"Good afternoon, Joe Wallace's office," the receptionist said briskly.
"Good afternoon. My name is Pete Jenkins, and I'm returning Joe's call."
"Certainly, sir. One moment, please."
"Hey kiddo!" Joe said when he picked up the call. "How have you been?"
"I'm good. When did you get a receptionist?"
"Couple of days ago. Like I said, it's gotten so busy I can't do it all myself."
"I've been thinking about your offer, Joe. A lot. And I'm thinking you've got yourself a deal. I'm getting out of here sometime in the next few weeks. When would you like me to start?"
"Can I bring you a laptop? No reason you can't start now, right?"
Pete laughed.
"No sir, I don't suppose there is."
***
* * * *
He arrived on schedule for his four o'clock meeting, and Nathan Thomas took a seat in the right-
