The Boss by David Handler

Author:David Handler [Handler, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-307-78841-2
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Published: 2011-04-20T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

“Pip, I have a new phone number.”

She wrote it down in her memo pad.

“It’s listed under the name of Rachel Stern,” Danny added.

She raised her eyebrows. “Congratulations.”

“It’s platonic,” he pointed out, lunging for a doughnut from the box on his desk. “So, did you read my report?”

“Yes, I did. I think it’s the most exciting thing that’s ever happened here. I’m … I’m proud to be associated with you.”

“Thank you, Pip.”

“Shall I type it up?”

“Please ask the Turks to come in first.”

Danny sat back cautiously in his temperamental chair and put his hands behind his head. It was an exciting proposal. It laid the foundation for a company that embraced the best elements of profit incentive and social responsibility. He felt good about it.

Irv and Larry came in carrying their copies of the rough draft. Larry wore his aqua blue ensemble, Irv a broad grin.

“Close the door,” Danny said. “Wait—ask Pip to come in, too. She’s part of this.”

She closed the door behind her, clearly pleased to be included. Danny offered doughnuts around. They declined. He didn’t.

“We’ve worked on this together,” Danny began, munching. “I’ve tried to take in everything. Make some sense of it. I just wanted to see if you thought anything was missing. Or off.”

“I think it’s a helluva report,” Irv responded. “You’ve grasped the situation and made bold proposals.”

“I’ll second that,” said Larry.

“Who do you think belongs on this governing board?” asked Danny. “Right now, I think it reads vague.”

The Turks exchanged a look.

“All department heads?” ventured Larry.

“It’s the only way to hear from everyone,” mused Irv.

“Should the chairman have veto power?” asked Danny. “Or just one vote like everyone else?”

Larry lit a cigarette. “One vote.”

“That seems unrealistic to me,” countered Irv. “Mr. Levine presently rules with absolute authority. It’d be a major concession on his part just to hear from the staff.”

“He’ll never go for it,” Pip said flatly.

Larry flushed. He didn’t like for secretaries to speak, particularly against him.

“I agree with Pip,” said Danny. “We have to consider the way the situation is now. This one vote thing, it’s like a red flag.”

“Of course, there’s always the Straw Man theory,” suggested Irv.

“Right,” agreed Larry.

“That’s true,” admitted Pip.

They turned to Danny for his verdict.

“Exactly what is the Straw Man theory?” asked Danny.

“By leaving in one thing that’s totally outrageous,” answered Irv, “you protect something else controversial.”

“So you think I should recommend one vote?” Danny asked Irv.

“Yes,” Larry replied. “Definitely.”

Irv took off his glasses and cleaned them on his tie. His eyes looked small and watery unprotected by the lenses. “I think you should do what you think is right.”

“What do you think is right?” Danny pressed him.

“Any gain is a step in the right direction,” Irv replied tactfully. “It’s basically a question of how high you want to aim.”

“You’re ducking him, Green,” snapped Larry.

“Calm down, Larry,” Irv ordered. “We’re here to offer advice. We shouldn’t try to influence Danny in any particular direction. That would be overstepping our bounds.”

“You’re right,” said Danny. “It’s my report.

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