CHAPTER 1

"Al, I need a favor." Natalie Southard bit her lower lip, uncertain if she was doing the right thing. Her crazy scheme could get them both fired.

"What? Working overtime on a Friday night isn't favor enough? By the way, this report isn't due for another week. You do realize we're the only ones still working, don't you?" Alyson McCormick sighed as she leaned back into the soft, tufted leather chair, her arms and legs stretched out in front of her.

"Working on this report was just an excuse to stay busy until everyone left. Now it's time for the real favor." Natalie flipped the off switch on her computer, smiled at Alyson and walked across the plush carpet to the office door. She poked her head into the hallway and scanned its length for signs of activity. No lights shone from the dozen other offices lining the wide corridor. The only audible sound was the soft hiss of the air-conditioning.

Convinced they were indeed alone, but still cautious, Natalie closed her office door before turning back to Alyson.

"Remember what I told you about DeMarco, that investor of my father's?"

"Yes. But I still don't understand why you're suspicious. Your father's too shrewd a businessman to get involved with a scam artist."

"Like I said before–gut instinct and the media. DeMarco's been on the news and in the papers. He's been arrested for everything from illegal gambling to murder. Mark my words. He has his own agenda. I'm sure of it. I just need proof."

"But he's never been convicted." Alyson squinted. Worry lines furrowed over her dark brows. "Oh, no! You've got that look in your eyes. The 'I'm Ethel and you're Lucy' look. What harebrained scheme are you planning now?"

Natalie smiled in spite of the serious situation. Alyson knew her so well. "I do have a plan, but there's nothing harebrained about it. You're right about my father being shrewd. He's never accepted anyone or anything at face value. It's a safe bet he's done a background check on DeMarco, and stashed the information in a file. I'm going to find that file. Tonight."

Alyson's jaw dropped. "Are you crazy? Spying on your own father?"

She knew Alyson was on the verge of giving her a strong lecture on the subject of family trust and loyalty, so Natalie jumped in to stop her. "I'm not spying on my father. Just DeMarco. Are you with me on this or not?"

"But your father told you to back off. I know we used to sneak around and do things behind our parents' backs. We're grown now. Since loyalty is a big issue around here, shouldn't we abide by it?" Alyson smoothed the wrinkles from her too-short skirt, pushing it down her thighs as far as she could. Her slim figure and petite height forced her to buy her clothes from the young miss department.

Was Natalie being fair in asking for her friend's help? Over the years, the two of them had been involved in some wild antics and spontaneous adventures, but none of them had ever had more serious consequences than a slap on the wrist or a tongue-lashing from an irate parent.

At best, rifling her father's private files after she had been warned to back off could have her banished from the company. At worst, if her suspicions about DeMarco proved valid, she could end up chained to a rock at the bottom of the Charles River.

It wasn't too late to send Alyson home. "In or out?"

"Okay, okay. Where do I come in?" Alyson's voice sounded weary and resigned as she pushed blonde bangs away from her eyes.

"You don't have to do much. Really." Natalie's pulse raced with apprehension. She slid her fingers along her desk's smooth edge before meeting Alyson's gaze. With a tissue, she wiped imaginary dust from her fingertips, then cleared her throat.

"I want you to stay in my office, lights out and the door ajar just far enough to view the hallway. If you see anyone coming toward father's office, dial extension 121. Let it buzz once and hang up. Comprendez?"

"Hey, just like a real private eye or secret agent movie. Just call me Le Femme Nikita from now on."

Copyright © 2003 by Kim Cox