'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.'
'I … I don't know.' Addy didn't want to go to lunch with her father and Dina. She wanted to go back to the day-care center and share a meal with Nick, who always showed up just in time for lunch each day. She glanced at Nick, wishing he would say something that could prevent their having to join the others.
Nick didn't say or do anything. He didn't even look at her.
'She'll go. It'll be good for her to get out.' Rusty glanced at Nick. 'Make the reservations for five, and have a couple of Dundee's boys tag along behind us.'
'I need to take care of some things at the center before we go to lunch,' Addy said. 'Give me a buzz when y'all are ready to go.'
Addy walked through Ginger's office. Her father's secretary was on the phone changing Rusty's lunch reservations, and Brett was pouring himself a cup of coffee from the machine on a nearby table. Dina reached out, grasping Addy by the wrist as she passed her.
'We need to talk.'
'About what?' Addy asked, glancing down at Dina's long, sharp nails. She jerked her wrist free.
Dina looked over at Ginger, then at Brett. 'Why don't we go on into the receptionist's office? I'll send her on an errand and we can have a little privacy.'
Addy didn't want to talk to Dina about anything, and she certainly had no desire to be alone with her. She didn't like Dina. And she didn't trust her.
'I'm in a hurry, Dina. If Nick and I are going out to lunch with you and Brett and Daddy, I have to get back to the center and handle some problems there.'
When Addy walked away, out into the reception area, Dina followed. 'I need to talk to you about Nick.'
Addy slowed but didn't stop. Dina Lunden was the last person on earth with whom she wanted to discuss Nick. 'I don't have time.'
'Ms. Harkin, go find me some aspirin. I feel a terrible headache coming on,' Dina told the receptionist.
'I have some aspirin in my desk.' Ms. Harkin opened the center desk drawer and reached inside.
'Don't be obtuse, Ms. Harkin. Find somewhere to go for a few minutes and leave Ms. McConnell and me alone.'
'I—I don't know if I should, Mrs. Lunden. I mean…' The young woman floundered in an attempted explanation.
'It's all right, Joyce,' Addy said. 'Go ahead and take an early lunch.'
The moment Joyce Harkin left, Dina turned to Addy. 'I want you to ask Rusty to replace Nick with another bodyguard.'
