Catrina caught the slip and tilted her head. The guy never talked about his family business. He never talked about his family at all.
Damon offered no further insights and was pleased that Catrina didn’t request any. Their eyes did the speaking for the better part of the next minute.
“I better go.” She headed for the driver’s side. He caught her arm when she brushed past him.
She didn’t dare look his way but could all but feel his onyx stare peering through her.
“Can I take you out sometime?”
Her eyes snapped to his and she almost gasped.
“I um…I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Catrina almost didn’t recognize her voice and tugged free of his hold.
“It was good to see you Damon.” She settled into the car and drove away.
R
~CHAPTER SIXTEEN~
Steel mill safety was the topic of that morning’s executive committee meeting. Virtually everyone agreed that the topic was of utmost importance and deserving of being discussed at length. The possibility of costly accidents, repairs, loss of life…meant many more involved discussions would be warranted.
“It’s good that we’re all in agreement on how high a priority this is.” Preston Schaefer spoke over the mix of voices in the room then. “But during these discussions, it’d also be important for us to constantly be mindful of the expense of the plans we’re wanting to outlay. If we want top-notch safety, cost will be a factor.”
“A huge one,” Rusty Xavier added. “We’re gonna have to pay top dollar if we expect the best.”
“We’re aware of all this guys.” Someone chimed in.
Marcus waved from his seat at the table. “I suppose another question that bears asking is whether you all are pleased with your current suppliers. Equipment’s the bottom line in a discussion about safety.”
“And right now we’re scattered with suppliers.” Rusty mopped his brow with the handkerchief from his front pocket. “I’ve always been an advocate for consolidation- one supplier for all our needs.”
“I may have some thoughts on that.” Marc reclined in his seat when everyone looked on in interest. “If you all approve I’d like to lend my support- it’d be the best way for me to learn about who supplies Ramsey with what it needs. Mr. Xavier’s idea could save us a ton of money and perhaps offer greater efficiency by dealing with one equipment supplier.”
A murmur of conversation filled the room again. Marc hid his smile when he noticed the number of heads beginning to nod.
“I’d like to move that we let Marc run with this.”
“Second.”
Preston Schaefer stood. “All those in favor?”
Rusty Xavier clapped Marc’s shoulder when the motion passed. “Congrats, son. But don’t think we’ve just done you a favor- no one wants all the extra work you’re in for.”
Finance V.P. George Farris stood then. “Before we get out of here everyone- I’d like us to recognize another young Ramsey at the table.”
Marcus smiled over at Houston.
“Damon.” George Farris was waving toward the young man. “Your insight and the inception of Ramsey’s new trouble shooting department showed a lot of guts and intelligence. Your interest in the well-being of your family’s business deserves a round of applause.”
The applause broke out seconds later. It was several more minutes however before the group left the room. Everyone wanted the chance to shake hands with Damon.
Marcus also garnered his fair share of handshakes. He was laughing with the last of the meeting attendants, when Houston ambled over.
“Don’t sweat it, man.” Marcus said already knowing what fueled the sour look his brother wore.
“The little jackass isn’t even done with school and he’s already getting nods from the top. Headin’ his own division…” Houston slammed a fist to his palm.
“Houston? Hous? Calm down.” Marc brought his hands down over his brother’s shoulders. “I’ve got irons in the fire that’ll pay off big for both of us- putting us in charge of it all. Even West’s know it all ass.” He gave Houston’s tie a tug. “Just play it cool.”
Houston told himself he could do that after Marc slapped his arm and walked off. He was making headway until he was five steps out of the meeting room door and overheard two secretaries.
“…Gorgeous and take charge. It’s a shame Marc’s already off the market.” One of the young women complained.
“But Damon’s still unattached.” The other said and rested a hand over the front of her blouse as her eyes rolled in a dreamy fashion. “Could you imagine going to bed with that every night?”
The ladies giggled and walked on. Taking advantage of an empty desk, Houston picked up the phone and dialed Daphne Monfrey.
***
“You have surpassed every one of my former students.” Owen Dowd stirred his green tea while complimenting his young apprentice. “They’d studied the field for years and never have I seen such dedication. I’ll admit that I’m curious to know what fuels it.”
Jasper smirked, but humbly accepted the doctor’s commendation. Owen Dowd was already a legend in the field of genetics well before volunteering to lend his medical expertise in war-torn Vietnam.
Jasper had met the man when an attack on the base sent almost half the soldiers there dead or infirmed. Most of the doctor’s own staff had been killed and the man enlisted the help of any man who was still standing. Jasper’s work ethic and observant nature intrigued the doctor from the start.
“I’ve always been interested in learning new things, sir.” Jasper took a sip of his tea only grimacing slightly as he was slowly becoming fonder of the taste.
The doctor laughed. “That sort of dedication goes way past curiosity, son. Try again.” He urged.
Jasper sighed while silently asking himself if he couldn’t trust Owen Dowd, who could he trust? The man had shown him a compassion he’d never known- not even from his own mother. He thought of Carmen, but told himself that was different.
Dr. Dowd had seen him at his worst, at his most terrified. He’d already confided things to the man that he hadn’t to another soul. Why not this?
“I’ve always been intrigued by it.” He set aside the delicate cup and saucer. “Chemistry. How the right or wrong mix could make the difference between beauty and abomination.” He shrugged and looked around the coziness of the doctor’s living room. “Wasn’t until I learned of genetics that I realized how much more…involved it all was.”
The doctor leaned forward. “What got you interested in all this?” Owen Dowd felt all other questions leave his tongue when Jasper finally shared the story of his mother’s death and the circumstances of his birth.
“I know I can’t remake myself, Doc.” Jasper shook his head as though trying to make sense of it all. “Just being educated on how certain genetic patterns could intersect, collide to form greatness or catastrophe…it’d be enough for me.”
“Son,” the doctor grimaced as if realizing what Jasper’s concern was. “You aren’t catastrophe or abomination. If that were the case, you certainly wouldn’t care about the why of it all.” The man focused on the cuffs of his sweater then. “You’d be…hell son; you’d be out to wreak havoc and devastation instead of using your mind for the good of research.”
Jasper rolled his eyes, prepared to argue but straightened when the doctor clutched his knee.
“I want you to hold onto that interest, dedication and confidence son.” Owen Dowd’s wrinkled, weather-beaten face brightened with a smile. “You’re embarking upon a magical path. The field of genetics is still so untouched, so undiscovered. The future will tap into those discoveries. New paths will be forged. The sky will be the limit and we scientists,” he winked at Jasper. “My boy, we scientists will be gods.” He clinked tea cups with Jasper and they laughed.
***
In spite of all the accolades thrown his way earlier that day, Damon Ramsey was in a fierce mood. He’d left t
he meeting straight away, returned to his office and slammed the door in a none too subtle warning that it was best he not be disturbed. With the lights dimmed, he thought about Catrina Jeffries.
He couldn’t help but wonder if things were more serious between her and Houston than he thought they’d go. She was a great girl and could probably find something to love in anyone. Obviously she knew Houston was a Ramsey. Hiding it was something his brother would never consider.
Damon smirked over his own plan and how it’d backfired. His intention was to court Catrina and have her come to him without knowing he was a Ramsey. She wanted nothing to do with him- that was clear the other day outside Dawson’s. She didn’t even know who he was and if he were to tell her, she’d shut him out for good. She’d figure any interest on her part then would have him thinking she was a gold digger.
The smirk deepened. Did he just say his intentions had been to court her? What a laugh. The idle conversations they’d had were just that. Sure there’d been enough substance there to tell him Catrina Jeffries was a compassionate, intelligent girl with an intelligent spirit and even more beautiful…everything else. Still he was kept at bay by his preoccupation with the family he didn’t want her to know he was a part of.
Damon left the corner of his desk and traded it for the comfort of the sofa in his office. He’d been obsessed with finding a way into Ramsey since he’d first gone away to school. Living under Marc’s and Houston’s thumbs; having a clear view of their cunning, stoked a determination deep within. The vow he made to his father was a constant memory. The promise not to let his brothers ruin the family weren’t just words spoken amidst the anger and fear of losing his dad too soon.
Westin was too busy to really see it, but the matter beamed clear as day to Damon. Trouble was in the wind. Marcus and Houston were setting a stage that could lead to the Ramsey name being synonymous with scandal.
***
“Yeah, this’ll convince ‘em. The fools are obsessed with this safety crap.” Marc nodded fully satisfied by the papers he scanned. The documents detailed the history of the equipment he was in the market to purchase. “Lucky for us they’ll pay through the nose to get it.” His ease merged into a mood more serious. “I don’t want this comin’ back to bite me in the ass Charlt.”
“That’s what the papers are for.” Charlt reached for the cigarette he kept perched atop his ear. “You flash that shit,” he gestured to the papers with the matches he held. “You’ll see what I mean when you show ‘em to your folks at Ramsey.”
Marcus observed the papers again.
“Not only did my client provide us with this top notch, second-hand equipment but they also secured the inspection paperwork that went along with it when it was all fresh off the assembly line.”
The rise of his brows proved that Marc was impressed. He scanned the papers a third time. “Won’t they question the date? The equipment’s got some years on it.”
“There’s been some doctoring there.” Charlton took a few drags of the cigarette. “The signatures are authentic.”
“As far as you know.”
“As far as everyone will know.”
“And if this goes to hell and this inspector,” Marcus paused to find the name on the papers, “Shayne, decides to cry foul?”
Charlton was already shaking his head. “You ain’t got nothin’ to worry ‘bout there.”
Marc simply folded arms over the brown suede jacket he wore and waited.
“The cat hit rock bottom when his wife left him- citing neglect.” Charlton grinned. “The idiot was obsessed with his job but when the wife left and took the kids, he lost the job and took up the bottle.” Charlton took a couple more drags. “The cash he’s been paid to keep his trap shut, is our insurance and his ticket to enjoying his favorite pastime- drinking.”
“Shit Charlt,” Marcus whistled. “Done your homework, nigga.” He commended.
“So we got a deal?”
Laughter roared as handshakes were exchanged.
***
There was a more confident swagger in Daphne’s step when she arrived for tea with Marcella Ramsey that afternoon. An unexpected call from Houston several days earlier followed by a mid-day rendezvous at his office, had been just what she needed to instill her mood.
Houston had been both gentle and possessive. She was gradually; albeit still a tad slowly, reeling him in. Daphne pushed the bell and braced herself when she heard the buzz echo faintly inside. She’d be prepared for the snooty greetings the maids reserved for her. That day, she was determined not to cower under their disapproving stares. She’d walk into the Ramsey mansion with her head held high and a fair amount of disapproval directed their way.
Nothing prepared her for the possibility that sometimes the Ramseys answered their own door. The young woman who met the doorbell’s ring was so lovely, she gave Daphne pause. The girl also greeted Daphne and none of the contempt she’d grown so accustomed to.
“Hello, you must be Daphne. I’m Carmen Ramsey. My mother’s expecting you.” Carmen stepped away from the door, pulling it further back while she waved Daphne inside. “I hope you won’t mind me hoarding in. I don’t get to spend a lot of time with Mama being away at school and all. I really do miss our tea parties.”
Daphne managed a bright enough smile and an energetic enough nod. She wasn’t the least bit happy about having to share her special time with Carmen Ramsey hoarding in- daughter or not.
Carmen led the way to the parlor where her mother waited. Marcella was already seated in her favorite and chair and knitting what looked like caps-tiny ones that could only fit a baby.
“Well look who’s here,” Marcella’s bright smile mirrored the delight in her hazy gray stare.
Carmen stepped aside and waved Daphne close.
Uncertain how her familiar manner with the woman would be perceived by her daughter, Daphne held back. Marcella was already outstretching her hands for the hug which was Daphne’s usual greeting. Carmen seemed to be waiting on the embrace as well and laughed when Daphne leaned down and kissed her mother’s cheek.
Daphne didn’t notice any disapproval on the maid’s face when the woman walked in with a tray of tea, sandwiches and cookies. At any rate, Daphne was far too preoccupied by what was in store for her during the present get together. Surely Carmen Ramsey knew what her mother did for a living. Daphne silently admitted she was more than a little curious to know what she thought of it.
Carmen however was resuming the conversation with her mother and was kind enough to draw their guest into it. “So Daphne what do you think of us having a birthday luncheon for my mother?”
The idea was such a delight, Daphne couldn’t suppress her gasp. “It’s a wonderful idea. With all your friends and the house would be so incredible-more incredible than it already is. It’d be such a glamorous time. I’d love to go to something like that.”
“Well it looks like we’ve got at least one supporter of this idea, Carm.” Marcella’s voice lilted with a hint of laughter.
Carmen poured tea and made no comment. Daphne’s excitement began to wane as her unease returned in response to Carmen’s pleasant yet coolly observant manner.
It could have been because Carmen was waiting to ask what sort of sandwich she preferred, but Daphne wasn’t quite so trusting. What’s more, she felt simple in the outfit she wore. Carmen was dressed in similar fashion- a nice burgundy cotton blouse and skirt set. Still, she exuded a grace, a poise and intelligence which made Daphne feel grossly inadequate.
“I don’t need any parties. At my age no one wants to be reminded of birthdays.”
Carmen slapped her mother’s knee. “Stop it. You’re a young woman still. Quit talkin’ like you’re Grandma Lil.”
“Lord what a character!” Marcella burst into laughter at the comparison to her husband’s mother Lillian Ramsey. “I think she started complaining of arthritis when she was sixteen.”
Daphne even laughed then. “What about your mother, Ms.
Marcella?”
More laughter rose between the Ramsey women.
“Talk about a free spirit,” Marcella shook her head. “Dena Croix Whitman took nothin’ off no man- not even my daddy.” She boasted. “But Lord he loved her…the more he raged over her antics, the more in love he fell I think.”
Carmen was nodding. “Grandma De always told me and my sister Georgia that the test of a man’s love was in how much of your craziness he was willin’ to put up with before he turned you over his knee.”
All three women burst into laughter.
“She said that’s when the real fun began!” Carmen added.
Marcella’s eyes grew misty with tears once the laughter began to soften. “No party, girls.” She sighed and resumed her knitting. “That’s for you young beauties with all the men hanging on your every word.” She pretended not to notice both girls looking away shyly.
“Have you heard from Jasper lately, baby?”
“He’s been working a lot. Says he may be home soon.”
“And what of your young man, Daphne? Surely you must have one.” Marcella inquired with a flirty wink.
Daphne slanted a quick glance toward Carmen prepared for any funny remarks that might trip past her lips. There was nothing but a cool, regal smile illuminating her lovely features. Daphne hated her.
“There is someone, Ms. Marcella but…I don’t think he has a clue about how deeply I feel for him.”
“Thank you baby,” Marcella accepted the hot tea from her daughter, “well my my Daphne, I’d say our conversation is about to become much more interesting.”
***
‘Exquisite’ was virtually the only word Martha Simon uttered while surveying the transformation of her daughter’s home. If anything, the change only made the place more incredible.
“I can’t believe how hard you worked to put this together, baby.”
Josephine eased her hands into the pea green smock she wore and shrugged. “It’s an important event- my duty is to make it a special one.”
The Ramseys Boxed Set Page 173