Master No (Masters and Mercenaries, #9)(77)

Something about the way her sister was talking gave her the creeps. “Okay, now you sound all Frankensteiny. Create soldiers?”

“You are so sarcastic. I swear you lose manners every month you spend out in that jungle. I was simply talking about helping soldiers be the best they can be. At home. In the battlefield, for those who choose not to leave the service. I want the mind and body to work together, and I think Theo’s the kind of guy who could help me.”

“And you say you don’t have a crush on him.”

Hope was quiet for a moment. “Like you never took one look at a man and wanted him, knew he could be perfect for you. Tell me you don’t feel this way about that Graham guy. I see the way you look at him. You never looked at Roger like that.”

“It’s different. I spent weeks getting to know Ten before I even met him in person. Yes, I saw his picture and thought he was attractive, but it’s deeper than that. We fit together somehow. Also, he doesn’t have a girlfriend.” Who would be out here any minute, although she’d made it plain she meant to have revenge on the men. Erin hadn’t been happy being left behind. She could imagine the words she and Theo had when the door to their room had closed. Ten had merely dropped off his bags, kissed her senseless, and told her he would be back soon.

She guessed he wasn’t terribly worried about Hope anymore. Or maybe he was giving her what she’d asked for. He’d backed off and hadn’t mentioned his suspicions again.

“Girlfriend. Not wife.” Hope sat back, crossing her legs and looking every inch the lady of the manor.

“You know I don’t think you’ll be able to break those two up. For all the time they’ve been together they act more like a new couple than anything else. They’re very loving with each other. They don’t seem to like to be apart often.”

“Doesn’t she seem a little old for him?”

“She’s the same age as you.”

Hope fiddled with her glass. “Not that it matters. We’ll have to agree to disagree on the matter. Would it help if I promise you my true motivations are all professional when it comes to Mr. Taggart? If during the course of our working together something happens to come about organically, I wouldn’t refuse it. But I’m concerned with what he can do for my project. It doesn’t matter that he deserves someone better than his current companion.”

Naturally Erin chose that moment to step out. Hope was facing away from her.

“He needs someone educated. Someone who can really elevate him,” Hope continued.

Faith saw the moment it hit Erin what they were talking about, but Erin seemed to shake it off.

“Everything smells delicious,” Erin said, sitting down beside them. “I’m sure the boys are going to enjoy themselves, but this view is spectacular. Thanks so much for having me.”

“I’m thrilled to get to show it to you,” Faith assured her.

Erin accepted the champagne the server gave her. “So, Hope, the last time we met you were talking about some kind of project you were working on. Something about soldiers?”

“It’s one of those boring things laymen rarely understand.” She nodded to the servant, who began to serve the salad course. “I’m sure what my sister does is so much more exciting. Besides, I’m taking a short break.”

“It sounded important. I hope nothing’s wrong,” Erin said politely.

Hope sat back. “Sometimes family affairs get entangled, if you know what I mean. This issue of Faith’s has everyone worried at Kronberg. I was supposed to push forward into the next phase of trials, but now they’re rethinking the project.”

Were they? “The vaccine came through the lab work fine. It’s real flu vaccine, according to the lab.”

There was something about the way her sister hesitated before turning her way. Something odd. It reminded her of how Hope used to act when she wanted to throw their nannies off the scent of something she’d done wrong. Likely no one else would have noticed. Her jaw dropped and her eyes widened perfectly, but for a second there had been an upward tug to her lips. A fraction of satisfaction in her sister’s face. “You didn’t tell me. When did you get the news? Damn it, Faith. How could you not mention this to me?”

“I got the call a couple of days ago. I told you I wasn’t going to do anything drastic.”

Hope stood up, her hand already on her cell. “I know what you said, but if it got out that our charity work was being undermined or that we’d made some kind of terrible mistake and poisoned people in Africa, it could send the stock plummeting and the board would blame me. Maybe I can get a meeting next week. You two enjoy. I’ve got to make a few calls.”

She walked off, chattering into her phone about getting the vice president in charge of research on the line.

Faith looked down at her chilled shrimp salad but her appetite was gone.

When she looked up, Erin was staring at the door Hope had walked into, a speculative look on her face.

“Do you think she was lying to me?” Faith asked quietly.

Erin turned. “Why would your sister lie? I’m sure she was surprised, that’s all. I’m sorry. Ten asked me to stay away from this subject with you. Apparently you’re not in synch when it comes to your sister.”

“Why would Ten talk to you about…did he leave you here to protect me?”