Heywood sighed. “Certainly, Murphy; I rely, as always, on your recommendation in these cases.”
“Thank you....” They talked then of nothing that interested Mr Heywood. Finally Murphy left.
Mr Heywood yawned and stretched. He was rested and almost happy. He would make good decisions today. He sat back in his chair and looked at the photograph of himself. He would divorce his wife and go to South America for a year. Or perhaps he wouldn’t divorce his wife but take her to South America instead. It was strange but he looked younger now than he did when the photograph was taken several years before.
When Kuppelton heard the news his first impulse was to call his mother immediately on the phone and tell her all about it. He decided not to, though, because, after all, it wasn’t completely official. He did talk to Holton about it.
“Congratulations,” he said as he came over to Holton’s desk. Mr Murphy had already gone to lunch and it was safe to talk.
“Thanks,” said Holton, smiling. He didn’t seem as happy as Kuppelton expected him to be.
“Caroline just told me that Mr Murphy told you you were going to be a customers’ man and I’m certainly glad to see you’re getting ahead. I always thought that this job would be too small to hold you.” He paused. “When do you think you’ll move out?” he asked, looking away.
“The first of next week probably.” Holton chuckled. “I guess you’ll be sorry to see me leave.”
Kuppelton recognized the sarcasm but he didn’t care. “Sure I’m sorry. Of course, it’s good news, in a way, for me.”