Chapter 1

“Come in Roger, come in!” smiled fifty-something CEO Todd Mansfield extending his hand. His office, as might be expected, was opulent with the finest furnishings, a huge antique desk and various adornments (photos mostly of the successful businessman with various other VIPs) decorating the walls.

Roger Jenkins quickly shook hands with the man whose company he had worked for the last seven years. He took a seat as offered and wondered if he had screwed up something or if maybe the company was downsizing. He needn’t have worried however as Mansfield’s smile was immediately disarming.

“Relax, Roger, I know it’s often bad news when the boss calls you into the office, but, in this, case, the news is all good. First I want to congratulate you on your recent marriage. Karen is a lovely woman.”

“Well, I certainly think so,” smiled the younger executive, beginning to relax a bit.

“Well, I’m sure she is going to be a great asset to you in helping your career here at Astron Industries. But more about that in a moment. I wanted to first compliment you on a job well done in garnering the Cummins acquisition. I know you wrote the merger agreement and followed through even when they began to have doubts.”

“Well, sir, Bill Fairchild...”

“Yes, Bill stepped up to offer an inducement to get it through. This isn’t the first time he has done so.”

“He seemed to know what they want, but he’s been a bit reticent to share how he did it.”

“Yes, well Bill, like you is in line for a bonus which I think you will find expresses our appreciation for all your hard work. But you aren’t here only because of your work on this most recent account. You’ve been with us seven years and you’ve done exemplary work, often putting in the extra effort to see the company succeed.”

“I like working here, Mr. Mansfield.”

“Good, that’s why I want to share with you some news. As you probably know Ralph Binington is retiring soon and that leaves the company a VP short. I’ve talked things over with the others and they’re of the same opinion that if you continue doing the fine work we’ve seen in these seven years there just may be a Vice-Presidency for you.”

Roger was stunned. Walking into the office he had gone, within only a couple of minutes, from the possibility of losing his job entirely to being offered the possibility of a VP position in the company.

“I ... I don’t know what to say ... I’m simply overwhelmed,” he stammered.

Mansfield chuckled, enjoying the effect his announcement had on the younger man.

“Of course it will be several weeks before Ralph actually steps down and in the meantime we shall consider that interval as a trial period. There will be two things we will look for, Roger.”

“Yes Sir.”

“First we will expect nothing less than the superior work you have been exhibiting...”

“Of course, Sir. And the second?

“You’ll be working on some of the most challenging projects you have ever faced. I have every confidence you will be successful, but now comes a challenge which you may or may not be up to.”

“I promise you I will give my all to whatever the company needs.”

“I’m sure you will but this second ability requires both strength and discretion.”

“Discretion?” Asked Roger.

“Yes, a few minutes ago you indicated that Bill Fairchild did not disclose the means by which he got the Cummings merger signed, sealed and delivered. It’s because he and his wife worked together to provide the incentive they needed ... wanted.”