With a flash of inspiration, she grabbed the phone and dialed the offices of Blackmore’s Gourmet Chocolates. Todd had left some information with Alex when he’d left, demanding to be notified of the outcome of the board meeting. But Darci had forgotten all about it when Cole had left. When she was finally connected with her former secretary, she was almost shaking with suppressed excitement.

It was going to work, it had to work. Her future depended on it.

“Alex, it’s Darci.”

A heavy sigh greeted her. “I hope you’re planning on regaining control of this company soon. That man is about to drive me crazy with his demands, and he has no clue as to how to run a business.”

Darci couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled through her. “Well, if you’re willing to be a traitor to Jeffrey and the current administration, I could use some help in setting up a coup.”

Alex’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial undertone. “Anything. Just name it.”

“First of all, I need Todd Perkins’s address, phone number or some point of contact. I have a business proposition for him. Then, I need to ask you to keep quiet about what you think I’m doing.”

“Todd just called this morning to leave the phone number of a hotel he was staying at for a few more days. He had some crazy idea that you might want to talk with him. I know I wrote it down here somewhere.”

The sound of rustling papers carried over the phone, and Darci waited impatiently. The energy pulsing through her demanded action, and she was having a difficult time forcing herself to proceed calmly, slowly and methodically. She didn’t want to make any mistakes now. Too much hinged on the results.

“Ah, here it is.” Alex recited the phone number. “If there’s anything else, Darci. Anything.”

“Just keep Jeffrey from destroying the place before I can get him out of there. Thanks, Alex. I owe you.”

“Hurry, before I take care of the man myself.”

Darci smiled at Alex’s threat, then hung up and dialed the hotel where Todd was staying. When he finally came on the line, she couldn’t resist teasing him a little.

“Here I thought you only slept in the back of that pickup truck of yours. What are you doing in such a fancy place?”

“Well, little gal, every once in a while, I need a good bed, a good meal and a little pampering. This was one of those times.” He paused for a breath. “Now, tell me what you’re going to do about those varmints that took over your company. What do you need from me?”

The man certainly wasn’t the type to waste words on pleasantries. “Money and lots of advice.”

“I’ve got plenty of both. Where do you want to meet?”

“Todd, are you certain? I know I’m imposing…”