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view. She wants . . . she expects me to finance a plane she’s designed for Coleman Aviation.”
    â€œOh, is that all? I thought it was something terrible, from the way you looked. You told her you would, didn’t you? How I admire her ability. To think that both of you, brother and sister, became aeronautical engineers . . . well, it’s just wonderful. My father had such respect for Sawyer. It was hard for him to believe a woman could do the things she did. He loved your family very much.”
    Shame coursed through Cole. “I made her an offer, which she rejected. Obviously, the thought never occurred to her that I might . . . that it is after all a business deal and I’d want to see a profit.” When he saw the look in her eyes, however, he grasped her arm, knowing he had to say more. “I know you don’t understand, and I really can’t explain this, but I did what I did for a reason. I truly believe your father . . .” How was he to say it? “Honey, I believe your father’s spirit is trying to help me out of the quandary I’m in. I am doing what is supernaturally expected of me at this point in time.” He sounded like a lunatic.
    â€œWhat exactly did you say to Sawyer?” Sumi asked quietly.
    â€œI said twelve percent interest with a seventy-five percent share of the profits.”
    â€œI see.”
    â€œI’ve shamed you. That’s what that look on your face means, doesn’t it?”
    â€œYes,” Sumi said sadly. She pulled her arm free of her husband’s grasp. She turned once and almost stumbled on the path. “I wonder what would have happened to your family the first time if my father had acted with your attitude.” With one hand on the door, she called out, “My father charged no interest. There was no time limit on the payback and the check was blank. I heard that story so many times I know it by heart.”
    Cole’s eyes were glued to the doors as they closed. He felt like the scum of the earth. Worse. Until this moment, he could do no wrong in his wife’s eyes. Now her beautiful, gentle face was full of shame—for him.
    Did he have the nerve to say the same thing he’d just said to Sawyer to his whole family? Was there one among them who would understand, even if he could explain the way he felt? He’d boasted when he took over the Japanese empire that he had ninety billion dollars at his disposal. His personal disposal. Three years later he still had ninety billion dollars. He knew what all their faces would look like when Sawyer told them, and she would tell them, of their conversation. They’d say among themselves, that ninety billion dollars had turned his head. They would call him a disgusting, greedy bastard. His heart felt bruised and sore.
    Cole reached for the Sapporo, but the bottle was empty. He’d taken no more than a few swigs, and hadn’t poured any of the beer into the glass on the black lacquer tray. When he picked up the glass, he wasn’t at all surprised to discover beer suds in the bottom. The old Japanese had always liked beer with his dinner, no matter what he was eating. Cole looked at his watch. Fifteen minutes past six. He looked around wildly. The late afternoon sun dimmed. Another sign. He was sure of it. Shadaharu’s spirit was here, listening. If he truly believed that, then he had to believe he’d done the right thing with Sawyer. Numbers could always be adjusted. Still, his sister was a tight-ass and would view this as a betrayal. Well, he’d just have to convince her she was wrong. Right now he had to concentrate on his loyalty to his father-in-law. The old Japanese came first.
    Overhead he could heard the rustle of birds as they readied themselves for flight. He thought it an angry sound. Each rustle, each flap of the wings, seemed to say, Shigata Mitsu, Shigata Mitsu.
    Â 
    Sawyer Coleman Jarvis stared at the pinging receiver in her