A Brother's Honor (Grangers) - By Brenda Jackson Page 0,40

some over, and others she would not. But in the end, she had a job to do, and there was no doubt in his mind that she would do it and do it well.

After her presentation, the questions began in earnest, and she fired back the answers. He glanced around the room, and he saw a level of respect in some eyes and wariness in others. One or two tried being forceful with their thoughts and ideas, and she stood her ground, the authority and confidence in her tone putting several on notice that she was not a pushover. His admiration of her went up another notch.

He felt Dalton’s eyes on him and glanced over at his brother, who appeared to have an intense yet secretive expression on his face. Jace stared back at his brother before switching his gaze to Shana once more, wondering what game Dalton was playing.

Twenty minutes later, the meeting ended with the executives and managers heading out the door with muttered remarks, both approving and disapproving. Shana glanced over at Jace. “I didn’t expect to win them all over.”

He nodded. “Neither did I, but you’re here now, and one day the naysayers will appreciate your presence when the company moves forward.”

Caden patted Jace on the back. “Both Granddad and Dad would have been proud of how you handled the old guard today, Jace. When it comes to this kind of stuff, you’re a true leader. I bet Cal is concerned because he hasn’t brought on a new project in years.”

Jace lifted a brow. “And how would you know that?”

Caden chuckled. “You aren’t the only one spending his time reading. Thought I would do as much as I could before I left next week.” Caden would be leaving for a couple of weeks to perform at two previously scheduled concerts in New York that were too costly to get out of.

Jace glanced over at Dalton, who was still sitting at the table and not saying a word. “So how do you think the meeting went, Dalton?”

Dalton didn’t say anything for a while and then stood. “Caden’s right, you’re the right one to come in here and kick asses into shape or out the door. Freeman’s pissed, although he’s trying not to show it. I could hear the sound of his teeth grinding when you introduced Shana. He doesn’t want her here. I think he feels threatened again. And I agree with Caden. Dad and Granddad would have been proud of how you handled things. Caden’s right. You’re a true leader.”

“Thanks.”

Dalton then turned his attention to Shana and smiled. “For some reason, they see you as a threat, Ms. Bradford, and I’m curious as to why. I understand that no one likes change, but I felt it was more than that.”

Jace lifted a brow, intrigued by his brother’s observation. He hadn’t truly expected it. “Why?”

Dalton shrugged, and then his smile widened. “Not sure, but I’m sure Ms. Bradford will make it her business to find out. Won’t you?”

Shana returned his gaze. “Yes, I will definitely find out.”

It didn’t take long for word to spread through Granger Aeronautics that Bradford Crisis Management was not only on board but intended to bring the firm back up to snuff. Jace had encouraged all his department heads to meet with their teams to squash any rumors that needed addressing. Freeman had sought him out after the meeting, claiming the stockholders’ meeting hadn’t been his idea but had been initiated by a concerned stockholder. Jace knew that wasn’t the case but hadn’t called the man out on it. All he cared about was getting Grangers back on top, and he felt he had a chance with Shana’s help.

* * *

During the following week, Jace noticed an improvement in morale among the employees. Smiles were in place, and he was met with friendly greetings when he passed through the halls to visit various departments for cross-training. Not surprisingly, Freeman had resigned, and as far as Jace was concerned, he had done the right thing since he could no longer be trusted.

Jace worked late every night, and so did Shana. He was well aware that she was still in the office, hard at work, when he left each day. He made a habit of sticking his head in the door to bid her good-night, and usually she was so buried in the various reports she was reading that she didn’t bother to glance up. She would merely throw her hand up to acknowledge she’d