When the Devil Drives

Cal shook his head. 'No, sweetheart. You're not thinking clearly.' Hepointed to the IOUs on the table between them. 'As you so rightlysaid, these should have remained a private matter between Simon andmyself. But in a war you use whatever weapons are available, if youwant to win. And I intend nothing less than total victory.'Joanna's hands clenched into fists. 'I'll see you in hell --''And we'll both see your brother in the bankruptcy court,' heinterrupted harshly. 'I'll do it if I have to, Joanna, and there isn't a soulin the world who would blame me. He's behaved like a incompetentin his business life, and a reckless fool privately. He should bestopped sharply and permanently before he drags himself, andeveryone involved with him, any deeper into the mire.'He paused. 'On the other hand, the threat of it may be enough to shockhim to his senses, and impending fatherhood may keep him there.''What do you care?' she asked bitterly. 'You helped push him into thismess. You've used him and manipulated him all along the line foryour own disgusting purposes...'His mouth twisted. 'Have I? Then the more fool Simon for letting me,wouldn't you say?''He's no match for you—he never was. He didn't realise what he wasgetting into.'Cal tutted. 'You mean you didn't try to warn him? How very remiss ofyou!''Of course I tried,' she said with angry weariness. 'But he wouldn'tlisten, and it was too late anyway. He'd already handed the CraftCompany to you on a platter, the naive, trusting idiot. He thoughtyour offer of help meant that the feud between us was over.'