Chapter 58: Chapter 58: It's none of your business

She smiled without confidence. 'I was hoping, yes. I'd also like to get the view of someone who isn't immediately involved about the direction the company is taking.' Burwood remained noncommittal. 'I mean, I know Alex Patton's beneficiary was his mother. I also know,' she crossed her fingers, 'that Nick Donaldson has offered to buy Mrs Patton out and that she's considering it.'

He sat up. 'You've seen her?'

'No, I rang her in New York.'

He sat back with a hint of skepticism. 'And she told you this?'

Feeling uncomfortable was not hard to manufacture. 'I filled in a few gaps.' And he was not denying them. She pressed on. 'Mrs Patton told me that her husband's final will went against an agreement he had with his partners to exclude any beneficiaries from the company unless it was with their approval. Why did he change his mind? And why keep it a secret from them? Was he afraid for any reason? And surely under this agreement Nick Donaldson would have had grounds for contesting it?'