All Jacked Up (Rough Riders #8)(90)

“Jack,” Henry said flatly.


That didn’t bode well. “I received your message. I take it the committee has made a decision?”


“Yes. We’ve decided to go with BMD, Baxter Ducheyne’s company.”


Jack slumped forward as if a machete had been driven into his back. “I see. As I spent a considerable amount of time and money pitching this project, I am curious to know why you went with Baxter.”


Silence.


“Henry?”


“Well, it came to the attention of the committee you hadn’t been forthcoming about a few business things, quite frankly, that disturbed us.”


“Such as?”


“I don’t really feel it’s appropriate—”


“Wrong. If the committee is questioning my business practices, I have a right to know what’s being questioned.”


“First off, you were aware when you originally bid this project we interviewed morally sound, family type companies to entrust with our project. We reconsidered yours when we learned of your engagement.


However, we were not aware of your…living situation with Miss McKay.”


“Living situation?”


“Come now, Jack, aren’t you and Miss McKay are living together in Sundance?”


Jesus. “You’re awarding the contract to Baxter solely because I stay with Keely, the woman I plan to marry, in the building I own, rather than in a hotel, when I travel to Wyoming?”


“No, not solely on that, but it is a fact we can’t ignore, nor can we condone. It’s also been brought to our attention that there is some…shall we say, nepotism at work?”


“Okay. Henry. You’ve lost me.”


“Are you, or are you not, supervising a remodeling project for Miss McKay?”


“Yes. But what bearing—”


“Come now, Jack, you can’t expect us to believe it wouldn’t be in your best interest, as well as your fiancée’s, for you to automatically sign off on all building changes for her project, regardless if those changes meet the state historical standards?”


Fury shot through him. “Where in the hell did you hear that?”


“Do not curse at me, young man. I am merely relating the facts as they’ve been presented to me.”


“By whom?” Jack asked through clenched teeth.


“That is irrelevant.”



“By whom,” Jack repeated. “If my professional reputation is being examined, I have a right to know who is attempting to malign it. It is your moral obligation to tell me, is it not?”


Henry sighed. “Baxter Ducheyne’s company pitched to us. In the two days Baxter and his lovely wife Martine spent in Milford, she revealed a few disturbing things, including your past relationship with her.


Martine questioned whether you’d follow through with your wedding to Miss McKay, given your inability to commit to her during the year you were together in Chicago. She also mentioned you immediately dissolved the partnership with Baxter and moved across the county before she married your partner.”


Jack seethed. Too angry to speak.


“Baxter brought up the ethics of your company signing off with the Wyoming Historical Society on Miss McKay’s building, especially since the two of you are intimately involved.”


Unreal. This was a f*cking nightmare.


“Imagine our surprise when Mrs. Ducheyne asked if we’d agreed to consider western artwork projects from Miss McKay’s brother. I believe you mentioned him to us as a possible sculptor for our city square project, did you not?”


“Yes. But Carter McKay—”


“Will possibly be your brother-in-law, so you can see the committee’s point of view about another case of nepotism, Jack. With all of these…incidences staring us in the face, I’m sure you understand why we had concerns.”


“I’m sure you can understand why I would feel Mrs. Ducheyne’s information to you would be biased, based on my past history with her. How she came across information about—”


“I suggest you speak with your fiancée, Mr. Donohue,” Henry said coolly. “Mrs. Ducheyne stated Miss McKay freely relayed this information to her, during a business conference in Denver a few weeks ago.”


Jack froze.


“In addition, your fiancée boldly claimed you had this restoration project wrapped up. Baxter was mightily upset, understandably so, as he hadn’t the opportunity to pitch us his ideas yet.”


He couldn’t think of damn thing to say.


“Rest assured, this information about your company will stay confidential among the committee members. Good-bye Jack and good luck.”


Henry hung up.


That big-mouthed cowgirl had f*cked him over.


What goes around comes around.


Infuriated, he headed for Moorcroft.


Keely couldn’t believe how fast the building was shaping up. In another month, the clinic could open for business.


The door slammed and Jack barreled in.