Free Black Mountain by Kate Loveday

whole distribution, so I can concentrate on what I do best, which is to expand my skincare range. And Marie will take your make-up range for her spas, and we’ll recommend it to all our customers. Once the salon owners know Marie is taking it, a lot of the others will be willing to try it.’
    Greg sat back in his chair, his eyes narrowed. ‘It’s expecting a lot, asking me to give up the Ecstasy range. I’ve been doing good business with it.’
    â€˜Come on, Greg, we both know what a hard business it is to sell just another ho-hum product. They’re in all the supermarkets these days.’
    â€˜I object to you calling Ecstasy ho-hum, it’s a damn good product.’
    â€˜Maybe. But the big companies have it all tied up. Clarins, Thalgo and so on. And in the department stores we’re fighting the likes of Estee Lauder and Christian Dior . My product has the advantage of being Australian made, and home grown is becoming more and more popular. Everyone’s being urged to “Buy Australian”, these days.’
    â€˜Hmm. Well, there’s something in what you say,’ Greg admitted. ‘So, supposing I agree, how would you see it working? I can tell you now, it’d have to be a good deal for me to give up Ecstasy. ’
    â€˜Then let’s see what we can work out.’
    For the next hour they quibbled back and forth, each one putting up a proposition only to have it knocked back by the other. Finally they worked out a deal that was acceptable to all.
    Carl sat back in his chair and looked at the other two. ‘Well, that’s a good deal all round. I have a standard contract here, so I can add the relevant addendum, we can all sign it, and then it’s done.’
    Pulling one of the piles of papers towards him he chose a set of sheets from it and began writing. When it was done he pushed it across to Greg, who took his time reading it thoroughly before looking up and nodding.
    â€˜Yes. That’s all okay.’ Picking up a pen he signed it with a flourish, then pushed it across to Carl, who added his signature, and then to Marie, who signed without a word.
    Carl picked it up and scrutinised it, then nodded his head. ‘We’re now partners,’ he said.
    Greg smiled. ‘For better or worse,’ he added. ‘Now, tell me, partner, what do you have in the pipeline at the moment? What are you working on now?’
    â€˜A new eye gel. Something so light it won’t upset sensitive eyes, but reduces puffiness and dark circles.’
    â€˜Sounds good,’ Greg agreed. ‘But what we need is something really wow! Something to make everyone sit up and take notice.’
    â€˜That’s easier said than done,’ Carl replied uneasily.
    Greg lifted a brow. ‘Ah! But what if I could get you a formula?’ he asked with a sly grin. ‘Something that would be totally revolutionary?’
    Carl’s eyes lit up. ‘You bring me that and we’ve got a fortune.’

Chapter 12
    When Elly rang Mitchell to tell him she was ready to resume their search, he replied he was on his way up and would be with her shortly. Hearing his car pull up a little later she was at the door to meet him, and he greeted her with a peck on the cheek.
    â€˜So how are you feeling?’ he asked her as he leant to pat Ben, who was sitting with one paw raised, gazing up at him, obviously waiting for attention.
    â€˜Very much better. And I must thank you for rescuing me like you did.’
    â€˜Think nothing of it.’ He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. ‘It’s all part of the service.’
    â€˜Above and beyond, I believe.’ She smiled. ‘I hate to think how I’d have managed if I’d been alone.’
    â€˜You’d have coped.’
    â€˜Well, I’m very grateful. If you hadn’t taken my things off and got rid of the ants I would have been more badly bitten.’
    â€˜Yes, well