The late afternoon was dreary and marked by a slight drizzle. She felt as if she'd waited forever for him to lose his temper and storm the castle. He was on his way up. She'd been watching him from the monitors. This was part of her plan. She'd rehearsed it in her mind so many times. She would ask him for the box and all the pins. In return she would give him complete access to all her codes. She would barter for them. She'd already proven to him that he could not run the center without her expertise. For several long minutes, she watched the security monitors. He was on the second level now, his fists tightly clenched at his sides, and he did look furious. No. He looked beyond furious. Had he not appeared so angry, she'd be more frightened now. Anger she could deal with. Was he ready to barter? Maybe not, maybe she still had some convincing to do. All she had to do was refuse to turn off the security system. Then she could negotiate until he gave in, and God help her, pray he'd give in soon because the man was truly trying her patience.
