Read Freedom Does Matter (Mercenaries Book 2) for Free Online Page A

staring at her or sipping coffee, or both.
    “Good morning. I believe everyone was here yesterday, so, unless someone feels the need, we can dispense with introductions.
    “It is my job to find a common ground and point us along it. It is your job to make sure your positions are as beneficial to your people as possible. It is our job to find points where one side can yield while benefiting elsewhere.”
    She swept the group for any sign, but all were impassive. Okay, I’m not gonna put the job in jeopardy. She caught Willie’s eye and nodded, a soupçon of regret in hers. I hope he’ll forgive me! Fixing her gaze first on Al Hosni and then al-Kassis, she said, “No one will come away with everything they wish, but all will leave with something of importance.” She pushed her chair back. “Now, shall we begin?
    “For my part…” She touched Willie’s shoulder. “I will move to Mr. Llorens’ seat, and he will take mine.” She ignored his dark visage as they switched places. Later, she thought. You can berate me later.
     
    Beckie regretted her decision even before she announced it, but she was confident in it. Until Willie began.
    Given his earlier reluctance and their shared experiences, she’d known this was not his area of expertise. Her hope was that he could transfer enough of his strategic skills to the negotiation table to satisfy the clients, to bring closure. Hoping didn’t mean he could, however. When Al Hosni called for a break at noontime, Hassan gave her a pained look. She nodded to him across the table and stood, expecting to fetch herself a juice.
    On her way, Kevin caught her arm. “You need to talk to Willie. He’s distressed ’cause he’s not doing what you need him to.”
    “That’s not… Never mind. Where is he?”
    She followed him to a small space near the elevator. As Kevin opened the door, they heard, “Ms Sverdupe, a moment please?”
    Ms Al Sahaf, the woman speaking for Al Hosni’s group, stood at the conference room doorway. “May we talk?”
    “In a moment, if that’s all right?”
    The woman gazed at them before nodding. Beckie dipped her head in thanks.
    Inside the room, obviously a staging area for the servers, Willie was looking out the slit window. The door closed; when Beckie looked, Kevin had put himself on the far side.
    “Willie…” She caught her breath. “I don’t know… I’m not good at saying… At apologizing. I really thought you being a guy would make up…”
    “How, Beckie? We both know this isn’t what I do. Not well, anyway. I feel like I’m throwing all our work in the toilet, and that’s not a good feeling—”
    “Hold on, Mr. Llorens. This isn’t your fault, unless you’re acting… And you’re not. This is my mistake, not yours.”
    “But I should be able—”
    “Why? Your negotiations don’t use words, not like this.” She took him in a loose hug, faintly reminiscent of their dances at The White Egret in Phuket. “I wanted to make it easier for the sheikhs, and for me, too, but it was the wrong decision.” She looked up into his eyes. “Forgive me? And help me?”
    He blinked rapidly before brushing his lips across her hair. “Of course. You’re not the only one of us to… Whatever.”
    Stepping back, she smiled. “Thanks.” Her hand caught his; she pulled gently toward the door.
    Outside, Al Sahaf waited. Behind her, Hassan and one of al-Kassis’ team stood. Nervous twitches gave both men’s feelings away. Beckie gripped Willie’s hand and approached the trio.
    “Ms Al Sahaf,” she said with a smile. “How may we help?”
    The woman’s expression slipped into surprise. “I… I hoped we might speak…” She glanced at Willie. “… separately?”
    Now standing within arm’s reach, Beckie gave her an piercing glare. No, everyone’s got to face up to this. “I doubt it necessary. I will share whatever we discuss with the team, and with Willie, Mr. Llorens, first.”
    Al Sahaf twisted on her foot to look at