until I had a chance to discuss it with you.
Why the secrecy? Clare asked, opening her parasenses cautiously.
Because I wanted to get you on board first.
The pulse of truth reverberated in the words.
Youre not planning to set up this foundation of yours just so you can give me a job, are you? she asked.
Its something Ive been thinking about for a while.
Not an outright lie, she decided. But Archer was not telling the whole truth, either.
Since when? she asked.
His mouth twitched a little. Youre the skeptical type, arent you?
I have trust issues.
The idea came to me a few months back.
Right after you found out that I got fired from my job at the Draper Trust and it became obvious I was having trouble finding a new position?
Archer moved one hand negligently. Im not saying that there was no connection. Im telling you that it all came together in my head a few months ago.
Far be it from me to discourage you from giving away some of your money but I honestly dont think it would be a good idea to put me at the head of your new foundation.
Why the hell not?
Well, for starters, youd want to be in charge, she said. My ultimate goal has always been to be my own boss.
Id give you your head. Its not like you havent had plenty of experience in the field. Youll know what youre doing.
Lets not kid each other, Archer. We both know that youve dedicated your life to building your empire. Youll certainly want the final word when it comes to deciding who gets your money and what they spend it on.
He snorted. Well, it would bemy foundation, after all. I ought to have some say in where the money goes.
She picked up her tea. I agree.
Doesnt mean you wouldnt be in charge.
Yes, she said. It means exactly that.
Annoyance hardened Archers sun-weathered face. Doesnt look to me like youre going to get a better offer anywhere else.
Clares stomach knotted. Please dont tell me youre the one whos been calling every potential employer Ive contacted in the past six months and warning them not to hire me.
Hell, no. Archer slammed his hand flat on the table. You really think Id do something low-down and nasty like that just to get my way?
If it was sufficiently important to you, yes.
For a few seconds she thought he was going to explode. Then he heaved a heavy sigh. Your mother told you a little about me, huh? he said.
She said you could be ruthless. At least you were in the old days.
You dont build the kind of company Owen and I built unless youre willing to play hardball.
I dont doubt that for a minute.
I did what I had to do, Archer said. But I had my own rules and I stuck by them. As God is my witness, I never took advantage of anyone who was weaker than me or anyone who didnt know how to play the game.
He was telling the truth, Clare decided.
That sounds fair enough to me, she said quietly. But you have to admit those rules do leave some wiggle room.
Wont argue with that. But I didnt use that wiggle room to call up people in San Francisco to tell them not to hire you.
Okay. I believe you.
He looked at her. Be reasonable, Clare. It doesnt look like youre going to get a better offer anywhere else.
I know. Thats why Im thinking about setting up my own business.
Why did you get into the charitable foundation field?
It wasnt my first choice, but I have to admit that it turned out to be a reasonably satisfying alternative. She paused. At least until recently.
What was your first choice?
She hesitated and then decided there was no harm in telling him the truth. For the past several years, Ive dreamed of going to work for Jones & Jones.
Archer was clearly taken aback. Your goal was to become a psychic investigator for J&J?
I thought it would be exciting and a perfect
Mary Crockett, Madelyn Rosenberg