Looking into the mirror, he saw the reflection staring back at him and thought about saying the infamous line, what are you looking at. Instead, he chose to smile at the audacity of that particular thought. “You’re being ridiculous. Everything is going to be fine. Smile. Nod. Shake hands and walk out. That’s all you have to do.” Touching the Windsor knot of his tie, he straightened it again, not that it needed it. At least it made him feel a little better. In less than five minutes, Gerald would be presenting the board with a tough decision: liquidate their shares or get bought out by their competitors, sharks that no doubt would terminate the employment of any executive working for RDF Plastics. As Chief Executive Officer of RDF, his primary role was to insulate the board from a hostile takeover and continue to grow the plastics industry. Recycled materials were cheap and easy to get from Mexico and other southern countries. But a few well-paid lobbyists and politicians ensured that plastics weren’t the future. They were on the outs, especially in states like California, where the Environmental Protection Agency and other Federal agencies were asking too many questions about safety and long-term environmental damage. Gerald was losing his poise and position. And now, several lower executives were being indicted for breaking the law concerning checks and balances that RDF Plastics had written in their policies and procedures. No one had followed those guidelines in months, maybe years. But when did Gerald last visit any of RDF’s plants or do inspections with reputable auditors? Not even Gerald could remember. Brushing his hands down his suit one last time, he walked down the hallway to the conference room. Outside the door, a young man stood guarding the entrance. At least, that’s how it looked to Gerald.

“Good morning, Mr. Moloski.” The young man stood straight, holding open the door for Gerald. “Can I get you anything, sir?” The young man was impeccable; black wingtip shoes shined to a high gloss, shiny enough to see your face; a three-piece suit fitted to perfection; and a knock-off silk tie, probably a clip-on, but Gerald didn’t care. His mind was on other things.   

Gerald smiled back, knowing the twenty-something was what other executives called ‘hungry.’ He wanted what they had, wanted to know what they did, and was willing to work as hard as he needed to. “Thank you, James. I appreciate the offer, but I expect this meeting to be short.”

“Yes, Mr. Moloski. A breakfast buffet is inside if anyone wants a bite before your meeting. And, of course, coffee and tea. Ice water is in pitchers on the conference table with four glasses next to each.” Gerald didn’t have the heart to tell James he would be out of work in fifteen minutes or less. That was unless the board came to another conclusion to save the company. Could that happen? Sure. But it wasn’t likely.

“Excellent, James.” Gerald reached into his pocket and pulled out a money clip with a small wad of hundred-dollar bills. Peeling off two from the stack, he pressed them into James’ hand. “Thank you for all your hard work.”

James smiled, crumpling the bills into his hand and sliding them into his pocket, all without losing eye contact with Mr. Moloski. “Yes, sir.”

Gerald walked inside, letting James shut the door behind him.