CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN Kevin and Grant sat in Grant’s living room that night, brainstorming things to add to the Takahashi proposal. “We need more pop,” Grant said. “We’re not adding more terms but we need to juice things up.” “I made notes of how we can rewrite things.” Kevin took the notes from his briefcase and handed them to Grant. “You’re always on the ball, aren’t you?” Grant overlooked the suggestions. “Yes, I like the direction you’re going in now. Just add more punch and...” The doorbell rang. “Are you expecting someone?” Kevin asked. “Oh, I forgot.” Grant sneered. “How could I? I have a date with Firecracker.” Kevin curled his fingers into a fist. “I invited her over for drinks. You don’t mind, do you?” “Mind?” He played it off with a chuckle. “It’s your house, isn’t it?

