Document:

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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(a)

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

AGREEMENT made as of the 15th day of February, 2000 by and between Corniche
Group Incorporated, a Delaware corporation having offices at 610 S. Industrial
Blvd., Suite 220, Euless, Texas 76040 (the "Company"), and Robert F. Benoit (the
"Executive").

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive wish to set forth the terms and
conditions of the Executive's employment by the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

         1.       Employment. The Company agrees to employ the Executive in the
                  capacity herein after set forth, for the term specified in
                  paragraph 2, and the Executive agrees to accept such
                  employment, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set
                  forth.

         2.       Term. This Agreement shall be for a term commencing on
                  [February 15th, 2000] (the "Effective Date") and unless this
                  Agreement is sooner terminated under the provisions hereof,
                  expiring three years thereafter (the "Term").

         3.       Duties and Responsibilities.

                  (a)      During the Term, the Executive shall serve as an
                           officer of the Company and shall have the title of
                           Chief Executive Officer. The Term may be extended for
                           such duration and upon such terms and conditions as
                           to which the Company and the Executive may agree, on
                           or prior to, the expiration of the Term.

                  (b)      The Executive shall devote substantial business
                           efforts to the Company. Other business activities of
                           the Executive shall be limited in time and scope and
                           not conflict with the terms of this Agreement. The
                           Executive will (i) devote his best efforts, skill and
                           ability to promote the Company's interest; (ii) carry
                           out his duties in a competent and professional
                           manner; (iii) work with other employees of the
                           Company in a competent and professional manner and
                           (iv) generally promote the best interests of the
                           Company.

                  (c)      The Executive's normal place of business shall be 610
                           S. Industrial Blvd., Suite 220, Euless, Texas 76040.

                  (d)      The Executive shall have the powers and duties
                           commensurate with his position and the authority to
                           perform these and other such duties as may reasonably
                           be assigned from time to time that are not
                           inconsistent with such position.

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         4.       Compensation.

                  (a)      As compensation for services hereunder and in
                           consideration of his agreement not to compete as set
                           forth in Section 9 below, during the Term, the
                           Company shall pay the Executive in accordance with
                           the Company's normal payroll practices base salary
                           compensation at an annual rate of $100,000.00 less
                           required tax withholding amounts. The executive will
                           also receive a 6,000.00 automobile allowance per
                           year. The annual rate of salary compensation may be
                           reviewed and increased at the discretion of the
                           Board. Annual bonuses may be awarded at the sole
                           discretion of the Board.

                  (b)      As additional consideration for the Executive's
                           agreement to provide services to the Company
                           hereunder, the Executive will receive, non-qualified
                           stock options having a term of five years and
                           covering a total of 175,000 of the Company's shares
                           of common stock. Said options will be granted under
                           the terms of an Option Agreement dated the date
                           hereof and annexed hereto as Exhibit A at the
                           exercise prices and on the vesting terms set forth
                           therein.

         5.       Expenses:  Fringe Benefits.

                  (a)      In addition to the compensation provided for under
                           Section 4, the Company agrees to pay or to reimburse
                           the Executive during the Term for all reasonable,
                           ordinary and necessary vouchered business or
                           entertainment expenses incurred in the performance of
                           his duties hereunder in a manner established by the
                           Company's policy as from time to time in effect.

                  (b)      During the Term the Executive shall be entitled to
                           participate in a health care plan at the Company's
                           expense and such life insurance and 401K plans and
                           other employee benefit plans which become available
                           to senior employees of the Company, including
                           participation in any stock plans and annual incentive
                           plans established by the Company. The executive may
                           add family members to the company's health plan at
                           the executive's expense.

                  (c)      The Executive shall be entitled to a combined 2 weeks
                           10 business days of paid vacation per calendar year
                           in addition to ten 10 public holidays provided that
                           no more than ten 10 consecutive days of vacation
                           shall be taken at any one time without the prior
                           approval of the Chief Executive Officer of the
                           Company.

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         6.       Discharge by Company.

                  (a)      The Company shall be entitled to terminate the Term
                           and to discharge the Executive for "cause". The term
                           "cause" shall be limited to the following.

                           (i)      The Executive's failure or unreasonable
                                    refusal to perform his duties and
                                    responsibilities under this Agreement.

                           (ii)     Dishonesty affecting the Company.

                           (iii)    Conviction of a felony or of any crime
                                    involving fraud or misrepresentations.

                           (iv)     The Executive's failure to adequately
                                    perform his responsibilities.

                           (v)      The commission of a willful or intentional
                                    act which could injure the reputation,
                                    business or business relationships of the
                                    Company.

                           (vi)     Any material breach of this Agreement, if
                                    such breach is not cured within 30 days
                                    after receipt by the Executive of written
                                    notice thereof from the Company, and

                  (b)      Disability pursuant to Section 7 hereof.

                  (c)      If Executive's employment is terminated by the
                           Company without cause, in addition to the salary and
                           benefits accrued through the date of termination,
                           Executive will receive as severance an amount equal
                           to 18 months base salary. Such severance payment
                           shall be payable in equal installments or as mutually
                           agreed by the Executive and the Company in a lump sum
                           discounted using the prime rate then in effect at
                           Citibank, N.A. In addition to his base salary the
                           Company will pay Executive the cost of continuing
                           medical insurance. Termination without cause shall
                           include action by the Company, without Executive's
                           consent, pursuant to which his duties or title are
                           materially reduced or assignment of duties become
                           materially inconsistent with duties stated herein.

         7.       Disability, Death.

                  (a)      If the executive shall be unable to perform his
                           duties hereunder by virtue of physical or mental
                           incapacity or disability (from any cause or causes
                           whatsoever) in substantially the manner and to the
                           extent required hereunder prior to the commencement
                           of such disability (all such causes being herein
                           referred to as "disability") and the Executive shall
                           fail to have performed substantially such duties for
                           periods aggregating ninety (90) days, whether or not
                           continuous, in any continuous period of one hundred
                           eighty (180) days, the Company shall have the right
                           to terminate the

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                           Executive's employment hereunder as at the end of any
                           calendar month upon written notice to him. Said
                           notice of intention to terminate the Executive must
                           be given by the Company within ninety (90) days
                           following the 90th day of disability, in which case
                           the Executive shall be entitled to his base salary
                           compensation to the end of such calendar month and
                           for a continuing period of three (3) months
                           thereafter payable on the regular payroll schedule.

                  (b)      In the case of the death of the Executive, this
                           Agreement shall terminate and the company shall be
                           obligated to pay to the Executive's estate or as
                           otherwise directed by the Executive's duly appointed
                           and authorized legal representative, his then base
                           salary compensation and all accrued benefits through
                           the date of death.

         8.       Voluntary Termination. The Executive may terminate his
                  employment for any reason at any time upon ninety (90) days
                  prior written notice to the Company. If the Executive
                  voluntarily terminates his employment prior to the term
                  hereunder, he shall only be entitled to receive compensation
                  accrued through the date of termination and shall not be
                  entitled to any prorated amounts for vacation pay.

         9.       Confidentiality; Covenant Against Competition; Intellectual
                  Property.

                  (a)      The Executive recognizes and acknowledges that all
                           information pertaining to the affairs, business,
                           clients or customers of the Company or any of its
                           subsidiaries or affiliates or predecessors (any or
                           all of such of such entities being hereinafter
                           referred to as the "Businesses"), as such information
                           may exist from time to time, other than information
                           that the Company has previously made publicly
                           available or which has otherwise entered the public
                           domain through no fault of the Executive, is
                           confidential information and is a unique and valuable
                           asset of the Businesses, access to and knowledge of
                           which will be essential to the Executive's duties
                           under this Agreement. In consideration of the
                           payments made to him hereunder, the Executive shall
                           not, except to the extent reasonably necessary in the
                           performance of his duties under this Agreement,
                           during the term of his employment hereunder and
                           thereafter, divulge to any person, firm, association,
                           corporation or governmental agency, any information
                           concerning the affairs, business, clients or
                           customers of the Business (except such information as
                           is required by law to be divulged to a government
                           agency or pursuant to subpoena or similar lawful
                           process), or make use of any such information for his
                           own purposes or for the benefit of any person, firm,
                           association, company, corporation (except the
                           Businesses) or entity and shall use his reasonable
                           best efforts to prevent the disclosure of any such

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                           information by others. All records, memoranda,
                           letters, books, papers, reports, customer lists,
                           accountings or other data and records and documents
                           relating to the Businesses, whether made by the
                           Executive or otherwise coming into his possession,
                           are confidential information and are, shall be, and
                           shall remain the property of the Businesses. No
                           copies thereof shall be made which are not retained
                           by the Businesses, and the Executive agrees, on
                           termination of his employment, that he will not
                           retain or make copies of any such documents relating
                           to the Businesses and, on demand of the Company,
                           deliver the same to the Company.

                  (b)      All information and all of the Executive's interest
                           in trade secrets, trademarks, computer programs,
                           customer information, customer lists, employee lists,
                           products, procedures, copyrights, patents and
                           developments developed by the Executive as a result
                           of, or in connection with, his employment hereunder,
                           shall belong to the Company; and without further
                           compensation, but at the Company's expense, upon the
                           request of the Company, the Executive shall execute
                           any and all assignments or other documents and take
                           any and all such other action as the Company may
                           reasonably request in order to vest in the Company
                           all of the Executive's right, title, and interest in
                           and all of the foregoing items, free and clear of all
                           liens, charges and encumbrances of the Executive of
                           any kind.

                  (c)      In consideration of the payments made to him
                           hereunder, during the period commencing on the
                           effective date of the termination of his employment
                           and ending on the second (2nd) anniversary of such
                           effective date of termination, or in the case of
                           termination for any reason during the Trial Period
                           (90) days ending on the first (1st) anniversary of
                           such effective date of termination (collectively,
                           such periods to be referred to as the "Restrictive
                           Period"), the Executive shall not, without the
                           express prior written approval of the Board, as
                           evidenced by a resolution of the Board, directly or
                           indirectly, for himself or on behalf of or in
                           conjunction with, any other person, persons, company,
                           partnership, corporation or business of whatever
                           nature:

                           (i)      own or hold any proprietary interest in, be
                                    employed by or receive remuneration from, or
                                    engage as an officer, director or in any
                                    managerial capacity, whether as an employee,
                                    independent contractor, consultant or
                                    advisor, or as a sales representative of,
                                    any corporation, company, partnership, sole
                                    proprietorship or other entity engaged in
                                    competition with the Company or any of its
                                    subsidiaries or affiliates (a "Competitor")
                                    in the "Territory", other than
                                    severance-type or retirement-type benefits
                                    from entities constituting prior employers
                                    of the Executive;

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                           (ii)     solicit for himself or for the account of
                                    any Competitor, any customer or client of
                                    the Company or its subsidiaries or
                                    affiliates, or, in the event of the
                                    Executive's termination of his employment,
                                    any entity or individual that was such a
                                    customer or client during the eighteen (18)
                                    month period immediately preceding the
                                    Executive's termination of employment;

                           (iii)    Act on behalf of himself or any Competitor
                                    to interfere with the relationship between
                                    the Company or its subsidiaries or
                                    affiliates and their employees, independent
                                    contractors, customers or suppliers;

                           (iv)     Hire an employee of the Company or induce
                                    any such employee to leave the employment of
                                    the Company.

                           For the purposes of this Agreement, "Territory" shall
                           mean each and every State in the United States or any
                           other country in which the Businesses conduct
                           business operations.

                           For the purposes of the preceding paragraphs, (i) the
                           term proprietary interest means legal or equitable
                           ownership, whether through shareholding or otherwise,
                           of an equity interest in a business, firm or entity
                           other than ownership of less than two (2%) percent of
                           any class of equity interest in a publicly held
                           business, firm or entity and (ii) an entity shall be
                           considered to be "engaged in competition" if such
                           entity is, or is a holding company for, a company or
                           corporation that directly competes with any aspect of
                           the business of the Businesses as it is being
                           conducted by them at the date of termination of
                           employment, in the Territory, with the phrase
                           "directly competes" to be interpreted reasonably by
                           the parties so as to protect the Company against
                           unfair competition without unnecessarily intruding on
                           the Executive's ability to earn a living in his area
                           of expertise.

                  (d)      The Executive acknowledges the reasonableness of the
                           restrictions contained in this Section 9. The
                           Executive acknowledges that the Company, and its
                           successors and assigns would be irreparably injured
                           in a manner not adequately compensated by money
                           damages by a breach or violation of the provisions of
                           this Section 9 by the Executive. Therefore, in the
                           event of any such breach or violation (or threatened
                           breach or violation), in addition to all other rights
                           and remedies which the Company, whether at law or in
                           equity, the Company and its successors and assigns
                           shall be entitled to obtain injunctive or other
                           equitable relief against the Executive without the
                           need to post bond or other security in connection
                           therewith and the Executive hereby consents to the
                           entry of an order for such injunctive or other
                           equitable relief.

                  (e)      The Executive's agreement as set forth in this
                           Section 9 shall survive the expiration of the Term
                           and the termination of the Executive's employment
                           with the Company.

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                  (f)      If any court determines that the provisions of this
                           Section 9, or any part thereof, is unenforceable
                           because of the duration or geographic scope of such
                           provisions, such court shall have the power to reduce
                           the duration or scope of such provisions, as the case
                           may be, so that, as so reduced, such provisions are
                           then enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by
                           applicable law.

                  (g)      From the date hereof until the end of the Term, the
                           Executive will disclose to the Company all ideas,
                           inventions and business plans developed by him during
                           such period which relate directly or indirectly to
                           the business of the Company including without
                           limitation, any design, logo, slogan or campaign or
                           any process, operation, product or improvement which
                           may be patentable or copyrightable. The Executive
                           agrees that all patents, licenses, copyrights,
                           tradenames, trademarks, service marks, campaigns,
                           designs, logos, slogans and business plans developed
                           or created by the Executive in the course of his
                           employment hereunder, either individually or in
                           collaboration with others, will be deemed works for
                           hire and the sole and absolute property of the
                           Company. The Executive agrees that, at the Company's
                           request, he will take all steps to secure the rights
                           thereto to the Company by patent, copyright or
                           otherwise.

         10.      Change of Control. In the event of a "change in control" in
                  the Company, prior to the vesting date for any stock options
                  provided to the Executive under this Agreement, that adversely
                  impacts Executive's ability to vest in or to exercise such
                  options, the company shall either accelerate the vesting date
                  of the options such that the Executive may exercise them in
                  timely fashion; or pay to Executive the cash value of the
                  options (fair market value of shares less exercise price)
                  immediately prior to the date of the change of control; or
                  make some financial arrangement making executive whole that is
                  mutually agreeable to the Company and the Executive. A "change
                  in control" shall be deemed to occur when, a corporation,
                  partnership, association or entity, directly or indirectly
                  (through a subsidiary or otherwise), (i) acquires or is
                  granted the right to acquire, directly or though merger or
                  similar transaction, a majority of the Company's outstanding
                  voting securities or shares, or (ii) all or substantially all
                  of the Company's assets.

                  In addition, upon a change of control Executive shall have the
                  option, exercisable in writing within 30 days after the
                  effective date of the change in control, to terminate the
                  Employment Agreement and to receive as a severance payment an
                  amount equal to 18 months base salary. Such severance payment
                  shall be payable in equal monthly installments or, at the
                  option of the Company, in a lump sum payment discounted based
                  on the then current prime rate of interest of Citibank N.A. In
                  addition to his base salary the Company will pay Executive the
                  cost of continuing medical insurance for the severance period.

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         11.      Resolution of Disputes. Any dispute by and among the parties
                  hereto arising out of or relying to this Agreement, the terms,
                  conditions or a breach thereof, or the rights or obligations
                  of the parties with respect thereto, shall be arbitrated in
                  the [Tarrant County, Texas] before and pursuant to then
                  applicable commercial rules and regulations of the American
                  Arbitration Association, or any successor organization. The
                  arbitration proceedings shall be conducted by a panel of three
                  arbitrators, one of whom shall be selected by the Company, one
                  by the Executive (or his legal representative) and the third
                  arbitrator by the first two chosen. The parties shall use
                  their best efforts to assure that the selection of the
                  arbitrators shall be completed within thirty (30) days and the
                  parties shall use their best efforts to complete the
                  arbitration as quickly as possible. In such proceeding, the
                  arbitration panel shall determine who is a substantially
                  prevailing party and shall award to such party its reasonable
                  attorneys', accounts' and other professionals' fees and its
                  costs incurred in connection with the proceeding. The award of
                  the arbitration panel shall be final, binding upon the parties
                  and nonappealable and may be entered in and enforced by any
                  court of competent jurisdiction. Such court may add to the
                  award of the arbitration panel additional reasonable
                  attorneys' fees and costs incurred by the substantially
                  prevailing party in attempting to enforce the award.

         12.      Enforceability. The failure of either party at any time to
                  require performance by the other party of any provision
                  hereunder in no way shall affect the right of that party
                  thereafter to enforce the same, nor shall it affect any other
                  party's right to enforce the same, or to enforce any of the
                  other provisions of this Agreement; nor shall the waiver by
                  either party of the breach of any provision hereof be taken or
                  held to be a waiver of any subsequent breach of such provision
                  or as a waiver of the provision itself.

         13.      Assignment. This Agreement is a personal contract and the
                  Executive's rights and obligations hereunder may not be sold,
                  transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated by the
                  Executive.

         14.      Modification. This Agreement cannot be cancelled, changed,
                  modified, or amended orally, and no cancellation, change,
                  modification or amendment shall be effective or binding,
                  unless it is in writing, signed by both parties to this
                  Agreement.

         15.      Severability: Survival. If any provision of this Agreement is
                  held to be void and unenforceable by a court of competent
                  jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of this Agreement
                  nevertheless shall be binding upon the parties with same
                  effect as though the void or unenforceable part has been
                  severed and deleted.

         16.      Notice. Notices given pursuant to the provisions of this
                  Agreement shall be sent by certified mail, postage prepaid, or
                  by overnight courier, or by telex, telecopier or telegraph,
                  charges prepaid, to the following address:

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                           To the Company

                           Corniche Group Incorporated
                           610 S. Industrial Blvd.,
                           Suite 220
                           Euless, Texas 76040
                           Fax: (817) 283 4365

                           with a copy to:

                           Haynes and Boone, LLP
                           901 Main St., Suite 3100
                           Dallas, Texas 75202

                           To the Executive

                  Mr. Robert F. Benoit, residing at 728 Saxon Trail Southlake
                  Texas 76092.

         17.      Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
                  construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.

         18.      No Conflict. The Executive represents and warrants that he is
                  not subject to any agreement, instrument, judgement order or
                  decree of any kind, or any other restrictive agreement of any
                  character, which would prevent him from entering into this
                  Agreement or which would be breached by the Executive upon his
                  performance of his duties pursuant to this Agreement.

         19.      Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire
                  agreement between the Company and the Executive with respect
                  to the subject matter hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have set their hands and seals on and as of the
day and year first written above.

                                        CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED

                                        /s/ JAMES FYFE
                                        ------------------------
                                        James Fyfe
                                        Chairman Of The Board

                                        EXECUTIVE

                                        /s/ ROBERT F. BENOIT
                                        ------------------------
                                        Robert F. Benoit
                                        Chief Executive Officer

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                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                           CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED

                      NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

         AGREEMENT made as of February 15th, 2000, by and between Corniche
Group Incorporated, a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business
at 610 S. Industrial Blvd., Suite 220, Euless, Texas 76040 (the "Company"), and
the undersigned (the "Optionee").

                                   WITNESSETH:

         WHEREAS, the Company considers it desirable and in its best interests
that the Optionee be encouraged to acquire an ownership interest in the Company,
and thereby have an added incentive to advance the interests of the Company, by
the grant of an option to purchase shares of the Company's common stock, par
value $.001 per share (the "Common Stock"), on the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth; and

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
covenants and agreements contained herein, the Company and the Optionee hereby
agree as follows:

1.       GRANT OF OPTION.

         The Company hereby grants to the Optionee, the right, privilege and
option (the "Option") to purchase 75,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock
(the "Shares") at the exercise prices $1.097 and 100,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock (the "Shares") at the exercise prices $1.00 on the vesting terms
("Vesting Terms") set forth in Appendix A. Such number of Shares issuable upon
exercise of the Option shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 7
below.

2.       TIME OF EXERCISE OF OPTION.

         Subject to the provisions of Section 4 below, the Option shall vest as
provided in Appendix A, provided, however, that upon a Change in Control of the
Company (as defined in the Employment Agreement between the Company and the
Optionee dated June 26th, 2000), the Option shall be immediately exercisable.
To the extent the Option is not exercised by the Optionee when it becomes
exercisable, it shall continue in full force and effect until the Expiration
Date (as hereinafter defined).

3.       METHOD OF EXERCISE.

         The Option shall be exercised by written notice in the form of Appendix
B hereto directed to the Company at the Company's address set forth above, duly
executed by the Optionee, specifying the number of shares being purchased and
accompanied by either (i) cash or check payable to the order of the Company in
full payment of the Purchase Price for the

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number of Shares being purchased, or (ii) certificate(s), duly endorsed for
transfer to the Company with signature guaranteed, for that number of previously
acquired Shares having an aggregate fair market value as determined in
accordance with the Plan ("Fair Market Value"), on the date of exercise equal to
the full Purchase Price for the number of Shares being purchased, or (iii) a
combination of (i) and (ii).

         The Option shall not be exercisable at any time in an amount less than
100 Shares (or the remaining fraction of a Share then covered by and purchasable
under the Option if less than 100 Shares).

4.       TERM OF OPTIONS; EXERCISABILITY.

         (i) This Option shall expire 5 years from the date hereof of this
Agreement (the "Expiration Date"), subject to earlier termination as herein
provided.

         (ii) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 4, if the Optionee's
employment by the Company is terminated for any reason, the Option shall
terminate on the earlier of (i) three months after the date the Optionee's
employment is terminated, or (ii) the date on which the Option expires by its
terms.

         (iii) If the Optionee's employment by, of, or to, the Company is
terminated by the Company for cause (as such term is defined in his employment
agreement), the Option will to the extent not terminated be deemed to have
terminated on the date immediately preceding the date the Optionee's employment
by, or retention as an agent, director of, or consultant to, the Company is
terminated by the Company and its subsidiaries.

         (iv) If the Optionee's employment by the Company is terminated because
of disability or death, the Option shall terminate on the earlier of (i) one
year after termination, or (ii) the date on which the Option expires by its
terms.

5.       NON-TRANSFERABILITY.

         The right of the Optionee to exercise the Option shall not be
assignable or transferable by the Optionee otherwise than by will or the laws of
descent and distribution, and the Option may be exercised during the lifetime of
the Optionee only by the Optionee. The Option shall be null and void and without
effect upon the bankruptcy of the Optionee or upon any attempted assignment or
transfer, except as hereinabove provided, including without limitation, any
purported assignment, whether voluntary or by operation of law, pledge,
hypothecation or other disposition contrary to the provisions hereof, or levy of
execution, attachment, trustee process or similar process, whether legal or
equitable, upon the Option.

6.       REPRESENTATION LETTER AND INVESTMENT LEGEND.

         (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 3 and 4 hereof, the
Option cannot be exercised, and the Company may delay the issuance of the Shares
covered by the exercise of the

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Option and the delivery of a certificate for the Shares, until one of the
following conditions shall be satisfied:

         (i) The Shares with respect to which the Option has been exercised are
at the time of the issuance of the Shares effectively registered or qualified
under applicable federal and state securities acts now in force or as hereafter
amended; or

         (ii) Counsel for the Company shall have given an opinion, which opinion
shall not be unreasonably conditioned or withheld, that the issuance of the
Shares is exempt from registration and qualification under applicable federal
and state securities acts now in force or as hereafter amended.

         (b) In the event that for any reason the Shares to be issued upon
exercise of the Option shall not be effectively registered under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), upon any date on which the Option is
exercised in whole or in part, the Optionee shall give a written representation
to the Company in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A and the Company shall
place an "investment legend," so-called, as described in Exhibit A, upon any
certificate for the Shares issued by reason of such exercise. In the event that
the Company shall, nevertheless, deem it necessary or desirable to register
under the 1933 Act or other applicable statutes the Shares with respect to which
the Option shall have been exercised, or to qualify the Shares for exemption
from the 1933 Act or other applicable statutes, then the Company may take such
action and may require from the Optionee such information in writing for use in
any registration statement, supplementary registration statement, prospectus,
preliminary prospectus, offering circular or any other document that is
reasonably necessary for such purpose and may require reasonable indemnity to
the Company and its officers and directors from the Optionee against all losses,
claims, damages and liabilities arising from such use of the information so
furnished and caused by any untrue statement of any material fact therein or
caused by the omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made.

         (c) The Company shall be under no obligation to qualify the Shares or
to cause a registration statement or a post-effective amendment to any
registration statement to be prepared for the purposes of covering the issue of
the Shares or to cause the issuance of the Shares to be exempt from registration
and qualification under applicable federal and state securities acts now in
force or as hereinafter amended, except as otherwise agreed to by the Company in
writing in its sole discretion and, accordingly, the Company may delay the
issuance of the Shares covered by the exercise of the Option and the delivery of
a certificate for the Shares until the Company shall have determined that all
conditions to the issuance of the Shares shall have been satisfied.

7.       ADJUSTMENT IN AND CHANGES IN COMMON STOCK.

         Subject to the Plan, if the outstanding shares of the Common Stock are
changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other
securities of the Company by reason of any reorganization, recapitalization,
reclassification, stock split, combination of shares, or dividends payable in
capital stock, appropriate and equitable adjustment shall be made by the Board
of Directors of the Company, in its sole discretion, in the number and kind of
shares as to

                                       3
<PAGE>   13

which the Option or portion thereof then unexercised shall be exercisable. Such
adjustment in the Option shall be made without change in the total price
applicable to the unexercised portion of such the Option and with a
corresponding adjustment in the Option price per share.

8.       EFFECT ON OTHER RIGHTS.

         This Agreement shall in no way affect the Optionee's participation in
or benefits under any other plan or benefit program maintained or provided by
the Company. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to give the Optionee
any right to any additional options other than in the sole discretion of the
Board of Directors of the Company or to confer on the Optionee any right to
continue in the employ of the Company or any subsidiary thereof or to continue
to be retained as an agent, director of, or consultant to, the Company, or to be
evidence of any agreement or understanding, express or implied, that the Company
will employ or continue to retain the Optionee in any particular position or at
any particular rate of remuneration, or for any particular period of time or to
interfere in any way with the right of the Company or a subsidiary thereof (or
the right of the Optionee) to terminate the employment or retention of the
Optionee at any time, with or without cause, notwithstanding the possibility
that the Option may thereby be Terminated entirely.

9.       RIGHTS AS A STOCKHOLDER.

         The Optionee shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any
Shares which may be purchased by exercise of the Option until (x) the Option
shall have been exercised with respect thereto (including payment to the Company
of the Purchase Price), and (y) the earlier to occur of (i) delivery by the
Company to the optionee of a certificate therefor or (ii) the date on which the
Company is required to deliver a certificate pursuant to the Plan and this
Agreement. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, no adjustment
shall be made for dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior
to the date such certificate is issued or required to be issued in accordance
with the Plan.

10.      GOVERNING LAW.

         THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS TO BE MADE AND PERFORMED ENTIRELY THEREIN WITHOUT
REFERENCE TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES.

11.      WITHHOLDING TAXES.

         Whenever Shares are to be issued upon exercise of the Option, the
Company shall have the right to require the Optionee to remit to the Company an
amount sufficient to satisfy all federal, state and local withholding tax
requirements, if any, prior to the delivery of any certificate or certificates
for such Shares. The Company may agree to permit the Optionee to withhold Shares
purchased upon exercise of this Option to satisfy the above-mentioned
withholding requirement.

                                       4
<PAGE>   14

12.      HEADINGS.

         The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only and in no way define, limit or describe the scope or intent of
this Agreement or in any way affect this Agreement.

13.      BINDING EFFECT.

         This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors
and assigns.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be
executed, and the Optionee has hereunto set his or her hand and seal, all as of
the day and year first above written.

                                             CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED.

                                             By: /s/ JAMES FYFE
                                                -----------------------------
                                             Title: Chairman of the Board

                                             /s/ ROBERT F. BENOIT
                                             --------------------------------
                                             OPTIONEE

                                       5
<PAGE>   15

                                   APPENDIX A

                            TO STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

OPTIONS GRANTED AND VESTING PERIOD:

Set forth below are the options granted to the Optionee and the vesting schedule
with respect thereto.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Shares           Option Price              Vesting Date
----------------           ------------              ------------
<S>                        <C>                       <C>
37,500                     $1.097                    2/01/00
18,750                     $1.097                    6/26/01
18,750                     $1.097                    6/26/02
50,000                     $1.00                     2/01/01
25,000                     $1.00                     2/01/02
25,000                     $1.00                     2/01/03
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   16

                                    EXHIBIT B
                            TO STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

Date:
     -----------------------

Corniche Group Incorporated
610 S. Industrial
Suite 220
Euless, Texas 76040

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         I hereby elect to purchase _______ shares of the Common Stock, par
value $.00001 per share, of Corniche Group Incorporated (the "Company") under
the option granted to me pursuant to the Stock Option Agreement, dated February
15th, 2000.

         Enclosed is [cash] [a check] in the amount of $______.___ [______
shares of the Company's Common Stock] in full payment of the shares being
purchased ($________ per share).

         Please deliver certificates representing the shares being purchased to
me at:

         -----------------------------

         -----------------------------

         -----------------------------

         I hereby acknowledge that I have been informed as follows:

         1. The shares of common stock of the Company to be issued to me
pursuant to the exercise of said option have not been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and accordingly, must be
held indefinitely unless such shares are subsequently registered under the 1933
Act, or an exemption from such registration is available.

         2. Routine sales of securities made in reliance upon Rule 144, if
applicable, under the 1933 Act can be made only after the holding period and in
limited amounts in accordance with the terms and conditions provided by that
Rule, and in any sale to which that Rule is not applicable, registration or
compliance with some other exemption under the 1933 Act will be required.

         3. The Company is under no obligation to me to register the shares or
to comply with any such exemptions under the 1933 Act.

<PAGE>   17

         4. The availability of Rule 144, if applicable, is dependent upon
adequate current public information with respect to the Company being available
and, at the time that I may desire to make a sale pursuant to the Rule, the
Company may neither wish nor be able to comply with such requirement.

         In consideration of the issuance of certificates for the shares to me,
I hereby represent and warrant that I am acquiring such shares for my own
account for investment, and that I will not sell, pledge, transfer or otherwise
dispose of such shares in the absence of an effective registration statement
covering the same, except as permitted by the provisions of Rule 144, if
applicable, or some other applicable exemption under the 1933 Act. In view of
this representation and warranty, I agree that there may be affixed to the
certificates for the shares to be issued to me, and to all certificates issued
hereafter representing such shares (until in the opinion of counsel, which
opinion must be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to counsel for the
Company, it is no longer necessary or required) a legend as follows:

         "The shares of common stock represented by this certificate have not
         been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
         "Act"), and were acquired by the registered holder, pursuant to a
         representation and warranty that such holder was acquiring such shares
         for his or her own account and for investment, with no intention to
         transfer or dispose of the same, in violation of the registration
         requirements of the Act. These shares may not be sold, pledged,
         transferred or otherwise disposed of in the absence of an effective
         registration statement under the Act, or an opinion of counsel, which
         opinion is reasonably satisfactory to counsel to the Company, to the
         effect that registration is not required under the Act."

         I further agree that the Company may place a stop order with its
Transfer Agent, prohibiting the transfer of such shares, so long as the legend
remains on the certificates representing the shares.

                                        Very truly yours,

                                        ----------------------------
                                        Optionee:

                                       2<PAGE>   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(b)

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

AGREEMENT made as of the 27th day of June, 2000 by and between Corniche Group
Incorporated, a Delaware corporation having offices at 610 S. Industrial Blvd.,
Suite 220, Euless, Texas 76040 (the "Company"), and John L. King (the
"Executive").

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive wish to set forth the terms and
conditions of the Executive's employment by the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

     1.   Employment. The Company agrees to employ the Executive in the capacity
          herein after set forth, for the term specified in paragraph 2, and the
          Executive agrees to accept such employment, upon the terms and
          conditions hereinafter set forth.

     2.   Term. This Agreement shall be for a term commencing on [June 26th,
          2000] (the "Effective Date") and unless this Agreement is sooner
          terminated under the provisions hereof, expiring three years
          thereafter (the "Term").

     3.   Duties and Responsibilities.

          (a)  During the Term, the Executive shall serve as an officer of the
               Company and shall have the title of Vice President Chief
               Financial Officer. The Term may be extended for such duration and
               upon such terms and conditions as to which the Company and the
               Executive may agree, on or prior to, the expiration of the Term.

          (b)  The Executive shall devote substantial business efforts to the
               Company. Other business activities of the Executive shall be
               limited in time and scope and not conflict with the terms of this
               Agreement. The Executive will (i) devote his best efforts, skill
               and ability to promote the Company's interest; (ii) carry out his
               duties in a competent and professional manner; (iii) work with
               other employees of the Company in a competent and professional
               manner and (iv) generally promote the best interests of the
               Company.

          (c)  The Executive's normal place of business shall be 610 S.
               Industrial Blvd., Suite 220, Euless, Texas 76040.

          (d)  The Executive shall have the powers and duties commensurate with
               his position and the authority to perform these and other such
               duties as may reasonably be assigned from time to time that are
               not inconsistent with such position.

<PAGE>   2

     4.   Compensation.

          (a)  As compensation for services hereunder and in consideration of
               his agreement not to compete as set forth in Section 9 below,
               during the Term, the Company shall pay the Executive in
               accordance with the Company's normal payroll practices base
               salary compensation at an annual rate of $75,000.00 less required
               tax withholding amounts. The annual rate of salary compensation
               may be reviewed and increased at the discretion of the Board.
               Annual bonuses may be awarded at the sole discretion of the
               Board.

          (b)  As additional consideration for the Executive's agreement to
               provide services to the Company hereunder, the Executive will
               receive, non-qualified stock options having a term of five years
               and covering a total of 100,000 of the Company's shares of common
               stock. Said options will be granted under the terms of an Option
               Agreement dated the date hereof and annexed hereto as Exhibit A
               at the exercise prices and on the vesting terms set forth
               therein.

     5.   Expenses: Fringe Benefits.

          (a)  In addition to the compensation provided for under Section 4, the
               Company agrees to pay or to reimburse the Executive during the
               Term for all reasonable, ordinary and necessary vouchered
               business or entertainment expenses incurred in the performance of
               his duties hereunder in a manner established by the Company's
               policy as from time to time in effect.

          (b)  During the Term the Executive shall be entitled to participate in
               a health care plan at the Company's expense and such life
               insurance and 401K plans and other employee benefit plans which
               become available to senior employees of the Company, including
               participation in any stock plans and annual incentive plans
               established by the Company. The executive may add family members
               to the company's health plan at the executive's expense.

          (c)  The Executive shall be entitled to a combined 2 weeks 10 business
               days of paid vacation per calendar year in addition to ten 10
               public holidays provided that no more than ten 10 consecutive
               days of vacation shall be taken at any one time without the prior
               approval of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

     6.   Discharge by Company.

          (a)  The Company shall be entitled to terminate the Term and to
               discharge the Executive for "cause". The term "cause" shall be
               limited to the following.

               (i)   The Executive's failure or unreasonable refusal to perform
                     his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

               (ii)  Dishonesty affecting the Company.

               (iii) Conviction of a felony or of any crime involving fraud or
                     misrepresentations.

               (iv)  The Executive's failure to adequately perform his
                     responsibilities.

               (v)   The commission of a willful or intentional act which could
                     injure the reputation, business or business relationships
                     of the Company.

               (vi)  Any material breach of this Agreement, if such breach is
                     not cured within 30 days after receipt by the Executive of
                     written notice thereof from the Company, and

          (b)  Disability pursuant to Section 7 hereof.

          (c)  If Executive's employment is terminated by the Company without
               cause, in addition to the salary and benefits accrued through the
               date of termination, Executive will receive as severance an
               amount equal to 18 months base salary. Such severance payment
               shall be payable in equal installments or as mutually agreed by
               the Executive and the Company in a lump sum discounted using the
               prime rate then in effect at Citibank, N.A. In addition to his
               base salary the Company will pay Executive the cost of continuing
               medical insurance. Termination without cause shall include action
               by the Company, without Executive's consent, pursuant to which
               his duties or title are materially reduced or assignment of
               duties become materially inconsistent with duties stated herein.

     7.   Disability, Death.

          (a)  If the executive shall be unable to perform his duties hereunder
               by virtue of physical or mental incapacity or disability (from
               any cause or causes whatsoever) in substantially the manner and
               to the extent required hereunder prior to the commencement of
               such disability (all such causes being herein referred to as
               "disability") and the Executive shall fail to have performed
               substantially such duties for periods aggregating ninety (90)
               days, whether or not continuous, in any continuous period of one
               hundred eighty (180) days, the Company shall have the right to
               terminate the Executive's employment hereunder as at the end of
               any calendar month

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

               upon written notice to him. Said notice of intention to terminate
               the Executive must be given by the Company within ninety (90)
               days following the 90th day of disability, in which case the
               Executive shall be entitled to his base salary compensation to
               the end of such calendar month and for a continuing period of
               three (3) months thereafter payable on the regular payroll
               schedule.

          (b)  In the case of the death of the Executive, this Agreement shall
               terminate and the company shall be obligated to pay to the
               Executive's estate or as otherwise directed by the Executive's
               duly appointed and authorized legal representative, his then base
               salary compensation and all accrued benefits through the date of
               death.

     8.   Voluntary Termination. The Executive may terminate his employment for
          any reason at any time upon ninety (90) days prior written notice to
          the Company. If the Executive voluntarily terminates his employment
          prior to the term hereunder, he shall only be entitled to receive
          compensation accrued through the date of termination and shall not be
          entitled to any prorated amounts for vacation pay.

     9.   Confidentiality; Covenant Against Competition; Intellectual Property.

          (a)  The Executive recognizes and acknowledges that all information
               pertaining to the affairs, business, clients or customers of the
               Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or predecessors
               (any or all of such of such entities being hereinafter referred
               to as the "Businesses"), as such information may exist from time
               to time, other than information that the Company has previously
               made publicly available or which has otherwise entered the public
               domain through no fault of the Executive, is confidential
               information and is a unique and valuable asset of the Businesses,
               access to and knowledge of which will be essential to the
               Executive's duties under this Agreement. In consideration of the
               payments made to him hereunder, the Executive shall not, except
               to the extent reasonably necessary in the performance of his
               duties under this Agreement, during the term of his employment
               hereunder and thereafter, divulge to any person, firm,
               association, corporation or governmental agency, any information
               concerning the affairs, business, clients or customers of the
               Business (except such information as is required by law to be
               divulged to a government agency or pursuant to subpoena or
               similar lawful process), or make use of any such information for
               his own purposes or for the benefit of any person, firm,
               association, company, corporation (except the Businesses) or
               entity and shall use his reasonable best efforts to prevent the
               disclosure of any such information by others. All records,
               memoranda, letters, books,

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

               papers, reports, customer lists, accountings or other data and
               records and documents relating to the Businesses, whether made by
               the Executive or otherwise coming into his possession, are
               confidential information and are, shall be, and shall remain the
               property of the Businesses. No copies thereof shall be made which
               are not retained by the Businesses, and the Executive agrees, on
               termination of his employment, that he will not retain or make
               copies of any such documents relating to the Businesses and, on
               demand of the Company, deliver the same to the Company.

          (b)  All information and all of the Executive's interest in trade
               secrets, trademarks, computer programs, customer information,
               customer lists, employee lists, products, procedures, copyrights,
               patents and developments developed by the Executive as a result
               of, or in connection with, his employment hereunder, shall belong
               to the Company; and without further compensation, but at the
               Company's expense, upon the request of the Company, the Executive
               shall execute any and all assignments or other documents and take
               any and all such other action as the Company may reasonably
               request in order to vest in the Company all of the Executive's
               right, title, and interest in and all of the foregoing items,
               free and clear of all liens, charges and encumbrances of the
               Executive of any kind.

          (c)  In consideration of the payments made to him hereunder, during
               the period commencing on the effective date of the termination of
               his employment and ending on the second (2nd) anniversary of such
               effective date of termination, or in the case of termination for
               any reason during the Trail Period (90) days ending on the first
               (1st) anniversary of such effective date of termination
               (collectively, such periods to be referred to as the "Restrictive
               Period"), the Executive shall not, without the express prior
               written approval of the Board, as evidenced by a resolution of
               the Board, directly or indirectly, for himself or on behalf of or
               in conjunction with, any other person, persons, company,
               partnership, corporation or business of whatever nature:

               (i)   own or hold any proprietary interest in, be employed by or
                     receive remuneration from, or engage as an officer,
                     director or in any managerial capacity, whether as an
                     employee, independent contractor, consultant or advisor, or
                     as a sales representative of, any corporation, company,
                     partnership, sole proprietorship or other entity engaged in
                     competition with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or
                     affiliates (a "Competitor") in the "Territory", other than
                     severance-type or retirement-type benefits from entities
                     constituting prior employers of the Executive;

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

               (ii)  solicit for himself or for the account of any Competitor,
                     any customer or client of the Company or its subsidiaries
                     or affiliates, or, in the event of the Executive's
                     termination of his employment, any entity or individual
                     that was such a customer or client during the eighteen (18)
                     month period immediately preceding the Executive's
                     termination of employment;

               (iii) Act on behalf of himself or any Competitor to interfere
                     with the relationship between the Company or its
                     subsidiaries or affiliates and their employees, independent
                     contractors, customers or suppliers;

               (iv)  Hire an employee of the Company or induce any such employee
                     to leave the employment of the Company.

               For the purposes of this Agreement, "Territory" shall mean each
               and every State in the United States or any other country in
               which the Businesses conduct business operations.

               For the purposes of the preceding paragraphs, (i) the term
               proprietary interest means legal or equitable ownership, whether
               through shareholding or otherwise, of an equity interest in a
               business, firm or entity other than ownership of less than two
               (2%) percent of any class of equity interest in a publicly held
               business, firm or entity and (ii) an entity shall be considered
               to be "engaged in competition" if such entity is, or is a holding
               company for, a company or corporation that directly competes with
               any aspect of the business of the Businesses as it is being
               conducted by them at the date of termination of employment, in
               the Territory, with the phrase "directly competes" to be
               interpreted reasonably by the parties so as to protect the
               Company against unfair competition without unnecessarily
               intruding on the Executive's ability to earn a living in his area
               of expertise.

          (d)  The Executive acknowledges the reasonableness of the restrictions
               contained in this Section 9. The Executive acknowledges that the
               Company, and its successors and assigns would be irreparably
               injured in a manner not adequately compensated by money damages
               by a breach or violation of the provisions of this Section 9 by
               the Executive. Therefore, in the event of any such breach or
               violation (or threatened breach or violation), in addition to all
               other rights and remedies which the Company, whether at law or in
               equity, the Company and its successors and assigns shall be
               entitled to obtain injunctive or other equitable relief against
               the Executive without the need to post bond or other security in
               connection therewith and the Executive hereby consents to the
               entry of an order for such injunctive or other equitable relief.

          (e)  The Executive's agreement as set forth in this Section 9 shall
               survive the expiration of the Term and the termination of the
               Executive's employment with the Company.

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

          (f)  If any court determines that the provisions of this Section 9, or
               any part thereof, is unenforceable because of the duration or
               geographic scope of such provisions, such court shall have the
               power to reduce the duration or scope of such provisions, as the
               case may be, so that, as so reduced, such provisions are then
               enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.

          (g)  From the date hereof until the end of the Term, the Executive
               will disclose to the Company all ideas, inventions and business
               plans developed by him during such period which relate directly
               or indirectly to the business of the Company including without
               limitation, any design, logo, slogan or campaign or any process,
               operation, product or improvement which may be patentable or
               copyrightable. The Executive agrees that all patents, licenses,
               copyrights, tradenames, trademarks, service marks, campaigns,
               designs, logos, slogans and business plans developed or created
               by the Executive in the course of his employment hereunder,
               either individually or in collaboration with others, will be
               deemed works for hire and the sole and absolute property of the
               Company. The Executive agrees that, at the Company's request, he
               will take all steps to secure the rights thereto to the Company
               by patent, copyright or otherwise.

     10.  Change of Control. In the event of a "change in control" in the
          Company, prior to the vesting date for any stock options provided to
          the Executive under this Agreement, that adversely impacts Executive's
          ability to vest in or to exercise such options, the company shall
          either accelerate the vesting date of the options such that the
          Executive may exercise them in timely fashion; or pay to Executive the
          cash value of the options (fair market value of shares less exercise
          price) immediately prior to the date of the change of control; or make
          some financial arrangement making executive whole that is mutually
          agreeable to the Company and the Executive. A "change in control"
          shall be deemed to occur when, a corporation, partnership, association
          or entity, directly or indirectly (through a subsidiary or otherwise),
          (i) acquires or is granted the right to acquire, directly or though
          merger or similar transaction, a majority of the Company's outstanding
          voting securities or shares, or (ii) all or substantially all of the
          Company's assets.

          In addition, upon a change of control Executive shall have the option,
          exercisable in writing within 30 days after the effective date of the
          change in control, to terminate the Employment Agreement and to
          receive as a severance payment an amount equal to 18 months base
          salary. Such severance payment shall be payable in equal monthly
          installments or, at the option of the Company, in a lump sum payment
          discounted based on the then current prime rate of interest of
          Citibank N.A. In addition to his base salary the Company will pay
          Executive the cost of continuing medical insurance for the severance
          period.

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

     11.  Resolution of Disputes. Any dispute by and among the parties hereto
          arising out of or relying to this Agreement, the terms, conditions or
          a breach thereof, or the rights or obligations of the parties with
          respect thereto, shall be arbitrated in the [Tarrant County, Texas]
          before and pursuant to then applicable commercial rules and
          regulations of the American Arbitration Association, or any successor
          organization. The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted by a
          panel of three arbitrators, one of whom shall be selected by the
          Company, one by the Executive (or his legal representative) and the
          third arbitrator by the first two chosen. The parties shall use their
          best efforts to assure that the selection of the arbitrators shall be
          completed within thirty (30) days and the parties shall use their best
          efforts to complete the arbitration as quickly as possible. In such
          proceeding, the arbitration panel shall determine who is a
          substantially prevailing party and shall award to such party its
          reasonable attorneys', accounts' and other professionals' fees and its
          costs incurred in connection with the proceeding. The award of the
          arbitration panel shall be final, binding upon the parties and
          nonappealable and may be entered in and enforced by any court of
          competent jurisdiction. Such court may add to the award of the
          arbitration panel additional reasonable attorneys' fees and costs
          incurred by the substantially prevailing party in attempting to
          enforce the award.

     12.  Enforceability. The failure of either party at any time to require
          performance by the other party of any provision hereunder in no way
          shall affect the right of that party thereafter to enforce the same,
          nor shall it affect any other party's right to enforce the same, or to
          enforce any of the other provisions of this Agreement; nor shall the
          waiver by either party of the breach of any provision hereof be taken
          or held to be a waiver of any subsequent breach of such provision or
          as a waiver of the provision itself.

     13.  Assignment. This Agreement is a personal contract and the Executive's
          rights and obligations hereunder may not be sold, transferred,
          assigned, pledged or hypothecated by the Executive.

     14.  Modification. This Agreement cannot be cancelled, changed, modified,
          or amended orally, and no cancellation, change, modification or
          amendment shall be effective or binding, unless it is in writing,
          signed by both parties to this Agreement.

     15.  Severability: Survival. If any provision of this Agreement is held to
          be void and unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the
          remaining provisions of this Agreement nevertheless shall be binding
          upon the parties with same effect as though the void or unenforceable
          part has been severed and deleted.

     16.  Notice. Notices given pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement
          shall be sent by certified mail, postage prepaid, or by overnight
          courier, or by telex, telecopier or telegraph, charges prepaid, to the
          following address:

                                       8
<PAGE>   9

               To the Company

               Corniche Group Incorporated
               610 S. Industrial Blvd.
               Suite 220
               Euless, Texas 76040
               Fax: (817) 283 4365

               with a copy to:
               Haynes and Boone, LLP
               901 Main St., Suite 3100
               Dallas, Texas 75202

               To the Executive

          Mr. John L. King, residing at 2717 Lookout Dr. 3208 Garland, Texas
          75044.

     17.  Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
          accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.

     18.  No Conflict. The Executive represents and warrants that he is not
          subject to any agreement, instrument, judgement order or decree of any
          kind, or any other restrictive agreement of any character, which would
          prevent him from entering into this Agreement or which would be
          breached by the Executive upon his performance of his duties pursuant
          to this Agreement.

     19.  Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement
          between the Company and the Executive with respect to the subject
          matter hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have set their hands and seals on and as of the
day and year first written above.

                                           CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED

                                           /s/ ROBERT F. BENOIT
                                           -----------------------
                                           Robert F. Benoit
                                           Chief Executive Officer

                                           EXECUTIVE

                                           /s/ JOHN L. KING
                                           -----------------------
                                           John L. King
                                           Vice President CFO

                                       9
<PAGE>   10

                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                           CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED

                      NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

     AGREEMENT made as of June 27th, 2000, by and between Corniche Group
Incorporated, a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business at 610
S. Industrial Blvd., Suite 220, Euless, Texas 76040 (the "Company"), and the
undersigned (the "Optionee").

                                   WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS, the Company considers it desirable and in its best interests that
the Optionee be encouraged to acquire an ownership interest in the Company, and
thereby have an added incentive to advance the interests of the Company, by the
grant of an option to purchase shares of the Company's common stock, par value
$.001 per share (the "Common Stock"), on the terms and conditions hereinafter
set forth; and

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
covenants and agreements contained herein, the Company and the Optionee hereby
agree as follows:

1.   GRANT OF OPTION.

     The Company hereby grants to the Optionee, the right, privilege and option
(the "Option") to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock (the
"Shares") at the exercise prices $1.88 and on the vesting terms ("Vesting
Terms") set forth in Appendix A. Such number of Shares issuable upon exercise of
the Option shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 7 below.

2.   TIME OF EXERCISE OF OPTION.

     Subject to the provisions of Section 4 below, the Option shall vest as
provided in Appendix A, provided, however, that upon a Change in Control of the
Company (as defined in the Employment Agreement between the Company and the
Optionee dated June 26th, 2000), the Option shall be immediately exercisable.
To the extent the Option is not exercised by the Optionee when it becomes
exercisable, it shall continue in full force and effect until the Expiration
Date (as hereinafter defined).

3.   METHOD OF EXERCISE.

     The Option shall be exercised by written notice in the form of Appendix B
hereto directed to the Company at the Company's address set forth above, duly
executed by the Optionee, specifying the number of shares being purchased and
accompanied by either (i) cash or check payable to the order of the Company in
full payment of the Purchase Price for the number of Shares being purchased, or
(ii) certificate(s), duly endorsed for transfer to the

<PAGE>   11

Company with signature guaranteed, for that number of previously acquired Shares
having an aggregate fair market value as determined in accordance with the Plan
("Fair Market Value"), on the date of exercise equal to the full Purchase Price
for the number of Shares being purchased, or (iii) a combination of (i) and
(ii).

     The Option shall not be exercisable at any time in an amount less than 100
Shares (or the remaining fraction of a Share then covered by and purchasable
under the Option if less than 100 Shares).

4.   TERM OF OPTIONS; EXERCISABILITY.

     (i) This Option shall expire 5 years from the date hereof of this Agreement
(the "Expiration Date"), subject to earlier termination as herein provided.

     (ii) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 4, if the Optionee's
employment by the Company is terminated for any reason, the Option shall
terminate on the earlier of (i) three months after the date the Optionee's
employment is terminated, or (ii) the date on which the Option expires by its
terms.

     (iii) If the Optionee's employment by, of, or to, the Company is terminated
by the Company for cause (as such term is defined in his employment agreement),
the Option will to the extent not terminated be deemed to have terminated on the
date immediately preceding the date the Optionee's employment by, or retention
as an agent, director of, or consultant to, the Company is terminated by the
Company and its subsidiaries.

     (iv) If the Optionee's employment by the Company is terminated because of
disability or death, the Option shall terminate on the earlier of (i) one year
after termination, or (ii) the date on which the Option expires by its terms.

5.   NON-TRANSFERABILITY.

     The right of the Optionee to exercise the Option shall not be assignable or
transferable by the Optionee otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution, and the Option may be exercised during the lifetime of the
Optionee only by the Optionee. The Option shall be null and void and without
effect upon the bankruptcy of the Optionee or upon any attempted assignment or
transfer, except as hereinabove provided, including without limitation, any
purported assignment, whether voluntary or by operation of law, pledge,
hypothecation or other disposition contrary to the provisions hereof, or levy of
execution, attachment, trustee process or similar process, whether legal or
equitable, upon the Option.

6.   REPRESENTATION LETTER AND INVESTMENT LEGEND.

     (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 3 and 4 hereof, the Option
cannot be exercised, and the Company may delay the issuance of the Shares
covered by the exercise of the Option and the delivery of a certificate for the
Shares, until one of the following conditions shall be satisfied:

                                       2
<PAGE>   12

     (i) The Shares with respect to which the Option has been exercised are at
the time of the issuance of the Shares effectively registered or qualified under
applicable federal and state securities acts now in force or as hereafter
amended; or

     (ii) Counsel for the Company shall have given an opinion, which opinion
shall not be unreasonably conditioned or withheld, that the issuance of the
Shares is exempt from registration and qualification under applicable federal
and state securities acts now in force or as hereafter amended.

     (b) In the event that for any reason the Shares to be issued upon exercise
of the Option shall not be effectively registered under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), upon any date on which the Option is
exercised in whole or in part, the Optionee shall give a written representation
to the Company in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A and the Company shall
place an "investment legend," so-called, as described in Exhibit A, upon any
certificate for the Shares issued by reason of such exercise. In the event that
the Company shall, nevertheless, deem it necessary or desirable to register
under the 1933 Act or other applicable statutes the Shares with respect to which
the Option shall have been exercised, or to qualify the Shares for exemption
from the 1933 Act or other applicable statutes, then the Company may take such
action and may require from the Optionee such information in writing for use in
any registration statement, supplementary registration statement, prospectus,
preliminary prospectus, offering circular or any other document that is
reasonably necessary for such purpose and may require reasonable indemnity to
the Company and its officers and directors from the Optionee against all losses,
claims, damages and liabilities arising from such use of the information so
furnished and caused by any untrue statement of any material fact therein or
caused by the omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made.

     (c) The Company shall be under no obligation to qualify the Shares or to
cause a registration statement or a post-effective amendment to any registration
statement to be prepared for the purposes of covering the issue of the Shares or
to cause the issuance of the Shares to be exempt from registration and
qualification under applicable federal and state securities acts now in force or
as hereinafter amended, except as otherwise agreed to by the Company in writing
in its sole discretion and, accordingly, the Company may delay the issuance of
the Shares covered by the exercise of the Option and the delivery of a
certificate for the Shares until the Company shall have determined that all
conditions to the issuance of the Shares shall have been satisfied.

7.   ADJUSTMENT IN AND CHANGES IN COMMON STOCK.

     Subject to the Plan, if the outstanding shares of the Common Stock are
changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other
securities of the Company by reason of any reorganization, recapitalization,
reclassification, stock split, combination of shares, or dividends payable in
capital stock, appropriate and equitable adjustment shall be made by the Board
of Directors of the Company, in its sole discretion, in the number and kind of
shares as to which the Option or portion thereof then unexercised shall be
exercisable. Such adjustment in

                                       3
<PAGE>   13

the Option shall be made without change in the total price applicable to the
unexercised portion of such the Option and with a corresponding adjustment in
the Option price per share.

8.   EFFECT ON OTHER RIGHTS.

     This Agreement shall in no way affect the Optionee's participation in or
benefits under any other plan or benefit program maintained or provided by the
Company. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to give the Optionee any
right to any additional options other than in the sole discretion of the Board
of Directors of the Company or to confer on the Optionee any right to continue
in the employ of the Company or any subsidiary thereof or to continue to be
retained as an agent, director of, or consultant to, the Company, or to be
evidence of any agreement or understanding, express or implied, that the Company
will employ or continue to retain the Optionee in any particular position or at
any particular rate of remuneration, or for any particular period of time or to
interfere in any way with the right of the Company or a subsidiary thereof (or
the right of the Optionee) to terminate the employment or retention of the
Optionee at any time, with or without cause, notwithstanding the possibility
that the Option may thereby be terminated entirely.

9.   RIGHTS AS A STOCKHOLDER.

     The Optionee shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any
Shares which may be purchased by exercise of the Option until (x) the Option
shall have been exercised with respect thereto (including payment to the Company
of the Purchase Price), and (y) the earlier to occur of (i) delivery by the
Company to the optionee of a certificate therefor or (ii) the date on which the
Company is required to deliver a certificate pursuant to the Plan and this
Agreement. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, no adjustment
shall be made for dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior
to the date such certificate is issued or required to be issued in accordance
with the Plan.

10.  GOVERNING LAW.

     THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS TO BE MADE AND PERFORMED ENTIRELY THEREIN WITHOUT
REFERENCE TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES.

11.  WITHHOLDING TAXES.

     Whenever Shares are to be issued upon exercise of the Option, the Company
shall have the right to require the Optionee to remit to the Company an amount
sufficient to satisfy all federal, state and local withholding tax requirements,
if any, prior to the delivery of any certificate or certificates for such
Shares. The Company may agree to permit the Optionee to withhold Shares
purchased upon exercise of this Option to satisfy the above-mentioned
withholding requirement.

                                       4
<PAGE>   14

12.  HEADINGS.

     The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference
only and in no way define, limit or describe the scope or intent of this
Agreement or in any way affect this Agreement.

13.  BINDING EFFECT.

     This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors
and assigns.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed,
and the Optionee has hereunto set his or her hand and seal, all as of the day
and year first above written.

                                             CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED.

                                             By:  /s/ ROBERT F. BENOIT
                                                 -------------------------------
                                             Title: Chief Executive Officer

                                             /s/ /s/ JOHN L. KING
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             OPTIONEE

                                       5
<PAGE>   15

                                   APPENDIX A

                            TO STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

OPTIONS GRANTED AND VESTING PERIOD:

Set forth below are the options granted to the Optionee and the vesting schedule
with respect thereto.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Shares           Option Price                       Vesting Date
----------------           ------------                       ------------
<S>                        <C>                                <C>
50,000                     $1.88                              6/26/01
25,000                     $1.88                              6/26/02
25,000                     $1.88                              6/26/03
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   16

                                    EXHIBIT B
                            TO STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

Date:______________________

Corniche Group Incorporated
610 S. Industrial
Suite 220
Euless, Texas 76040

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I hereby elect to purchase _______ shares of the Common Stock, par value
$.00001 per share, of Corniche Group Incorporated (the "Company") under the
option granted to me pursuant to the Stock Option Agreement, dated June 27th,
2000.

     Enclosed is [cash] [a check] in the amount of $______.___ [______ shares of
the Company's Common Stock] in full payment of the shares being purchased
($________ per share).

     Please deliver certificates representing the shares being purchased to me
at:

     -----------------------------

     -----------------------------

     -----------------------------

     I hereby acknowledge that I have been informed as follows:

     1. The shares of common stock of the Company to be issued to me pursuant to
the exercise of said option have not been registered under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and accordingly, must be held indefinitely
unless such shares are subsequently registered under the 1933 Act, or an
exemption from such registration is available.

     2. Routine sales of securities made in reliance upon Rule 144, if
applicable, under the 1933 Act can be made only after the holding period and in
limited amounts in accordance with the terms and conditions provided by that
Rule, and in any sale to which that Rule is not applicable, registration or
compliance with some other exemption under the 1933 Act will be required.

     3. The Company is under no obligation to me to register the shares or to
comply with any such exemptions under the 1933 Act.

<PAGE>   17

     4. The availability of Rule 144, if applicable, is dependent upon adequate
current public information with respect to the Company being available and, at
the time that I may desire to make a sale pursuant to the Rule, the Company may
neither wish nor be able to comply with such requirement.

     In consideration of the issuance of certificates for the shares to me, I
hereby represent and warrant that I am acquiring such shares for my own account
for investment, and that I will not sell, pledge, transfer or otherwise dispose
of such shares in the absence of an effective registration statement covering
the same, except as permitted by the provisions of Rule 144, if applicable, or
some other applicable exemption under the 1933 Act. In view of this
representation and warranty, I agree that there may be affixed to the
certificates for the shares to be issued to me, and to all certificates issued
hereafter representing such shares (until in the opinion of counsel, which
opinion must be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to counsel for the
Company, it is no longer necessary or required) a legend as follows:

     "The shares of common stock represented by this certificate have not been
     registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), and
     were acquired by the registered holder, pursuant to a representation and
     warranty that such holder was acquiring such shares for his or her own
     account and for investment, with no intention to transfer or dispose of the
     same, in violation of the registration requirements of the Act. These
     shares may not be sold, pledged, transferred or otherwise disposed of in
     the absence of an effective registration statement under the Act, or an
     opinion of counsel, which opinion is reasonably satisfactory to counsel to
     the Company, to the effect that registration is not required under the
     Act."

     I further agree that the Company may place a stop order with its Transfer
Agent, prohibiting the transfer of such shares, so long as the legend remains on
the certificates representing the shares.

                                        Very truly yours,

                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Optionee:

                                       2

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