Free Radiance by Shayne McClendon Page A

happiness Brie would feel receiving touch, allowed him to sleep deeply for the first time since the unfortunate events on her birthday. 
    The following day, they returned to Washington.

Chapter Nine
     
    Early December 2014
    Harper had been off-balance for weeks.  It was unfamiliar and unwelcome.  Upon their return to the Delkin family estate, Elijah settled into the routine he’d held since he was a child and all but ignored his oldest friend. 
    The bodyguard spoke to him in his capacity as his head of security.  Otherwise, the man refused to interact on any level.
    Harper finally had all he could stand.  On the way to their meeting, he said quietly, “I’ll talk to Winters.” 
    “Regarding?” 
    “Gabriella.”  When Elijah didn’t move or respond, he nodded.  “I know I messed up.  I’m sorry.” 
    “I wonder how he’ll react to your second apology.” 
    Harper sighed.  “Don’t let him kill me, if you don’t mind.”
    Ascending to the top floor of a high-rise in Salt Lake City, he braced himself to face his most formidable business rival in a deal that benefited them both.
    He’d arranged dinner afterwards to gauge the waters outside of the business realm. 
    The dozen people at the conference table stood when Elijah preceded him into the room. 
    Hudson Winters did not . 
    One of the rare men who had his respect in the world they inhabited watched him, absolutely still and unblinking.  He’d be lying if he said it didn’t affect him on a gut level.
    For several hours, Harper engaged in a financial battle of wits with someone who never failed to make it interesting. 
    When the documents were signed, they shared possession of a small abandoned town, forgotten in the fifty years since the last of the population moved away. 
    Set in a secluded valley in Utah, it would be the future testing site for educational, environmental, and sociological technology being developed through their own companies as well as those of their friends and colleagues. 
    As the others gradually made their exit, Harper found himself alone with Winters.  Elijah hadn’t moved or spoken in hours.  He barely blinked. 
    “How did this project come to your attention?” 
    “A conversation I had with Gabriella before she was hurt.”  Harper hid his surprise as the man stood and walked to the windows.  “She saw an article about abandoned towns around the world.  Her idea was for several clean slate locations.  Projects that focused on bringing out the best mankind had to offer in all areas.  I purchased three of them in Europe, South America, and Australia.” 
    “The others?” 
    “Marciella Canfield now owns three in Canada, Central America, and Iceland.  Owen Douglas purchased one in Oklahoma before I could grab it.  I was displeased.” 
    He inhaled carefully.  “I’ll send you a list of those that remain for analysis.  This is the only other viable site of those available in the United States.” 
    “Why bring me in?  You certainly didn’t need my money.” 
    “Gabriella suggested we attempt a joint venture with only positive and far-reaching outcomes.  She said it would be good for us.  I believe the phrase she used was bonding experience .”
    He couldn’t hold back his snort of amusement and was shocked to hear a stifled one from Elijah as well. 
    Joining Winters to take in the view, Harper was silent for a long time before he murmured, “I fucked it up.” 
    “Yes.” 
    “I’m sorry.” 
    “Noted.”
    The silence drew out between them.  “Any suggestions?” 
    Winters didn’t answer for so long that Harper didn’t think he would.  “Why should I help you?” 
    “I have no idea.” 
    “I warned you she was different.” 
    Nodding, he replied, “I didn’t realize how different.”  Clearing his throat, he sought information.  “The couple…?” 
    Turning to face him, Winters clasped his hands behind his back.  “Gabriella ended their arrangement after