“I know that it’s totally unnecessary, Austin,” he began, “but I have to ask you to keep what you heard confidential. So far, the merger talks with Charles Industries have only been vague rumors. If they became something more than that, it could complicate things. If you see fit to invest in either of the entities, you should know that if the merger goes through, it could be very profitable. But if it falls through, you might incur a loss. As for the other, well, that’s been held pretty close to the vest too.”
The direct approach released the young man’s inhibitions. “Did I understand you correctly? You just turned down the President of the United States when he offered to name you as Secretary of the Interior?”
“Yes,” de la Roche said calmly.
“Jeez,” the young man exhaled. “And you tol
