettes first.” Lanessa hopped from the sofa. She wanted to throw herself into activity to ward off thoughts of Alex. “Let’s get to it!”

  Jackie stood up. “I say we freshen up our make-up and strut with attitude. Who knows? We might meet a couple of brothers worthy of our attention.” She walked toward her bedroom. “Come on.”

  “I don’t know about that.” Lanessa followed.

  “Hey, let’s prove that flirting is not a lost art,” Jackie called over her shoulder. “I’ve got some sassy dangle earrings that are perfect with what you’re wearing.”

  “We’re supposed to work, remember?” Lanessa did not feel like flirting at all.

  “And we will. But let’s have fun, too.” Jackie walked into her huge master bedroom and went to an oak jewelry armoire. “What did you say about not feeling sorry for ourselves?”

  “Yeah, yeah.” Lanessa gazed at the assortment of earrings. “Good Lord!”

  “I’m a collector.” Jackie giggled. “Here we go. Perfect. With that white T-shirt and jeans, it gives you a casual sophisticated look.” She held up silver earrings set with turquoise.

  “If you say so.” Lanessa took them from her. “They are fabulous though.” She took off her simple small hoops.

  “See? That’s a start.” Jackie put a hand on her arm. “Time out for beating up on ourselves. We deserve the best. I just wish Yasmin could see it.”

  Lanessa sighed. “She needs to believe in Charles so badly.”

  “You know what? We’re going to zap two birds with one stone. We’ll get those feds off your case and show her what a worm he is.” Jackie raised a fist in the air. “He’ll pay dearly for crossing Warrior Women of the New Millennium!”

  “Girl, you’re crazy.” Lanessa giggled at her antics. “Now let’s get going.”

  The two friends kept up a steady stream of light banter all through dinner. They went to Lanessa’s house after retrieving everything they needed from her office downtown. Even as they began scouring the information Lanessa had collected, they joked with each other. Yet their aim was no laughing matter. Within a couple of hours, they had sorted through the tangle.

  “So they need money. They’re holding a lot of Asian stocks that have taken a nose dive.” Jackie sat back and rubbed her neck. “But it’s not critical yet.”

  “But it makes all Dawson’s ambitious expansion talk seem iffy.” Lanessa scrolled down several pages on her notebook computer. “He wants to rule the world. And Hargrove’s ego is just as big.”

  “So they’re willing to take the risk dealing in dual use technology. They must have a buyer and a maze of middlemen to hide him.” Jackie sprawled in the chair across from Lanessa’s desk.

  “Whoever he is, I’ll bet he’s got deep pockets. Some groups have multi-millionaires financing them.”

  “So now we tell the Commerce guys.”

  “I’m not sure. Maybe not.” Lanessa gazed at the spread of papers on the coffee table between them.

  “I thought we were putting facts together for them.” Jackie squinted at her. “What are you up to?”

  “I think they’re playing the old good cop-bad cop routine on me.” Lanessa raised an eyebrow at her. “They might just as well decide to take me down, too. What if they know all this?” She waved a hand over all the documents.

  “I don’t get it.”

  “Look, it’s not their job to clear me.” Lanessa tapped a finger on the table. “Nothing in here says I didn’t help them.”

  “They need evidence to indict. And nothing here says you took steps to help them engage in illegal export activity.” Jackie spoke with the ring of authority. “I’ve sat in on enough meetings with lawyers to know that much.”

  “The accusation could set my business back. Nobody is going to think of me as innocent, just that I didn’t get caught.” Lanessa shook her head slowly. “No, I’m going to keep this as a backup. Let them do their jobs without my help.”

  “Good point. Let’s start with some creative damage control.” Jackie wore a sly, calculating expression.

  “Begin our own spin.” Lanessa cleared the screen and began tapped the keyboard. “I’ve got some ideas. I’ll start by putting distance between me and Paxton-Waite.”

  “Start with publicizing widely the work you’ve done for other companies. Make sure it’s similar to what you did for them.” Jackie grabbed a tablet. She began to scribble furiously. “A good PR campaign to get business but—”

  “Yes! Show Dawson and Hargrove know I’m not their private chump.” Lanessa nodded. “But maybe I’ll need extra insurance.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “We might be giving those Commerce guys too much credit. Let’s leave a trail of crumbs they can follow.” Lanessa stopped typing. “I’ll let them think they’ve tripped me up.”

  Jackie’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “I like it!”

  “Time to show ‘em all what I’m made of.” Lanessa raised a fist in imitation of Jackie’s earlier gesture. “Warrior Woman on the move.”

  “Victory is ours!” Jackie joined in.

  Lanessa felt stronger for the first time in several weeks. She would not sink into sadness but continue to build her future.

  Chapter 18

  “Son, I don’t like it at all.” Joe St. Romaine wore a grim expression.

  “What I can do? Lanessa won’t listen to me. Not now,” Alex replied.

  They were in Joe’s office at home. Joe was semi-retired. His brother and nephew ran the architectural firm they’d founded together. Alex stood facing a bookshelf that took up an entire wall. Yet he did not see the first edition titles before him. He was thinking of Lanessa, again. His father’s voice brought him back to the room.

  “Metoyer is vicious when he’s cornered.” Joe rocked back in the leather captain’s chair behind his oak desk.

  “Where did you hear about it?” Alex sat down one of two chairs facing the desk.

  “Dickie Hampton. When you asked me to find out more about Metoyer, I’d asked Dickie what he knew. His family has done business with them for years.” Joe glanced at Alex.

  “But I don’t get it. Why would Metoyer be after Lanessa? She can’t really do anything to hurt him. I don’t think so anyway.” Alex rubbed his face.

  “For the last six months, Metoyer has let it be known he had a big deal cooking. He’s gotten a few of his friends to invest.” Joe’s took a large cigar from a box. “Seems t
here’s a problem.”

  “The Commerce Department is asking questions about Paxton-Waite.” Alex frowned.

  “What?” Joe blinked at him.

  “Lanessa told me a few weeks ago. They questioned her. Metoyer is somehow involved with them.” Alex felt a rise of anxiety for Lanessa.

  “Not good,” Joe said with a grunt.

  In Louisiana politics and business, the words ‘federal investigation rattled even the most powerful men. No family ties or mutual interests offered protection. It was no wonder Metoyer’s investors were unhappy. But Alex did not care about them.

  “Had he heard anything about Lanessa?” he asked.

  Joe took a deep breath. “Dickie says a friend of his is one of the investors. Did Lanessa do some kind of report for them?”

  “For Paxton-Waite.” Alex gripped the arm of the chair. “What did he say?”

  “Something she put in the report or found out is worrying them. Dickie didn’t know details.” Joe’s heavy eyebrows were drawn down.

  “I told her to stay out of his way!” Alex was angry again at the way Lanessa had reacted to his advice. “She too damn stubborn!”

  Joe used the cigar as a pointer. “Metoyer is very angry. Besides which, those guys he got to invest are not understanding types.”

  “What do you think he’ll do?” Alex sat on the edge of his seat.

  “Try to destroy her first,” Joe said promptly. “It’s what I’d do in his position.” He lit the cigar with a silver lighter.

  Joe St. Romaine was known as a strong, even ruthless businessman. Alex never saw him in that way. In fact, he’s been surprised as a teen to learn of Joe’s reputation.

  “You would?” Alex stared at his father with disapproval.

  “Well… maybe destroy is too strong a word. But I’d try to make damn sure everyone believed me instead of her.” Joe puffed on the cigar then blew out a stream of blue smoke.

  “Once again she’s gotten herself into a mess.” Alex shook his head. “Lanessa seems to attract trouble like a magnet.”

  Joe stared at him. “So what the hell are you going to do about it?”

  “Me?” Alex looked at him in surprise. “Lanessa won’t listen to me of all people. I tried to tell her—”