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are perceived by the public, at their core, they are fundamentally different from mainstream corporate entities."
    "Why?" she demanded.
    "The Guilds are a cross between business enterprises and emergency militias. That mix requires a management style that is different from that of mainstream businesses. It also requires more emphasis on discipline, tradition, and a degree of secrecy that true corporations can't maintain."
    "This is ridiculous." She sat back in the seat and flattened both hands on the table. "I don't know why I'm bothering to argue with you. Talk about a waste of time. If you want to keep the Aurora Springs Guild mired in outdated traditions, that's your problem, not mine."
    "True," he agreed. "You gave up any right to comment on the subject when you threw my ring back in my face, didn't you?"
    She stiffened. "I didn't throw it back. I just sort of set it down on your desk."
    He shrugged. "We each have our version of events. Want some fries?"
    She was suddenly and uncomfortably aware of the fact that she had not eaten dinner. That would put her last meal at shortly before noon, she reflected.
    She looked at the fries, mouth watering. "No, thank you."
    "Suit yourself." He ate another fry.
    She cleared her throat. "Those things aren't good for you, you know."
    "I've heard that." He smiled his unreadable smile again. "Worried that I might get fat?"
    She felt herself redden. It was impossible to imagine Cooper Boone putting on weight. He was as hard and lean and tough as a ghost-leopard.
    "I was thinking of your arteries, not your waistline," she muttered, wishing she had kept her mouth shut.
    "Seeing as how you decided not to marry me, you don't have any long-term interest in my cardiovascular system." He paused, a fry halfway to his mouth, and gave her a polite, questioning look. "Or maybe you're hoping that the grease will do me in?"
    She gripped the edge of the table with both hands. "Never mind. I'm here on business. Mind if we get to it?"
    "No. Got to tell you, I've been damn curious ever since I got your call. Should I be touched that you kept my personal phone number all these months?"
    "It was still in my address book," she mumbled, deliberately offhand.
    Actually, it was still locked into her memory, along with so many other small details about Cooper, such as his bird-of-prey profile and the way he wore his dark hair brushed straight back from his high forehead.
    "Okay, so much for the warm reunion," he said, biting off the end of the fry with strong, white teeth. "On to business. Why did you track me down here tonight?"
    She took a steadying breath. "I need a hunter."
    A dangerous light came and went in his eyes. "Is picking up hunters for an evening of fun and games a new hobby for you?"
    She could feel the heat rising in her face and prayed that the weak illumination provided by the small candle on the table concealed her blush. It was no secret that a lot of women found ghost hunters extremely attractive prospects for occasional flings and one-night stands. Bars such as the Trap Door were popular stops for bachelorette parties and groups of single females out on the town in search of a little excitement.
    Because of the nature of their work - they were, in essence, primarily expensive bodyguards in the tunnels - hunters tended to be in great shape physically. But it wasn't just their macho swagger and their rakish khaki-and-leather attire that drew the attention of women. Rumors abounded that ghost hunters were especially good in bed after they had de-rezzed a ghost. The hormone thing, Elly reflected.
    "Here in Cadence I prefer to date outside the Guild," she said smoothly. "In fact, none of my friends know that I'm from a Guild family, and that's the way I intend to keep it."
    "Ashamed?"
    "Of course not," she shot back, infuriated by the accusation. "It's just that when I left Aurora Springs I was determined to make it on my own without the help of my family or Guild connections. Oh, never mind, I