French "Bailey?" Lucas's precise, emotionless voice came softly over the phone. "Are you there?""Yes, I hear you." Her mouth was dry; black specks blurred her vision. "Go on.""This is a private conversation. I'd hate to think you'd share it with Daniel.""Why wouldn't l?""Let me say that it would be"-he paused-"unwise. Dangerous for all concerned."She sank into a chair, gripping the handset so hard that her fingertips felt numb. "You're threatening me. Don't. I'm not afraid of you.""A lie. You disappoint me, Bailey.""Why would you think I'd betray Daniel?""Self-interest is hardly betrayal. We're wasting time. Time that neither of us has. Either you're interested in my proposition or not.""Why should I believe you?""You don't understand me at all, do you?" Biting her lip, she glanced toward the hall. She could hear the shower running. "What do you want?""You aren't a stupid woman.""Money.""Affirmative."She shivered. "Why should I trust you? You've already said that I'm not stupid.""Tuttut.
