Wildest Hearts

surrendering rights to the kind of technology Daniel has created.”

    “I applaud your loyalty and determination. But in the meantime, you're under a lot of pressure from your brother's creditors. They can force you to sell or merge, Annie.”

    “I know.” Annie closed her eyes briefly and then swung around to face him. “They've started to call every day. After that meeting two days ago I knew we were in real trouble.”

    “It was only a matter of time. They're running scared, Annie. Surely you see their position. Lyncroft Unlimited is a one-man company in all the ways that count and that one man has vanished.”

    “I have to buy some time. All I need is a little time.”

    “How much time?”

    “That's just it, I have no idea. A few days or maybe weeks. Who knows how long it will take to find Daniel?”

    Oliver took a slow, thoughtful sip of tea and set the cup down on its saucer. Annie followed the movement with her eyes. The delicate china looked very fragile in his powerful hands. But it also looked quite safe.

    “Even if I give you all the time you wish, you can't hope to stave off the rest of the firm's creditors for long,” Oliver said.

    “Not by myself, no. I realize that. But they would be pacified if they thought the company was in good hands again. Everyone realizes that I don't know beans about electronics and neither does Joanna. Nor do we know anything about managing a company the size of Lyncroft.”

    “No,” Rain agreed. “You don't.”

    Annie took an eager step forward. “But if an executive who had a brilliant reputation in the business world were to take the helm, I think we could hold off the investors indefinitely.”

    Oliver did not move, but there was an air of cool readiness about him now. “You're thinking of hiring someone to manage the company for you?”

    “Sort of.”

    “I suppose it's a possibility. Have you approached anyone yet?”

    “I had Barry Cork make a couple of discreet inquiries,” Annie admitted. “He says the problem is that the people he approached all said they wouldn't do it unless they were guaranteed a permanent chunk of the company as part of their payment.”

    “That's a reasonable demand in such a situation. But you don't want to give away even a piece of Lyncroft Unlimited, do you?”

    “No, I don't dare. Daniel probably wouldn't be able to get it back when he returns. Lyncroft Unlimited is going to be one of the hottest electronics firms in the country in five years. Everyone in the industry is aware of its potential.”

    “If you take on a partner now, Daniel will be stuck with him later, is that what you're afraid of?”

    “Exactly. Partners can be major problems. Daniel told me once he never wanted one.”

    “You must understand that you have only two options at the moment. You can sell or merge Daniel's firm or you can take on a partner who can run it for you.”

    “I just can't take the chance,” Annie said. “Daniel might never get back full control of his company.”

    Oliver reached for the teapot. “I'm sure I can be of some assistance, Annie.”

    Relief soared through her. “That was exactly what I was hoping you would say.”

    Oliver slanted her a speculative glance. “Were you?”

    “Yes. The way I see it, you've got a lot at stake here, too. After all, it's in your best interests for my brother's company to survive and get its products into production, right?”

    Oliver gazed at her over the rim of the cup. “It's true that I stand to make a considerable profit when the new technology starts hitting the market.”

    “Well, I've come up with an option that will give both of us what we want.”

    “Have you?” He sounded skeptical, but he was clearly intrigued.

    “Yes, I have. It will protect Daniel's company and it will also protect your investment.” Annie hurried back to her chair and sat down. Now that the moment had arrived to explain her idea, she was no longer so nervous. She leaned forward intently and folded her arms on the polished surface of the ebony desk.

    “I'm listening, Annie.”

    “This is a little difficult to explain,” she said. “But if you'll just hear me out, I think you'll agree that it could work. Keep in mind the plan won't have to be in effect very long because I'm sure we'll find Daniel any day.”

    Oliver paused in the act of pouring more tea. “This grows more interesting by the moment. Let's hear your plan.”

    “Okay, as you know, Lyncroft Unlimited