Matthew's message was now unfolded on the display, complete, and as he wiped, the e-mail's subject caught his eye. He quickly scanned the screen for the gist of the message-and he froze.
His throat constricted and his mind slammed on the brakes, chucking him from his exhilarating joyride. He felt his insides rumble as if he were about to lose control of his system, not unlike the feeling, the lack of feeling, that he had experienced as Martha's hand let go of his when she had slipped away.
He forced his hands to be still on the desk and read the message from the beginning.
- - - - - - - - - -
TO: wharrell@icp.com
FROM: mlocke@wallaby.com
SUBJECT: REVISED PLAN
William, I'll get right to the point: Yesterday's introduction of the Joey II was phenomenal.
Therefore, Wallaby and ICP will maintain a strategic alliance relationship, as we disclosed to the press: Wallaby will work with ICP to develop powerful Joey products which are compatible with ICP systems.
We will not go through with our private original plan of merging the two companies into one.
I am satisfied with my role at Wallaby as chairman, president, and CEO, and I look forward to our two companies working together.
—Matthew