Sandra sat on the paper clad table waiting as patiently as she could. She had plans that needed to be finished and being here was delaying them. She had arranged for Parker to fly her into London, leaving Grace with Nana and Papa, and arranged for William to pick Brandon up from school in case she couldn’t get back in time to do it herself. If all went according to her itinerary, she would be leaving as soon as the children were settled with her grandparents for the weekend.The door opened and Sandra looked up to see Irena walk into the room. She wore a white lab coat and walked with only one cane, supporting the hip that had been broken. She looked tired and she moved slower than she had the last time they were together.“I’m surprised to see you so soon,” Irena told her as she moved to the end of the bed and hugged her sister-in-law. “Your records indicate that you were just seen by your obstetrician three weeks ago.”“I was, but he’s out of town on vacation for a few weeks, and I

The time quickly slipped by as Irena dictated the final notes on the day’s patients. She nibbled on the last piece of cheese she had allotted herself for an early afternoon snack, then leaned back to relax for a moment. She had seen all but her last appointment for the day, though she wasn’t looking forward to it. She was certain Cathy had made a mistake, or Jessica had misunderstood her when she called. She must have said she wanted to see anyone except Dr. Ashford. That would make much more sense than asking to see her by name.Just as she was about to call Dr. Burns and take him up on his offer of having one of the other residents see her, the phone on her desk buzzed. She picked it up to hear the soft tone of her nurse, Jessica, telling her Ms. Dennis was waiting in room four.With a deep sigh, Irena stood and took her cane. She could do this, she told herself sternly. It was just Cathy, and she was a professional. There was nothing the woman could say to make her angry today, and

Creighton arrived back to the Tornado feeling much more confident then when he left. He had managed to speak with the other two suppliers and confronted them on the story Blanchard told him. With a little persuasion, he was able to get their sides of the events, which matched up to what he had already surmised. Garcon was using his assistant as a whore, seducing and blackmailing his suppliers in hopes of getting a better deal. Instead of his schemes working, he had unknowingly sabotaged his own company.Flipping on the stereo system, Creighton removed his tie and unbuttoned the first two buttons of his shirt. He tossed his suit jacket across the back of the sofa and fell into the deep cushions, running his hands through his hair. It had been a day from hell, but he was certain his trip was about to end. He was not going to deal with Garcon’s underhanded activities any longer. Tomorrow, he would call the fat braggard and corner him, then demand he either put up or shut up, as Sandra h

Sandra woke with a headache and a pain in her stomach that left her wondering what was happening. For a moment, she had no idea where she was, until she sat up and looked around. After leaving Creighton, she locked herself in their room, ignoring him when he brought her supper, then cried herself to sleep. The room was still set up for their evening of passion, though it was a bitter reminder that he hadn’t planned on spending that evening with her. She had gone from being hurt, to being angry and now she was just pissed. She wanted to scratch that woman’s eyes out, then punch Creighton in his perfectly sculpted nose.With a reluctant sigh, she began gathering up the toys and tossing them carelessly into the black back. She wanted to throw them overboard, along with the man who had purchased them. Then, without warning, her conscious began to awaken. It had been dormant for six long years, so why had it decided now was a good time to awaken?She felt guilty for accusing Creighton, t

“Bonjour Monsieur Ashford,” Garcon said cheerfully on the other end of the phone.“Garcon, I’ve changed my mind,” Creighton said in English so Sandra could understand them. “I’m going to tell my solicitors to withdraw the offer with the courts. I’ve had enough of your delays and I’m done with your dirty dealings.”“But…you can’t,” he said in a strong French accent.“Any man who uses his assistant as a whore to secure his deals isn’t worth my time and effort,” Creighton assured him. “I’ve discussed it with my partners and we’re going to pursue other avenues. I wish you luck with your suppliers and the courts. Perhaps your tricks will work with them, but they will not work with me. New Hope Technologies does not deal with underhanded crooks.”“But…but…Monsieur,” Garcon stumbled. “You do not have to do this. I am sure we can work something out.”“Not a chance,” Creighton said, watching the stubborn set of Sandra’s chin when she saw him start to waiver. “Even if I was willing to try, my p