Midnight Harvest by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro Read Free Book Online

collaboration of the managerial staff.”
    “Why should anyone—?” He waved at the air as if to banish a nightmare.
    Saint-Germain sat back and studied the Dane. “I know this kind of industry is under pressure to cooperate with the generals, but surely you haven’t forgotten that foreigners are specifically forbidden to participate in strategic industries? That stricture isn’t limited to ownership of such companies; it encompasses the design staff as well.” His half-smile was gentle. “Do you know what would happen if the changes you so willingly endorsed were put into effect? To begin with, the government would seize Eclipse, and then all non-Spaniards would be dismissed.” He let Lundhavn have a long moment to consider this.
    “There have been exceptions to that rule,” Lundhavn said at last, his neck so stiff that he seemed propped in his chair like a puppet.
    “A few, a very few,” Saint-Germain pointed out. “And you, Elias, would not be one of them. Colonel Senda has a nephew who is earmarked to assume your position as soon as the contract is signed.” He saw the shocked expression that Lundhavn could not completely mask. “Ah. You had been given assurances, hadn’t you?”
    “Of course not,” Lundhavn blustered.
    “Elias, please,” Saint-Germain said patiently. “I am not so shocked as you might suppose; I will admit to being disappointed, but what man in my position would not be?” He did not add that he had seen this sort of maneuvering many times in the past. “The country is preparing for war; it would be remarkable if there wasn’t some attempt to control and exploit this technology, and because of my ambiguous status, Eclipse is especially vulnerable to manipulation.”
    Lundhavn stared toward the window. “How am I to respond?”
    “Truthfully, I hope,” said Saint-Germain. “If you are unwilling to tell me what has been going on here, then I cannot allow you to remain in your present position, and that,” he went on less emphatically, “would be unfortunate, for you have done your work well, and I am loath to lose you unless I must.”
    “You will have your joke, sir,” said Lundhavn. “If you are so convinced that I have worked against your policies, why should you keep me on?”
    “You are a fine engineer,” said Saint-Germain. “You do superior airplane designs, and this is what I hope you will continue to do here at Eclipse.”
    “And that is enough to mitigate any questions you have about my loyalty?” Lundhavn let out a single bark of laughter. “Of course you will dismiss me.”
    “I may remove you from your present position,” said Saint-Germain resignedly. “But I would prefer to continue to employ you if you are willing to be forthcoming with me now.”
    “Why would you do that?” Lundhavn demanded, anger suddenly awakening within him. “Do you think you can force me to capitulate?”
    “No, I don’t. I’m not interested in your capitulation: this isn’t a contest of wills.” Saint-Germain made an exasperated gesture.
    “Why should you accommodate me? Since you think I have betrayed you to the generals.” His anger was beginning to fade and turn to petulance. “Why haven’t you dismissed me?” Lundhavn asked.
    “Because, as I have already told you, you are very capable, and I would just as soon keep your abilities here at Eclipse than send you out to peddle what you know to the generals. I am the more reliable employer, Elias, little as you may think it.” He saw Lundhavn’s cynical expression, and said, “If you are willing to accept my terms, it would please me very much.”
    Lundhavn glowered at a place outside the window only he could see. “What terms?” His voice was flat.
    “I will appoint another member of the staff to run the company; you needn’t concern yourself about whom I will select; I am not going to take your recommendation for your successor. Rest assured I have considered this carefully and it will take place