Homeport by Nora Roberts Page B

the top of your field. Now, because of haste and stubbornness and ego, my professional integrity is in question, and your reputation may very well be ruined. The bronze is being transferred to another facility today.”
    “Transferred?”
    “We’ve been fired,” Elizabeth snapped, then snatched up the phone that rang on a table beside her. Her lips thinned, and her breath hissed through them once. “No comment,” she said in Italian, and hung up. “Another reporter. The third who’s reached me on my private number.”
    “It doesn’t matter.” Though her stomach was jumping, Miranda spoke calmly. “Let them transfer her. Any reputable lab will only verify my findings.”
    “That’s precisely the kind of arrogance that put us in this position.” Her eyes fired such icy temper that Miranda didn’t notice the strain or dark circles under them. “I’ve worked for years to reach this point, to build and maintain a facility that is without question among the finest in the world.”
    “This won’t change that. Leaks happen even in the finest facilities.”
    “They don’t happen at Standjo.” The silk of Elizabeth’s robe swirled as she paced. The matching slippers made no sound as they trampled the pink roses blooming on the carpet. “I’ll begin repairing the damage immediately. I expect you to avoid the press, and take the first available flight back to Maine.”
    “I’m not leaving until this is finished.”
    “It is finished, for you. Your services are no longer required at Standjo, Florence.” She turned back to her daughter, her face set, her tired eyes chilly and direct. “Your security clearance will be voided.”
    “I see. A quick execution without a trial. I shouldn’t be surprised,” she said half to herself. “Why am I?”
    “This isn’t the time to indulge in drama.”
    Because her nerves were raw, Elizabeth indulged herself and moved to a cabinet for the brandy. There was a dull drumming at the base of her skull that caused her more irritation than pain.
    “It’s going to take quite a bit of work to put Standjo back on an even keel after this. And there will be questions, a lot of questions.” With her back to Miranda, Elizabeth splashed two inches of brandy into a snifter. “It would be better for you if you aren’t in the country when they’re asked.”
    “I’m not afraid of questions.” The panic was creeping in now, sneaking slyly up her spine. She was to be sent away, The Dark Lady taken from her. Her work questioned, her integrity shadowed. “I didn’t do anything illegal or unethical. And I’ll stand by my authentication of the bronze. Because it’s right. Because it’s real.”
    “For your sake, I hope so. The press has your name, Miranda.” Elizabeth lifted her brandy in an unconscious toast. “Believe me, they’ll use it.”
    “Let them.”
    “Arrogance.” Elizabeth hissed out a breath. “Obviously you haven’t taken account that your actions will reflect on me, personally and professionally.”
    “You thought of it,” Miranda shot back, “when you brought me here to verify and corroborate your own suspicions. You may head Standjo, but you don’t have the qualifications for this kind of work. You wanted the glory.” Miranda’s heart hammered painfully in her throat as she stepped closer. “You sent for me because I share part of your name, and your blood, however much we both regret that.”
    Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed. The accusation wasn’t inaccurate, but neither was it complete. “I gave you the opportunity of a lifetime, because of your qualifications, and yes, because you’re a Jones. You’ve damaged that opportunity, and my organization in the process.”
    “I’ve done nothing but what I was brought here to do. I’ve spoken to no one outside the organization, and to no one in the organization who didn’t meet with your clearance specifications.”
    Elizabeth drew a calming breath. Her decision had already been made, she reminded