“Good morning, Mr. Osland. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Not at all,” said Hunter. “We just got here. And, please, call me Hunter.” He turned to Sinclair. “This is my associate, Sinclair Mahoney.”

“Seth,” said the man, holding out his hand to Sinclair. “Pleasure to meet you.”

Sinclair shook. “Sinclair,” she confirmed.

Seth gestured to the round table. “Shall we sit down?”

Hunter pulled out a chair for Sinclair, then the men sat.

“Osland International’s latest acquisition,” Hunter began, getting right to the point, “is a boutique beauty-products company out of New York called Lush Beauty.”

“I’ve heard of Lush,” said Seth with a nod.

Sinclair thought that fact boded well for the discussions, but Hunter’s expression remained neutral.

“We’re in Paris for a few days,” explained Hunter, “looking for partners in the upcoming launch of a promising new line called Luscious Lavender.”

Sinclair mentally prepared herself to talk about the products. She’d start with skin care, move to cosmetics, then introduce some of the specialty personal care items.

“With Osland International’s involvement,” Hunter continued, “we’re in a position to launch simultaneously in North America and Europe. A spa would naturally be an ideal outlet for us, and we believe Castlebay’s clientele are dead center for our target market.”

Seth continued nodding, which Sinclair took to be a great sign.

“Under normal circumstances,” he said, “I would agree with you. And I’ve no doubt that Luscious Lavender would serve our client market well. But, there’s a complication.”

Sinclair’s stomach sank.

Hunter waited.

“There’s an offer on the table to purchase Castlebay Spas in its entirety.”