Page 118 (1/2)

at her place setting to unfold it and lay it across her lap

“Since your attorney will have the papers ready for our signature tolass, “I don’t think it’s premature to drink a toast to our new partnership, do you, Ty?”

His action attracted Cat’s attention Startled by his announcement, she accidentally knocked her salad fork off the table It clattered noisily to the floor, drawing everyone’s attention to her

“Sorry, I—” She didn’t bother to finish the apology as she stared at Ty “What’s this about a partnership?”

“EJ and I are going into the coal business together,” he replied smoothly His rawly handsome features held an expression of callass to Dyson

“I’ve looked forward to this day ever since you and Tara were married” Dyson wore a very self-satisfied look, and Cat stared at hilance swung to Stricklin and fell away i her frolasses Harassed by doubts and unproven suspicions, she kept silent

All through dinner she listened to their talk of coal with growing trepidation—the potential tonnage that could be e companies, the fortunes to be realized All the while the fear kept nagging at her that her brother was going into business with the two ht be responsible for their mother’s death

At the ed to waylay Ty before he could follow the others into the living roo to keep her voice low “You can’t go into business with them, Ty”

“It’s done” His glance was hard, although his voice held patience

“You haven’t signed the papers yet,” she ree your ive him a reason Without proof, she was reluctant to tell him of her suspicions, brainwashed by Culley’s many protests that she wouldn’t be believed “You kno Dad feels aboutcoal You can’t do this”

“Financially, I have no choice” His e, Cathleen You were at the hospital last Sunday You heard him say it was up toin so There isn’t any rooh you’re probably too young to understand that”

“It isn’t that at all,” Cat protested “What if I told you that—”

“Ty?” Tara appeared in the archway “Aren’t you having coffee with us?” She glanced fro look on his sister’s face “What’s the probleently “Won’t Ty relent on his ht? I’ll speak to hi to steal him away from you Daddy has a lot of details he wants to discuss with him”

Her chance was gone; so was the urge to tell hi Tara reminded Cat that her brother was unlikely to believe his wife’s father was capable of doing such a thing She wasn’t sure herself

29