Flanking him were Jay and the chief financial officer. At first Ben had been intimidated by the lush Oriental carpet, the highly polished conference table, the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Chicago skyline. As the discussion proceeded, however, and it became clear his input was not only helpful but appreciated, he relaxed. He wanted this work not merely because he needed the money, but because others valued his expertise. It didn’t hurt, though, that he now knew the source of his office rent for the next few months. He studied the room, tailor-made for movers and shakers, knowing he, too, could’ve opted for this life. Recruiters had more than once laid down attractive alternatives to his one-man operation in Belleporte. Family considerations had put such opportunities beyond the realm of possibility, but he had to admit he thrived on the challenges Jay and John offered him. John closed his folder, took off his glasses and smiled. “Ben, we appreciate the good work you’ve done so far, but this is only the tip of the iceberg.
