فصل 7

chapter-7 the first meeting

Coonradt’s breakthrough in magnetism didn’t cure cancer or win a Nobel Prize, even though he was nominated for one. It did make the Elgen Corporation hundreds of millions of dollars.

During the apex of their growth, the Elgen’s CEO, a man named Briton Hill, died unexpectedly, and the board immediately set to work searching for a new leader. They ended up hiring away the CEO of an upstart pharmaceutical company, an ambitious young MIT graduate named Charles James Hatch.

Eight months previous to the change in leadership, Welch’s boss, Patrick, had retired and Welch became the acting head of Elgen security.

Welch never forgot the first day he met Hatch. He was called into the new Elgen CEO’s office for an introduction.

“Come in. Sit down,” Hatch said forcefully.

Welch sat down uncomfortably in one of the two leather chairs in front of the CEO’s desk.

“So you’re our head of security,” Hatch said, staring at him intensely.

“Yes, sir.”

“Do we need security?”

“Yes, sir.”

Hatch smiled. “I would expect you to say that. In fact, I would have been disappointed if you’d answered to the contrary.” “Yes, sir.”

“Would you like a drink?”

“No, sir. I don’t drink.”

“We’ll fix that,” Hatch said.

He stood and walked over to a decanter filled with an amber liquid and poured himself a glass. Then another. “And why is it that we need security? Industrial espionage?” “Yes, sir.”

“How long have you been here?”

“Seven years, sir.”

“And during that time, Mr. Welch, have you stopped anyone from stealing our patents?” “I don’t know, sir. Deterrence can’t always be measured.” “Good answer,” Hatch said, smiling. “Good answer.” He stood in front of Welch and stared at him for nearly a minute without speaking. Welch had never met anyone like Hatch before. He was already starting to dislike his new boss.

“David L. Welch. You’ve had a rocky childhood, in and out of foster homes, bad friends, delinquency and crime. Still, you somehow turned your life around and went to college to study criminal science. I can see why. We often become what we hate in order to take away our fear of it.” He took a drink. “But then you dropped out to work here. Good career move?” “I thought so at the time,” Welch said.

“And you don’t now?”

“That depends.”

“On what?”

“On whether or not you’re going to fire me.” Hatch looked at him for a moment, then laughed. “I’m not going to fire you. There’d be a mutiny. You’re beloved here—practically an icon. And yes, of course, Elgen Inc. needs security. And, as we grow, that need will grow. And you, Mr. Welch, your salary and your future will grow with it.” He leaned forward and looked intently into Welch’s eyes. “If you are loyal.” He held out the second drink. “Now drink with me, sir.” Welch just looked at the glass.

“It’s not polite to turn down a gesture of friendship. That wouldn’t be loyal, would it?” Welch took the glass.

“To your future with the Elgen,” Hatch said. “I’ve a feeling it’s going to be a wild ride.” “To the future,” Welch said. He lifted the glass, paused, then took a drink. The ride had begun.