Ambition and Passion

By Emily Hussey

The price of success was higher than she thought.

A mixture of sass, technical know-how and steely determination swung the IT contract Miranda's way. Her company needed this job to survive. Now all she had to do was deliver. The connection with Hugh Paterson was an unexpected bonus—until it wasn't. 
 

Working in close proximity was unavoidable, and Miranda was surprised to discover the creative side of his personality. Not quite as surprised as discovering the hot body and passion beneath that business suit. It was a lust equally matched by hers. 
 

Then the universe conspired against her. The mysterious break-in, the system hack, the shock allegations – it was enough to make a grown woman cry. Except she didn't. Miranda came out fighting. 
 

She didn't expect Hugh to abandon her when it was all over. Christmas had never looked so bleak. 

You'll love the twist the Universe delivers. Down load it to find out more. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Winsome Books
• Release date: Apr 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386536925

Emily Hussey

Emily Hussey splits her time between work in Melbourne CBD and her home in Adelaide, South Australia. She has lived in several Australian cities, and spent a few years living in Alice Springs, the setting for the Red Centre series. While there, she also obtained her private pilot’s licence, providing the technical background for Kathy Sullivan’s flying exploits in the Centralian region. Although all of the characters in these stories are fictional, facets are recognisable in many of the people who still live there today. She enjoys the short story format, and has been published in local anthologies. Those stories are in varied genres, getting to know people and the world as seen through their eyes. She is authorised as a marriage celebrant by the Australian Attorney-General, and has married couples in many different locations, ranging from private gardens, to beaches to caves or rural locations. Many of her clients remain friends to this day.

Book preview

Ambition and Passion

Love, Ambition, and the Ultimate Sacrifice

Emily Hussey

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Winsome Books

Copyright © 2019 by Emily Hussey

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. The characters and incidents portrayed herein are fictitious. Any similarity to a name, character, or history of any actual person, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher.

Editor: Deadra Krieger

Cover Design: Winsome Books

Background Image: Shutterstock Image 643805656

First Edition Published by Winsome Books 2019 as Clear As A Bell

Second Edition Published 2023

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A division of Winsome Enterprises Pty Ltd

Adelaide, South Australia

Contents

1.Chapter 1

2.Chapter 2

3.Chapter 3

4.Chapter 4

5.Chapter 5

6.Chapter 6

7.Chapter 7

8.Chapter 8

9.Chapter 9

10.Five Minutes of Your Time

11.Maison Angelique

Also By Emily Hussey

12.Emily Hussey

Chapter 1

Miranda Montgomery’s clipped footsteps echoed on the tiled floor. Jack’s shoes didn’t have anywhere near the same impact, but then he wasn’t wearing mile-high Christian Louboutin either.

She flicked him a quick smile and smoothed the back of her skirt. Again. It didn’t need it. With a nod of thanks to the woman who directed them to the office, Miranda took a deep breath and rapped on the door.

Enter.

It sounded like a command rather than an invitation. The man seated at the desk kept writing for a few seconds before looking up. She felt a surge of irritation, and in the same instant, took in the clutter-free desk top and the minimalist environment. You could learn a lot about a person by their surroundings.

His bland expression broke into a polite smile. Hugh Paterson pushed his chair back and moved to greet them, hand extended. She couldn’t help noticing his height. Even measured against her strategically selected stilettos, he towered over her. His handshake was firm without being combatant.

Thank you for coming in, he said smoothly. Take a seat.

He led them to a meeting table at one side of his office. Miranda faced a window, allowing her to admire the view. It was not the corner office, but the Chief Operations Manager obviously rated prime real estate within the hospital building. She turned back to the man, who focused his attention on Jack.

As I said in my email, there are a few aspects of your proposal I want to clarify. He flipped through a bound report on the table in front of him, stopping at a section marked with sticky tabs. Back-up and security procedures. That’s my first area of concern. Data confidentiality is crucial. How do you vet your employees?

Jack drew himself up as though about to speak. Miranda jumped in before that could happen. This was an easy question.

We request all employees to submit to national police checks before permanent employment is offered, Mr. Paterson. We engage contractors according to work load, and they are also required to undergo the check as well.

He nodded. Hugh, please. No need to stand on formality. Pursing his lips, he made a few notes in the margin of the report. Upside-down, the jottings were unreadable.

Miranda pushed on. Part of our induction program entails instruction on our corporate policies, and processes for maintaining security. Everyone understands that a breach results in instant dismissal, and the prospect of legal action.

Hugh looked to Jack again. Can you run me through your risk management process?

What was it with this man? She maintained a poker face over rising irritation. She couldn’t afford to jeopardize the contract. IT Health Solutions needed this job. It was make or break time. She focused on a business-like portrayal.

If you look at the appendices, Hugh, you’ll see a copy of our risk management report. This assessment takes place at the beginning of every project, with responsibility apportioned to those who should monitor the impacts. It’s a dynamic document, updated every month. As soon as an issue is identified, we’ll be on to it.

Hugh Paterson looked up from the report, put his pen down, and sat back in his chair. He regarded Jack intently, tapping the cover of the report. On paper, you've come across with a well-thought out proposal. What guarantees can you give me that your company can—

Miranda couldn’t let the meeting continue in this vein. Leaning forward, she tapped one fingernail on the table.

"Mr. Paterson—Hugh—IT Health Solutions is my company. If there are any guarantees required, you will need to speak to me. Jack will address some of the technical questions. She sensed his surprise, but couldn't help herself. If you read that report thoroughly, you would have seen the section on company ownership and key personnel. Is this an indication of the level of due diligence undertaken by hospital administration?"

She felt Jack nudge her foot under the table. She knew what that meant. Shut up, Miranda. Your mouth will get us into trouble one of these days. He said it often enough.

Hugh's posture shifted slightly as his eyes slid from Jack to Miranda. She held his gaze and her breath. He ignored her question and didn't rise to the bait. He remained silent for one, two beats.

Well, Ms. Montgomery—Miranda—I still have some concerns. Yours is an untested company. Your submission has all the right words, but I'm still not convinced you can deliver. There was a telling pause. I propose that your company submits a test module before we award you the contract.

Miranda glanced quickly at Jack before she spoke. She hesitated to make any promises unless she certain he and his team could deliver. She couldn't afford to appear hesitant though. That won't be a problem, provided it doesn't eat into the time required for the project itself. The stipulated completion date is Christmas, which means commencing soon is critical.

I'm aware of that. This is what it entails. He slid a sheet of paper across the table. As you will see, it's a sub-set of the first project module, so rather than lose time it will give you an early start on the project. If your delivery meets expectations, we'll talk again.

Jack pulled the sheet of paper to their side of the table, and he and Miranda scanned it together. The first module related to asset management. It looked straightforward to Miranda.

What's the required delivery date?

Two weeks from now. Then you’ll need to deliver a presentation to the board, and a final decision will be made after that meeting.

She looked to Jack for confirmation they could comply. He caught her glance and nodded before sitting back, arms folded. That was all the reassurance she needed. She wasn't ready to agree to the request just yet though.

I assume TechSolutions are submitting to the same test?

This was their main competitor. Although four companies had been shortlisted for the project, she knew it was now between TechSolutions and IT Health.

Hugh Paterson remained impassive. We don't disclose details about other companies participating in the tender process. I can assure you that everyone has access to the same information and must meet the same criteria.

I want to be sure I've understood you, Miranda said slowly. On top of the information we’ve already provided, you want us to deliver this module as a preliminary component of the project delivery.

He nodded. The look he gave her bordered between arrogance and challenge. It was almost as if he were throwing down the gauntlet, which in a way she knew he was.

That will take time and resources. Is there payment for this?

Indignation bubbled and threatened to erupt. What right did he have to ask this of them? Sadly, Hugh Paterson was holding all the cards. That gave him the right. Outwardly, she kept her best poker face. She’d be damned if she was going to let him see it rankled her.

If the work you present is satisfactory, then yes. You’ll be paid for your time. It will form part of the project. If not, you’ll have to put it down to experience.

The silence, as each eyed the other, spoke volumes. Jack shifted uncomfortably in his seat and cleared his throat. Fearing he might speak first, Miranda jumped in quickly.

That proposal is not acceptable. I have every confidence in the skills and abilities of those working for IT Health. You'll have your module, Hugh, and it will demonstrate our ability. My invoice will follow. I will expect prompt payment and will require that condition to be written into a preliminary contractual agreement. I am not solving the hospital’s IT problems for free.

She pushed back her chair and stood up. Jack took his cue from her, scooping the paper from the desk and standing also.

That agreement will be delivered to your office this afternoon. We won't keep any more of your time. As soon as it's signed, we'll start on your module.

Not waiting for a response, she moved towards the door, but turned back so quickly, Jack nearly ran into her. She delivered her best glacial stare.

Incidentally, if there is information we need, and there are delays getting it from your department, the clock stops. That will also be in the agreement.

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Miranda, are you sure about this? It’s such a pressured time of year. I’m not confident the team will cope.

They will, Jack, because they have to cope. Her clipped words were matched by the clack of her heels on the pavement. Oncoming pedestrians parted before her. Even they could sense the mood of the woman striding towards them.

Our futures rest on this contract. If we don’t get it, how long do you think I can afford to keep the company running? We can’t survive on the small contracts that dribble in.

I get that, I do. I want to keep my job as much as the next person, but what will it do to our reputation—your reputation—if we stuff this up? Have you thought about that?

There will be no stuff up. It’s not an option.

Matching his stride with hers, Jack didn’t pursue the issue. Instead, he turned the topic to practical matters, discussing which resources current projects required, and offering suggestions for the best approach in tackling the module.

They’re all great ideas. She paused in front of a shop window considering the tasty treats stacked behind the glass.

Wait up a moment, I’ll duck into the bakery and pick up some morning tea. She threw a knowing smile in Jack’s direction. No harm in bringing back a sweetener. It will help when you explain what they need to do.

Me! Isn’t this your baby? Aren’t you going to explain it to them?

"Sure, I’ll be there, but you’re my technical expert. I can tell them what they have to do, but you’ll have to tell them how to do it."

I’ll pick all their brains on this one. We’ll have a brainstorming session as soon as we get into the studio. Make sure you get some chocolate options, he called after her as she disappeared into the doorway of the bakery.

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It was hard to tell if the silence that greeted her announcement was due to shock-horror at the requirements she outlined, or if it was because their mouths were full. It didn’t last long. Questions and comments flew across the room, and the whiteboard filled with scribbled outlines. Jack had already thought about some of the options on their walk back from the hospital. Tasks were identified and distributed, and people withdrew to their individual workstations to start on their research.

Thanks, Jack. I don’t know what I’d do without you, or that analytical brain of yours.

Glad you realize it. Putting you on notice; I’ll want a raise out of this! I’ve got my sights on a nice apartment in the city.

You and me both, Jack, she sighed.

Miranda kicked off her shoes. They weren’t called killer heels for nothing. She threw herself down on a couch in the break-free area and massaged her feet as she reviewed the morning’s meeting. Hugh Paterson presented a commanding figure, very sure of himself, but arrogant men like him got under her skin. If he thought he could intimidate her, he’d met his match. He was kind of attractive if you liked that sort of man. Not her type though.

She balanced her