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confidential financial information about his clients to rival firms. I found the guy and gave Prescott the details he needed to make a reasonable case for firing him. But he decided to make an example of the culprit He didn't just fire him, he let it be known that if any other firm took on his ex-employee, he'd go to the press with publicity that would make the hiring firm look as if it had been involved in the industrial espionage. Believe me, no one employee was worth that amount of trouble to any rival firm here in the Southwest. And that wasn't the end of it. Prescott knew the guy had a loan application in at a bank in Houston. Apparently the man had planned to build a house with some of his ill-gotten gains. One call from Prescott to the loan officer was enough to ruin his chances of getting the loan. Rani, Prescott didn't just get rid of an employee who had been disloyal, he made it impossible for that man to continue living and working in this part of the country! Do you understand what I'm saying? He won't allow you to get away with your revenge. He'll punish you very thoroughly if you try it! He'll make an example of you."
    In spite of her plans for the future, Rani felt a distinct shiver of apprehension go down her spine. "He'd go to that kind of trouble just because I refuse to come back and close the Henderson account?"
    "It's a little more complicated than that and you know it Brady might be persuaded to come back to the home front after his rebellion has cooled, but if you take the Henderson account to your next employer . . ." He let the sentence trail of as his full meaning dawned on Rani
    "So that's it!" she exclaimed, thoroughly amused now. "Prescott's worried that I'll try to buy my way into my next job with the Henderson business. What a brilliant idea! I must give it some thought!"
    "And Brady?" Gage muttered dryly.
    "I think you're right about Brady," she acknowledged with a rueful smile. "He's got some noble aspirations, but basically his future is tied to his father's desk and he knows it. He'll be back sooner or later." It was the truth. Brady Prescott was a likeable young man who had graduated from a very enlightened university business school. He had understood Rani's situation and had disapproved of his father's behavior more than once, but she hadn't really expected him to do something as dramatic as walking out in protest There had been nothing more personal between her and Brady than a friendship based on their similar ages and academic backgrounds. Did Prescott realize that or was he wondering If Brady had dashed off to Albuquerque, too? Matters were becoming more interesting and amusing by the moment.
    "I assume from that smile on your face that my logic isn't making much headway," Gage said flatly.
    "I guess I'm just not in the mood for it," she chuckled
    "We're talking about something that could affect your whole future, Rani," he told her bluntly.
    "That's my problem, not yours."
    "Then I suggest you start worrying about it!"
    "Thank you for your concern, but I'm afraid I can't overlook the fact that your advice is generated more by your desire to do your job than to protect me," she said sweetly. 'Tel! me , how did you find me here in the whirlpool? Were you spying on me?"
    "You've been gone most of the day. I was beginning to think you wouldn't be back this evening at all," he replied slowly.
    "Have you bugged my bedroom with some of your security devices?" she goaded.
    "There's not much need, is there?" he countered. "Poor King got a rather short good night at your door a little while ago."
    "You were watching?" Indignation flared at the realization. "Of all the despicable, sneaky, underhanded things to do! You should be ashamed of yourself!"
    He drew a long breath. "I had to know what the situation was between the two of you."
    "Why?" she snapped furiously. "Afraid I might drag him into the battle on my side? It wouldn't be a bad notion. King has money and power. I wouldn't hesitate to