Free Twist of Fate by Jayne Ann Krentz

down on the other side of the small, round table. “Anyone who wants to know. You come here a couple of times each summer. It wasn’t hard to find out which hotel you favor, either.”
    â€œYou find my lifestyle so fascinating?”
    Hugh leaned his elbows on the table, his drink planted squarely in front of him. He smiled again. Gideon studied the feral expression and thought about how frequently he, himself, used it. It could be extremely intimidating to a potential victim. No one found it comfortable to look at a grinning shark, not even another shark.
    â€œI find everything you think, say, or do fascinating, Mr. Cage. I’m sure you know the feeling.”
    â€œAdmiration from the younger generation is always gratifying.” Gideon tried some more of the Scotch. “Are you going to start following me around like a lost puppy?”
    Ballantine shook his head. “I’m here tonight only because I wanted to talk to you for a few minutes. Alone. I would like you to know what I’m doing.”
    It was Gideon’s turn to smile. “You don’t have to spell it out,” he said gently. “I know exactly what you’re doing. Do you think you can pull it off?”
    The brilliant blue eyes flared for an instant the way a predator’s gaze flickers before the final leap. “I’m more interested in finding out if you think I can do it.”
    Gideon gave him a considering glance. “It depends.”
    â€œOn what?” Ballantine was genuinely curious. A smart younger shark was always willing to learn.
    â€œOn how badly you want to win,” Gideon said.
    â€œI want to win, Cage. I want it very badly.” Absolute conviction underlined every word. “I’m going to crush you.”
    â€œPractice the melodrama while you shave, not in front of the opposition.”
    Ballantine regarded him with interest. “That’s a tip?”
    â€œI took a guidance counselor to dinner a couple of weeks ago. She was fond of handing out tips. Thought I’d try it myself. It makes for light, casual conversation, don’t you think? Especially when you know the other person probably won’t act on it.”
    â€œYou underestimate me, Gideon. I’m more than happy to learn from you. In fact, I want to pull this off in a style that will bring back some memories for you. I’d like you to be aware of all the subtle similarities between what’s going to happen this year and what happened nine years ago.”
    â€œI’m sure your father would be proud,” Gideon murmured.
    â€œYes.” Ballantine waited for a heartbeat. “Too bad he isn’t around to appreciate the final results.”
    Gideon read the fierce accusation in the other man’s face and sighed. “Believe it or not, I’m sorry he isn’t around, too.”
    â€œThe hell you are.”
    â€œI didn’t kill him, Hugh.”
    â€œYou killed him. As surely as if you’d slit his throat.” Ballantine stood up.
    Gideon watched him. “Would you believe me if I told you that I’m beginning to think he’s had his revenge?”
    â€œBullshit.”
    Gideon smiled thinly and swirled the Scotch in his glass. “Somehow I thought you’d see it that way.”
    Ballantine stared down at the table, following the movement of the amber liquid in the glass for a few seconds as if mildly fascinated by it. “I just wanted you to know. I wanted to tell you in person.”
    â€œIt wasn’t necessary.”
    Ballantine nodded abruptly. “I can see that now. You already know what I’m doing and why.”
    â€œYou’re Cyrus Ballantine’s son,” Gideon said. “I knew him better than I’ve ever known any other man. Therefore I know you. That’s your biggest single disadvantage, Hugh.”
    â€œBecause you think you’ll be able to predict my actions? No, Cage. It may well turn out to be my