Mountains of Dawn

"No, not really. My ex-wives didn't like my interference in raising them, and since they're both good mothers, I didn't object. I 'interview' my boys each week when I see them at the Sports and Hunt Club. Sometimes they stop by here and watch a movie with me, but most of the time we play ball together."

"Unusual."

"I'm not a family man, Judith. I like to be free to pursue my own interests." He stared at her for a moment. "It took me three wives to find that out."

He lifted Judith's chin and looked into her eyes. "Disappointed? You may think I'm not a nice person…"

"No, you're the same as you were a short while ago, Brian, and a much nicer person than-" She stopped abruptly.

"Than Malcolm led you to believe?" he asked with a laugh. "Malcolm never approved of my life style. He thought I should have become a lawyer, like my father. But I didn't like school."

"What grade did you reach?" Judith asked, her head tilted quizzically.

"Secret," he said, pressing one finger to his lips. "My uncle left me with money and I invested it wisely. No need to work hard, just with skill."

Judith glanced around the room. "You must be very rich," she said. "Just look at the pictures on the walls, the Persian carpets, the collection of antique Chinese vases. Each item is worth a fortune."

"Judith," he said, his expression intent. "I know my money means little to you. Are you as insensitive to the man as you are to his position?" His voice trailed off into a whisper.

Judith stared at him with her huge eyes. "I enjoy my job."

He rose and crossed the room, then pressed a series of buttons set into the wall. Soft music came from hidden speakers. "Will you dance with me?" he said. "Please."

Judith stood, uncertain. "I'm not a good dancer."

"Then let me teach you," he said, his voice a soft whisper against her neck as he drew her into his arms.

Judith closed her eyes and swirled in the rhythm of the dance.

"Mr. Miller? Excuse me, sir?" a voice said from the doorway. "Sir, it's your chief accountant. He said it's urgent."

Brian stepped back from Judith with a frown. "I'll try to be back shortly, though this may take a bit of time."