Consequences(193)

Trying desperately to ignore the onset of another headache, she anticipated problems. What if John said something? What about the job topic? What if Emily pursued her earlier concerns? Her mind raced through these situations and more. She contemplated possible solutions. It didn’t always work, but having contingency plans made Claire feel better.

They were an hour out of Newburgh when Tony broke the silence. “Claire, please stop.”

Shocked, she turned to him, “Stop what? I’m reading.”

“No, you’re not. You’re sighing, fidgeting, and stressing about things over which you have no control.”

“I’m sorry. I just want this afternoon to go well.”

“Are you planning to do or say something wrong?”

“No! Of course not.”

“Let me tell you about this current project.”

She really wasn’t interested, but he rarely offered to share. She closed her book. “All right.”

“These are perspectives on a company. Actually, a family owned business in Pennsylvania. At one time it employed over seventy-five people. Today it employs forty-six. I don’t care about this company or the employees, but I am significantly invested in their major competitor.”

Clare definitely didn’t see the connection to their lunch, but she nodded and replied, “Okay.”

“When founded, the original president made wonderful decisions. In the past five years, the reins passed, and the decisions have been less fortuitous. The chairman is now seeking to sell the company, recognizing the economic climate. They need money to continue; banks aren’t lending money. If he doesn’t sell, the doors will probably close in the next two years.” Still lost, she maintained eye contact and nodded. He went on. “I’m considering a very low-ball offer. The benefit to me is to reduce the competition. If my offer is accepted, the doors will close immediately. According to my accountants, the company in which I’m already invested is projected to increase sales by over 18 percent immediately upon the close of this company. This means I reap benefits. They project my venture in this company will be recouped in profits in less than two years. The long-term benefits are increasingly fiscally rewarding. What do you think the employees of the Pennsylvania Company are hoping will happen?”

“They either want their company to go on as it is—or to be sold to someone who’ll keep it running.”

Tony said, “Good, why?”

“So they’ll keep their jobs.”

“The people on the manufacturing floor, custodians, secretaries, and other auxiliary employees played no part in the decisions which now have direct consequences on their lives.”

“Yes, but they have families, debts, and responsibilities.” Claire thought about Tony’s daily decisions and their far-reaching impact. “And I’m sure they’re all worried.”

“Exactly, just as you’re worried about this afternoon. What can the people in that plant do to help their situation?”

Claire thought about it. “Nothing—it isn’t in their hands.” The reality made her sad. Not for her—her situation suddenly seemed trivial, but for those forty-six people.

“Correct again. You’ve done all you can do.” He was now talking about this afternoon. “You’ve done much more than I ever imagined. Continue to behave as you have. If Emily or John do or say anything, it’s their doing, not yours.”

She thought about John’s words in the past and how she’d experienced consequences, just like those people were about to receive. Tony started to read again, but Claire had questions, “Tony?” He looked at her and raised his eyebrows. “Sorry, but I have some questions.”