Chapter 6: All Hands

The cafeteria held four hundred people and smelled of burned coffee.

Dinah signed me in as her guest and I wore a gray sweater and no coat, and the guard didn't look at my face.

We stood in the back near the dish return.

On a low stage at the far end, Grady stood behind a podium with a screen over his head.

Lorna sat at a folding table beside him with a tall stack of white envelopes.

Conrad Tavish sat in the front row with his ankles crossed.

"Thank you all for coming," Grady said. "This is a difficult morning, and I won't make it longer than it has to be."

Nobody coughed.

"As of Friday week, Hartung Aero will become part of Tavish Defense. It's a strong partner with a long record."

A slide came up with a blue logo.

"As part of the transition, two hundred eighty-three roles will be eliminated."

"Each of you will receive a packet today. Your last day is the end of this month."

A sound went through the room.

"There's no reason to feel singled out," Grady said. "These are market conditions. Lorna, would you start with the envelopes."

I put my hand up.

"Excuse me."

Heads turned.

"You're out of order, sir," Grady said, and then he saw who it was and his mouth closed.

"Rex Corbett," I said. "Corbett Launch Systems. I'd like to make an offer."

The room went completely quiet.

"This isn't a public auction."

"It is now." I walked down the center aisle, and the crowd opened in front of me.

"Mr. Tavish is paying ninety million. I'll pay one hundred and eight."

A hum started.

"In cash. Every job stays. Every contract is honored. Nobody gets an envelope."

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