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That untamed urge rose, the one I’d been fighting to tamp down or ignore for most of my life. The
need to put him in his place in a way he would never forget. To have him on his knees. Todominate...
I chose a different route. ‘Like it or not, beauty sells, Mr Scott. Each of those models you object to is attached to a company and an article in my magazine that seeks to promote awareness of global
warming. And while you might find it distasteful, together with the Mortimer Group, we’re raising
almost a billion dollars for the cause. Surely the ultimate goal is what matters in the end?’
‘No, it’s not. Because all this—’ he cast a wide, irate arm at the crew ‘—does nothing but disturb
the very wildlife you claim you’re here to protect.’
Irritation swelled to annoyance. ‘My people did their research and chose the course that would
have minimal impact on this location. Had you turned up when you were supposed to an hour ago—’
‘It wouldn’t have changed a thing. Bears. Seals. Melting glaciers. The occasional bald or golden
eagle if you’re lucky. That’s what Larry hired me to photograph. And I was late because the huskies needed a rest. Four of them are in training, a process which requires patience and time. Not unlike the very wildlife you’re here for. Turning up an hour ago wouldn’t have been a guarantee of a wildlife
sighting. Especially not with the kind of commotion you and your crew are creating.’
Again, my gaze flicked to Larry. He avoided my gaze, confirming that something had gone seriously
wrong, somewhere.
‘Excuse me, Mr Scott. I need a word with my PM.’
Jensen Scott held my gaze for several seconds, then he nodded and strode several steps away.
Again, that urge fizzled, alerting me to the fact that it was merely dormant, not dead. I pushed it away and focused on Larry.
‘I’m sorry, Gracie,’ he blurted before I could speak. ‘All the guys I interviewed either didn’t come close to what we wanted or were booked months in advance. I heard on the grapevine that Scott had a very rare cancellation and I—’
‘You thought you’d lie your way into signing him?’
He grimaced. ‘I didn’t think he’d object this strongly. After all, he did the thing with the Danish royal family and a few high-profile people recently—’
‘We’ve known each other for almost ten years, Larry. That’s the only reason I’m not firing you on
the spot. Pull another stunt like this and it’ll be your last. Are we clear?’
He paled further, then nodded gruffly before glancing over to where Jensen was petting one of his
huskies. He murmured to the dog and the creature responded with rapt adoration. The few words that
drifted over in the chilled breeze didn’t sound like English.
‘Do you think he’ll stay?’ Larry asked. ‘Do you want me to—?’
‘No.’ My objection emerged much stronger than I’d anticipated. ‘I’ll deal with Mr Scott. Just alert the crew that there might be a change of plans.’
He nodded immediately, his certainty that I’d get what I wanted infusing me with confidence as I
approached Jensen.
Sensing my approach, he straightened and speared me with those glacial eyes. ‘Well?’