Learning Curve by Michael S. Malone Read Free Book Online Page B

head—and didn’t try to hide it. Motherfucker. It’s already completely planned. After one last glare at the preternaturally confident man across the table, Dan began to slide out of the booth. “I guess that’s it.”
    â€œYes,” said Cosmo, unmoving. “And Dan?”
    Crowen paused, one leg out of the booth. “Yeah?”
    â€œIf you choose to stay, you know you have to own this new strategy. It has to be your idea. Your project. You are the CEO.”
    â€œThanks for reminding me.” Dan got to his feet. “For a moment there, I almost forgot.”
    He didn’t shake Cosmo’s hand, and he didn’t look back as he walked away.

v. 1.4
    I t was an endless drive back to the airport. Virgil Mason hadn’t even been in the house, but it was clear to Dan that he already knew the subject of the conversation in the breakfast nook. They drove along in silence, Virgil staring straight ahead through the windshield, Dan resting his chin in hand and watching the countryside pass on his right.
    Virgil was obviously not going to be the first to speak, so Dan finally said, “How’s the hunting look this year?”
    â€œGood,” said Mason. “They’re predicting a late snow, and this summer’s drought means the big bucks will be coming down from the high country early looking for food. They’re saying a lot of white tail and mulies. Haven’t heard any predictions yet about elk.”
    Dan didn’t know what else to say, but the conversation offered a welcome respite from the debate going on in his head. “Ever thought of hunting in Africa?” he asked.
    â€œOh, hell yeah. I’d love to. But that takes a fair amount of coin. More’n I got.”
    â€œWhat would you hunt if you could?”
    â€œWell, lemme think. I guess maybe one of those curly-horned kudu. And a cape buffalo—though I expect Mary might object to me doing that. Too dangerous. Oh yeah, and I like to get me one of those black sables. They’re something else.”
    â€œI thought sables were like weasels. Or minks.”
    â€œWrong kind,” said Virgil. “These are like horses, with big old curving horns.”
    â€œHuh. Never knew that. So no Africa.”
    â€œNot anytime soon, that’s for sure. But you know, they got these ranches in Africa that have a lot of African antelope on them. I may just drive down there one of these days.”
    â€œWell,” said Dan, “I’m not a hunter, but I may just join you. Sounds like a good time.”
    Virgil glanced over at his passenger and then back at the road. “It was that that bad, huh? I’m sorry, Dan. That’s tough.”
    â€œBad? Yeah. But tough? No. Surprisingly easy. Too damn easy. All I have to do is go along.”
    The jet was waiting on the runway, where they’d left it the day before. The powered chain link gate squealed open and the truck started out on the tarmac. As if on cue, the attendant appeared at the plane’s door. She nodded as if clicking off a mental checklist, then disappeared back inside. By the time Dan climbed out onto the runway, the jet’s rotors were already turning.
    â€œTake care,” said Dan, reaching out to shake Virgil’s hand. “I don’t know how long it’ll be before I get back here. Give my love to Mary.”
    â€œI will,” he said. “And good luck to you, Dan. I know you’ll do the right thing. You always do.”
    I wish, thought Dan as he climbed the steps.
    â€œWelcome, Mr. Crowen,” said the attendant, looking as beautiful and fresh as always. This time her demeanor was more irritating than thrilling. “I understand from Mrs. Mason,” she said, “that you didn’t have any breakfast. So I took the liberty of preparing some coffee, bagels, and fruit. I’ll serve it after we take off.”
    â€œThank you.”
    â€œAnd,” said the