Peter looked up, and for the first time since the boardroom showdown, their eyes met. His face bore no surprise, no expression whatsoever.
To Matthew's astonishment, William led him right up to the booth that Peter occupied. The older man rose and seated himself on the other side of the table.
"Matthew, sit down please," William said, indicating the vacant seat beside Byron.
Matthew looked at Peter uneasily, but Peter said nothing, he just sat there quietly and watched Matthew.
Adding yet another element to Matthew's confusion, Hank Towers materialized and joined the surprise party. Positively astonished, Matthew turned to William for an explanation. "What's going on? What the hell is the meaning of all this?"
"I'll get right to the point," William said. "Matthew, the Wallaby board and the executive staff decided to vote on whether you are suited to maintain your position at Wallaby."
Matthew struggled to keep his voice down. "What? This is absurd.
How could you do this?"
"Matthew, I did it," Hank said.
Matthew stared at Hank with disbelieving eyes.
"I initiated the vote," Hank said, "after several of the executives and board members came to me with their concerns."