Blackwolf's Redemption

“…so,” Henley said, “the bottom line is, I’m advising against buying this company.”

“Your reasons?” Jesse said.

“There are many. First of all, my research indicates it’s very risky. Who knows where computers are going to go?”

Sienna’s head came up.

“Their use is surely limited. They’re enormous. They require dust-free, air-conditioned rooms.”

“There are personal computers out there already.”

“Small, underpowered things, Mr. Blackwolf. My assessment is that they’ll never find favor with any sort of substantial segment of the populace.”

Sienna snorted. Both men looked at her. “Uh, sorry,” she said. “I, ah, I sneezed.”

Jesse narrowed his eyes, then focused on Henley again. “I appreciate your concern, but my understanding is that this company has a significant chance of surviving and prospering.”

“The company is new. It’s probably underfunded.” The consultant shook his head. “It doesn’t actually deal in computers, it deals in what’s called ‘operating systems.’” He flashed a pitying smile. “Trust me when I tell you that IBM has a lock on that market.”

Sienna looked up. “Operating systems? IBM operating systems?”

Jesse flashed her a warning look. Henley ignored her.

“More to the point, the two men who started this company are children, Mr. Blackwolf. Well, they’re barely in their twenties. Neither has a college degree.”

“I know, but I’ve done a lot of reading on Gates and Allen, and—”

“Paul Allen?” Sienna said. “Bill Gates?”

“Miss—Miss whatever your name is, if you would kindly—”

“Jesse. They’re Microsoft!”

Jesse looked at her. “That’s right.”

“That’s the company you want to buy?” She laughed. “You can’t. But ohmygod, buy as many shares as you possibly can!”

“Really, young lady…”

Sienna got to her feet. “I am not a young lady,” she said, “I am Mr. Blackwolf’s administrative assistant.”

Henley looked confused. “Isn’t she your secretary?”

“Jesse,” Sienna said, “this man’s advice is dead wrong.”

“Now, wait just a minute, miss! I am not going to permit a—a secretary to—”

“I told you, I’m not a secretary. I’m an administrative assistant. A personal assistant.” The consultant flashed a smug, sexist smile. Sienna narrowed her eyes. “And you can get that look right off your face. That phrase does not mean what a sleaze like you thinks it means.”

Henley shot to his feet. “How dare you?”

“How dare I not?” Sienna strode toward him and leaned across the desk, her nose inches from his. “You don’t know what you’re talking about when it comes to computers. Or me.”

The man turned scarlet. He glared at her, then at Jesse. “Mr. Blackwolf. I am waiting for this young woman’s apology.”

Jesse gave a lazy smile. He stood up, held out his hand. “Thank you for your time, Henley.”

“But we’re not done here, sir! We have a great deal more to discuss. I’ve taken the liberty of checking around. Have you considered the growth potential in Polaroid cameras?”

Sienna snorted again. The men looked at her. “I promise you,” she said sweetly, “that was not a sneeze. It was a polite belly laugh.”

“Listen here, Miss—”

“Cummings. Sienna Cummings. Ms. Sienna Cummings. Miz, not Miss. I assume you’ve heard the term.”

“Well, that explains it. You’re one of those—those bra burners who favor unisex bathrooms.”

Sienna blinked. “Excuse me?”

“The ERA. The Equal Rights Amendment. I know your type. I just cannot imagine you, Mr. Blackwolf, employing someone like this.”

Sienna and the attorney both looked at Jesse. His face was unreadable. Oh, God, Sienna thought, after all he’s done for me…

“Jesse,” she said unhappily. “Jesse, I didn’t mean to—”

“Thank you for your time,” Jesse said again. And he took Sienna’s arm and hustled her to the door so fast that her feet almost left the floor.

He hailed a taxi as soon as they reached the street.

Sienna sat huddled in one corner. If only Jesse would say something—but he didn’t. He gave the driver a destination and completely ignored her.

Moments later, their cab pulled up at a hotel at the top of a steep hill. Jesse stepped from the cab; she scooted out after him.

“Jesse,” she said in a low voice, “I know you’re angry but—”