General Charteris stood up as Stan rolled the wheelchair into the formal, stark office. Elizabeth took in the sparse furniture, the monastic decorations, a few combat souvenirs.
A few moments of small talk, then the general touched a folder on his desk.
"Mrs Durr, you played a key role in blocking a serious infiltration in the defence industry. I appreciate your sacrifices and regret the death of your colleagues. But tell us, what made you suspect them? Their tracks were so well hidden. We suspected something was going on, for a while, but you seemed to have gone straight to the core of the problem."
She smiled weakly. "People tell you these things, if you listen."
***
The CEO was not very pleased with their presence, but her manner was open. "Mr Willis, Ms Durr, you are welcome. I invited you to meet my team, the men who report to me. You will find them ready to carry out the Board's wishes, and willing to open their books and their departments to you. Gentlemen, the Board wants an independent report to explain the relatively slow growth of our group. You will see, Mr Willis, that the economic conjuncture has more to do with that. We feel that we have, in fact, done rather well under the circumstances."
Her eyes flickered over Elizabeth, dismissing her, focusing on John. "Our strength is based on our technology, but above all on our leadership. I have strong, assertive, dominating men working for me, men who can impose their will on situations and on their teams. Let me introduce them around the table, and then you can tell us how you wish to proceed. And I would like to invite you to attend a more relaxed and convivial meeting of my team and some of our associates in a few days' time."
Afterwards, back in their offices, John asked: "Any interesting observations?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "Of course they resent us interfering into their affairs. The decision was imposed by the Board, they are all confident that they are doing well. And the figures do not show that. In fact several units are losing money while the competition is making profits. But what I find intriguing is the reference to her appointees being dominating men, who can impose themselves. Strange use of words, don't you think?''
"Perhaps just a turn of phrase?"
***
Dave Benz was a little drunk. The Chief Financial Officer had spent a long day with Elizabeth, examining the statements of one of the plants, and he was pumped up about something. Elizabeth drew him out. "So you are satisfied with the performance? Everything seemed accounted for."
Dave placed a proprietary hand on her arm. "My dear, you would have seen, everything balanced to perfection. Not a cent out of place. Everything matched the predictions. I tell you, when I say jump, people jump. When I say perform, they perform. Even our respected CEO."
The car droned on, the driver attentive at the wheel, but in the back the atmosphere was expansive. Dave had produced drinks, and was insisting on Elizabeth having a refill, which she managed to spill discreetly. She asked: "Isn't it unusual for books to balance so perfectly? After all, you are dealing with a fluid situation."
He rambled on about the importance of imposing your will on the market, and not let the market impose itself on you. "As with women, don't you think? One has to impose, I believe."
She smiled sweetly. "Which is why I studied martial arts. But tell me, Mr Benz, are you satisfied that the profit margins are as good as the company claims? I thought some others in the same sector were showing better returns?"
He hesitated for a second, then: "Do not let that bother you. Apples and oranges. We are the best, we are the biggest. Of course they make better returns off a low base, but in volume... So, tell me about yourself? Just finished studies?"
She shook her head. "I've been around for a few years since graduating. And you, you came in from outside the group, I believe?"
He nodded. "I have a banking background, mostly in international banking. Saw the world. Spent some time in Japan, Europe, various banks there. Over-regulated, no room for initiative. Then Sondra headhunted me, if you want to use that expression. We hit it off, she liked my style, and the rest is history."
"You do seem to get on well with her, that's important."
"She respects me, see? She knows I have the company under control, firm hands on the reins, as it were. Firmness engenders respect. And she knows I have firm hands." He laughed, sat back satisfied.
***
The interview was at an end. Elizabeth completed the questionnaire, had the manager sign it off, and pushed back the file.
"That concludes our work, Mr Jones. Thank you for your cooperation, I am sure your inputs will be useful for the better management of the company. Was there anything else you wanted to add, informally?"
He grinned. "It was a pleasure being interviewed by such a charming person."
She smiled. "But not nearly as charming as your CEO, I'm sure. She recruited you, if I'm not mistaken."
"She did. I made her an offer she could not refuse, in a manner of speaking."
Elizabeth smiled invitingly. "Sounds intriguing. You knew her socially then?"
"In fact, yes. We met at the place of a mutual friend. A private party, and we hit it off."
"It's important that people who work together should understand each other."
He grinned. "I agree. Can I buy you a drink?"
She frowned, looked at her watch. "I have an appointment just now, but I can make time for one."
He settled into the nook and clinked glasses with her. "Towards better understanding."
They drank, and he continued: "You are not interested in joining us at one of these parties? We are a group of like-minded people who get together and have fun."
