Gamemaster by Unknown Read Free Book Online Page A

reaching into the briefcase he had brought along, pulling out papers and notes, so he missed the flash of
    unease in Shelley's features. By the time he had straightened, she was once again all business, and together they went
    to work analyzing the assets, liabilities and working capital of Ackerly Manufacturing.
    They pored over the firm's records, searching out the weakest areas and looking for ways to strengthen the crucial,
    basic ones. It was nearly five o'clock when Dean finally sat back with a sigh, rubbing his forehead.
    "It's not going to be easy, is it?" he muttered dispiritedly.
    "It can be done, Dean. That's the important thing. We can keep the bank from panicking now that we can
    concentrate on it and stop worrying about that Cassidy loan. And if we play our cards right, we can avoid layoffs, or
    at least long-term ones. The toughest part will be learning to operate in a leaner, tighter way. Also, we've got to sell off
    inventory and improve the cash flow as quickly as possible. That means psyching up the marketing and sales people.
    Their attitude will be as crucial as management's during this period."
    He nodded. "That's my first priority on Monday morning."
    "Don't keep your employees in the dark Let them know everyone's involved in a team effort to salvage the business
    and that you need their cooperation."
    "Because I do." He smiled, getting to his feet.
    "Yes, you do." She smiled back.
    He looked at her. "Thanks, Shelley," he said quietly. "When I talk to you, I get the feeling it can be done."
    Shelley sensed the faint, new element of optimism in the atmosphere and nodded quickly. "You'll make it work,
    Dean."
    He hesitated, and she knew he was about to say something else when the buzzer of her intercom interrupted.
    "Shelley, there's a Mr. Cassidy to see you." Carol Robinson's voice held a note of disapproval, and Shelley guessed
    immediately that the receptionist had been coerced into breaking in on the meeting. Knowing Joel, he had probably
    insisted she do so. "Shall I have him wait?" she added hopefully. Shelley heard the added word indefinitely tacked on
    silently. Carol would like nothing better than to tell her intimidator that Shelley was tied up and likely to remain so for
    some time. It sounded like an equally good idea to Shelley.
    It was Dean who handled Shelley's moment of indecision. "This will be a good opportunity for me to tell him I
    appreciate what he's done for Ackerly," he said quickly, looking pleased. "Mind if I stick around and meet him?"
    "No, no, of course not," she responded hurriedly. "Send him in, Carol. We're through with our meeting." She
    glanced up at Dean as she released the intercom switch. "There's, uh, no need to go overboard with your thanks,
    Dean," she tried to say swiftly. "I mean, he's doing you a favor, but it's not exactly a free favor and..."
    The remainder of her words died on her lips as the door to the main office of Mason Wells & Associates opened
    and Joel Cassidy walked into the room. She had time to realize he was dressed in the blue jeans and cotton work shirt
    he'd worn the first time she'd met him and didn't look at all the part of a successful businessman before her attention
    was sidetracked by the almost tangible aura of challenge he brought with him into the office.
    Dean, gentleman that he was, recovered from his surprise quickly, thrusting out his hand. "I'm Dean Ackerly, Mr.
    Cassidy, and I just want to say I really appreciate your cooperation in this matter. With Shelley's consulting help and
    financial expertise, we're going to put Ackerly Manufacturing back on the right track. Don't worry about that loan.
    You'll get your money!"
    "I know," Joel replied laconically, "with interest"
    At least he didn't ignore Dean's outstretched hand, Shelley thought with relief. The handshake was exceedingly
    brief, but it did occur, together with a steel-eyed assessment of Dean Ackerly.
    "Sorry to interrupt you, but I came to see Shelley about a business