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"Rey says these gentlemen are very nice, and honorable businessmen," she added before he had time
to wonder at her silence.
"He'd know. The Harts are savvy businessmen. They know a good deal when they see one." He
glanced at her curiously. "Did Rey call you?"
She shook her head. "I'd heard these businessmen were going to be out at their ranch, hoping to buy
organic beef. It seemed the right thing to phone the Harts and ask if we could get in on their deal." She
flushed. "I didn't think about how pushy it sounds until just now."
"It sounds like competent business thinking. If I had fewer murders to contend with, I might have
thought of it myself." He changed the subject. "Have you heard from Joel Harper about when the film
crew's coming back?"
"Yes. He said they'd be back December 4," she replied tersely.
His black eyes met hers before they went back to the road. "Christmas will be here before we know
it," he remarked, thinking about the pretty pearl necklace and stud earring set he'd bought her for a
combination late birthday and Christmas present. It was pure gold with pink pearls, her favorites. She
was going to love it.
She stared out the window. "So it will." She was wondering if the beautiful supermodel had plans for
him that would include that holiday. But she couldn't afford to let him know her worries. He didn't
want her. She wasn't throwing herself at him.
He pulled up at the Hart ranch office building and cut off the engine. She jumped down from her side
just as Cash pulled up next to them in his pickup truck. He was in uniform, obviously working today.
"I hear I'm in demand as a translator," he teased Crissy.
She grinned back at him. "You just translate us a good deal, and I'll recommend you to anybody you
like."
He chuckled.
Judd turned away from both of them and went toward the of-fice.
The Japanese corporation executives were charming and highly intelligent. Both of them spoke
English, although the nu-ances of idiom and Texas drawl were formidable opponents of real
understanding.
Cash spoke the language with a fluency that brought delighted smiles from the Japanese, even from
their two translators. He seemed right at home, down to the custom of bowing instead of shaking
hands, and knowing exactly how to phrase questions without offending.
"Mr. Kosugi would like both of you to be his guests in Osaka in January," Cash told Christabel and
Judd. "If you agree, he'll assign one of his staff to help you with arrangements, meet you at the
airport, and conduct you around Osaka. When you see his facilities, and meet his family and staff,
you'll sign a formal agreement."
Judd scowled. 'That's an expensive trip, Cash," he began.
"This is our, how do you say it, treat," Mr. Kosugi told them with a smile. "It is the way we do
business."
Judd was still scowling. "I work in law enforcement," he began.
"Yes, you are Texas Ranger," the older gentleman said excitedly. "We read about you Rangers, and
watch American movies of Texas."
Judd smiled. "Yes. So I can't accept gifts."
"You can make me a gift of two tickets," Christabel said eas-ily. "I will take him with me to Japan."
"Christabel," Judd began.
She drew him to one side and glared up at him. "We're still married, for the moment," she said
forcefully.
"What I own, you own. If I get two tickets, I can give one to anyone I like, which includes you. Even
your boss can't complain if your wife gives you a present. All you have to do is ask for personal time
off, to go with me."
He hesitated. He glanced at Grier, who was watching with great interest. It occurred to him that Grier
would be an even bet-ter travel companion for her, because he also spoke Japanese. His eyes began to
burn. He looked down at her. "All right. I don't like it, but I'll do it."
"It isn't as if Mr. Kosugi is going to ask you to rob a bank for him or do personal favors for him,
either," she pointed out. "This is ranch business, Judd. And if we don't go, there isn't going to be a
ranch for much longer."
He couldn't argue with that. He wanted to, but she was right. He hated the thought of giving up his
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