Luck of the Draw

Chapter 16 - News and Deals

Barclay waited for his boss to order before making his selection from the menu. It wouldn't do to choose steak if Malcolm was only having a salad. As it turned out, a large meal was in order and he took full advantage; Barclay didn't get dinner invitations from the CEO that often, and considering what he was doing at NaturGro, it might be his last.

"How uhm, did the launch go with the board?"

Malcolm glowered at the table. "I was able to keep them satisfied for the nonce," he growled. "It's a temporary delay only so bring me up to date, Hanover." Malcolm sipped his cocktail. His polished executive look was leaning a tad toward neglect.

Keep them satisfied? A temporary delay? "The man we have in Glen Springs is, Teddy Playford, who, as I'm sure you know, is related to Anthony Playford, chief shareholder in NaturGro." He waited for the inference to register.

"Did you say, Glen Springs? Why is he in Glen Springs?" Malcolm reached for his water glass, clearly missing Barclay's opening.

"Right. You said to find an exclusive territory and send our most—"

"I know what I said. Why Glen Springs?"

"It fit the criteria."

Malcolm drained his glass and banged it on the table. Barclay watched him struggle with himself before forcing out his next question. "And what's happening?" The polish began to tarnish further.

"Since we sent him there he hasn't reported in." Barclay gulped from his own glass.

Malcolm levelled his gunmetal grey sights on Barclay. "He hasn't reported in." Very threatening tone.

"No, sir. I've tried reaching him on his cell but it seems to be off. I think, since the instruction was to find someone uh- inexperienced, this sort of behaviour would be understandably acceptable?"

"Do you have any idea as to why you were asked to find someone like Playford?" Wintery and despondent.

Barclay saw his future possibly hanging on his response and he dreaded having to speak but to lie could limit his value if he was perceived to be without corporate political insight. On the other hand if he spoke truthfully he could be considered a threat and his career could end right then and there. He delayed by taking another swallow from his drink.

"I asked you a question, Hanover." Icy cold now.

"I believe it was a plan designed to fail for some business reason of which I am unaware and have no interest in knowing." The words tumbled out and he felt his shirt go damp as he held his breath.

Malcolm picked up his empty glass again and paused, looking at it. "Very good."

Barclay blew his breath out so hard the table candle extinguished. "Oh, sorry." He fiddled with his lighter and relit the decoration.

"What I'm about to tell you, Barclay, goes absolutely no further. Understand?"

Barclay, not Hanover! "I do understand, sir. Lips are sealed." He made a zipping motion.

Barclay's coveted steak sat half-eaten on the plate in front of him. His face was pale and he was on his third double scotch. Malcolm's story had exploded the very core of his being. Lying earlier wouldn't have made a particle of difference; NaturGro was an empty house of cards, financially tethered to the tale of a runaway comet.

Bankruptcy was the title of the next annual report and the job market would be flooded with an army of tainted engineers, chemists and administrators. Barclay saw something akin to debtor's prison in his future.