Ryan's Son

Excerpt:
Ryan St. James leaned back in his executive chair and surveyed the self-satisfied faces of his board members. He would have liked to give them a damned good shake up, but unfortunately they had every right to look pleased with themselves after the profit review for the past six months. If the report was right, and he had no reason to doubt it, the firm was on course for the best year of its trading history. Which should have made Ryan feel good, since he had personally instigated the changes that had brought about this minor miracle in his late father's firm.

What the hell was the matter with him? Instead of celebrating his new millions he was restless, his mood one of irritation, a frown of frustration creased his brow. Dark eyes glittered like black ice as they swept round the room once more, and a mouth that could be generous when it smiled was drawn thin.

He could see from their expressions that the men and one token woman on the board of Webber Industries were wondering what their employer had in store for them. He knew his own reputation well enough. Ryan St. James was the kind of man who inspired respect in his employees. Anyone looking at him now would see that he had the look of a panther, sleek, lithe and poised to spring.

"I have decided…" Ryan began.

Whatever he was about to say was lost as the door thrust open and a young woman charged into the room, hotly followed by a protesting secretary.

"I've told you, you can't come in here," the secretary said, shooting a scared glance at the head of Webber Industries. "I'm so sorry Mr. St. James, she just refused to listen."

"Too damned right!" The young woman glared at the hapless secretary and anyone else who happened to be in the way of her furious glance. "I've been trying to make an appointment with you for months, Ryan St. James, and I've no intention of being put off by weak excuses any longer. Every time I telephone they tell me you are in a meeting."