Luck of the Draw

Chapter 34 - Wrap Up Your Troubles . . .

"You can't be serious, Sal. Hiring Hanover to manage this club of yours. He's married for Christ's sake. His wife is up north with their house and – and everything."

"I don't think you took full advantage of Barclay's talents at NaturGro. Being the biggest frog in the puddle blinkered your appreciation for the people around you. Barclay came down here and sorted out the Christmas tree fiasco, and extinguished any immediate backlash at the company. You wanted a delay, well your previous aide provided another one for you. You might consider showing a little gratitude. The people that got stung with your trees are complaining to the local nursery; they don't even know who to call."

"It won't take much to find out." Harry snorted.

"Indeed, and that's why I've taken all of you out of the spotlight, Harry. Teddy is in comfortable hiding, or soon will be. Barclay is now anonymously employed here. He is still deciding on how to handle the marriage bit; apparently the Hanover's weren't the Cleavers. And you, Harry, you have been a moderately, high profile local personality since you opened the bar. You should be seeking anonymity right now. As a matter of fact, you should consider finding a cosy spot for yourself, somewhere well out of the area. A silent partner's retreat so to speak."

"What are you talking about? You saying I should leave town!"

"I'm suggesting it, yes." Sally sat forward and moved some papers around on her desk. Waiting for the challenge she was certain he would mount.

"This was your plan all along. Screw me out of this place and then kick me out of town so I can't be a pest. I thought I was your talented shmoozer." He barked.

"Eventually, when we acquire a decent clientele, just not right away."

"Well let me tell you something, Sally Hundwinter, I don't roll over quite that easily."

She smiled and picked up her pen, aiming it straight at him. "One phone call, and you will do more than roll over, Harry, you'll be off to court with the other members of your company management team."

"You'd do that after...?"

"You'd be wise to think about what I said. When it comes to business I don't screw for nothing."

He opened his mouth and clamped it shut immediately. He could see he was totally out manoeuvred, and that any future meant following the suggestion put forward so decisively by his new partner.

"Don't feel badly, Harry. We are still partners and I honour all business deals. You will receive your share, and you will be consulted from time to time on any changes we contemplate." Her face softened and she made a slight pucker with her lips. "Are we agreed?"

"Like I have a bloody choice." He stood and didn't know how to leave with dignity.

"Lock the door, Harry. I'd like to give out my first bonus as the major stockholder in our company." She stood and slid around the desk to where he remained... frozen.

!!!!!!

Richard knew he'd made a huge error he minute he told his wife what he'd done. Instead of putting heads together and planning what to do next, she had railed on about his stupidity and his dismantling of her social world.

Stunned that her concern would be more for her idle hen parties and dinner outings rather than their joint financial and career futures, Richard crammed two suitcases and several shopping bags full of his belongings, stuffed them in the trunk of his car and drove off. Let her keep her precious social world, let her wail about her lot in life at the manicurist's shop. He was not hanging around for the eruptions that were sure to follow.