“That’s quite possible, sir.”
Dismissing Doyle with a curt nod, Mr. Clewes drew Flash aside. For a half hour they talked together, discussing salary and matters of general routine. The district manager then insisted upon placing a long distance telephone call to Riley of the Brandale Ledger.
He stepped from the booth, smiling broadly.
“Everything has been arranged. Mr. Riley says you may work for us, providing we don’t try to steal you away from him at the end of the month.”
“I aim to go back to Brandale when my vacation is over,” Flash insisted. “My home is there.”
Mr. Clewes gazed about the lobby in search of Doyle. The technician had slumped down in a chair in front of the fireplace. He came over as the district manager motioned to him.
“Doyle, meet your new partner. You two will continue to work together.”
The technician’s face twisted into a strained smile.
“Glad Mr. Clewes was able to persuade you when I couldn’t,” he said to Flash. “We’ll get along fine.”
The district manager glanced at his watch. “I have fifteen minutes to catch my plane,” he declared hurriedly.