Part 3 (2/2)
”All right--I'll call it. Bring me your payroll records; your cost sheets; the background reports on the key men in your organization.”
”As soon as I can get them. I need some money immediately to meet my payroll.”
”Then what are you waiting for?”
”I'll be back this afternoon.” Joshua was halfway out the door when Lee Gorman called. ”And bring the deeds to your plant--the bills of sale to your machinery and equipment.”
”Certainly.”
Joshua left and Lee Gorman sat motionless staring at the surface of his desk. There was a Mona Lisa smile on his rugged face.
”It's not worth it, Joshua,” Myra said, hotly. ”You won't be able to take his brow-beating and badgering day after day. And that's his intention. That's what he's giving you the money for--for the pleasure of humiliating you day after day.”
”Of course, my dear. I'm fortunate that Lee is that kind of a man. He wants his revenge and he's willing to pay for it. I was hoping it would be that way--praying for it. It was my last weapon. The last weapon I had with which to beat the Moon.”
A man and his dream....
”I want you to sign these papers, Joshua.” Lee Gorman held out a pen and pushed the papers across the desk.
”Certainly, Lee.”
”Four copies.”
Joshua pushed the papers back, looked at them and smiled.
”Do you know what you signed?”
”A power of attorney, I believe. And I've signed the plant over to you.
There is a large mortgage against it, however.”
Lee Gorman sat back, narrowed his eyes as he looked at the wizened little man with the giant obsession. ”Joshua, I think you've worked beyond your time. You've slipped your gears completely. Do you realize that with these papers I can put you in the street? That all I have to do is raise my hand and you're done?”
”I realize that, Lee.”
”Then why on earth did you sign them?”
”I had no alternative.”
”But what kind of an alternative is this? Giving away everything you've got?”
Joshua sighed. ”You haven't raised your hand yet, Lee. I can surmount my difficulties only as I come to them. I'll think about that one when it gets here.”
”Well--I've got news for you. The time to think about it is--” Gorman stopped in mid-sentence. He studied Joshua Lake for a long minute. Then he took a checkbook from his desk and wrote rapidly. ”There's money to meet your payroll. The exact amount. Take it to the bank. Then, I want you in this office every day at four-thirty with a complete report of what's gone on. Don't overlook a thing. And bring any bills with you that want paying, together with material orders and projected costs. Is that clear?”
”I understand, Lee.” At the door, Joshua Lake turned for a moment.
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