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The salesmen are always very interestedin the work you're doing for them and what you have to say."
"So long," I answer. "I'll see you around."
We both laugh, because we each know what the other wants and where the fears and sore spots are. Kagle knows I want to keep my job and be allowed to make a speech at the next company convention. (God dammit — it would be an honor and an act of recognition, even if it is only three minutes, and I've earned it and I want it, and that's all!) And I know that Kagle wants my help in defending himself against Green (and Brown) (and Black) (and White) (and Arthur Baron, as well).
"You'll let me know if you do hear anything, won't you?" he asks, as we walk to the door.
"Of course I will," I assure him.
"But don't ask questions," he cautions with a dark, moody snicker. "You might give them the idea."
We laugh.
And we are both still chuckling when Kagle opens the door of his office and we find my secretary outside talking to his secretary.
"Oh, Mr. Slocum," she sings out cheerily, because that is her way, and I wish I were rid of her. "Mr. Baron wants to see you right away."
Kagle pulls me to the side. "What does he want?" he asks with alarm.
"How should I know?"
"Go see him."
"What did you think I was going to do?"
"And come and tell me if he says anything about getting rid of me."
"Sure."
"You will, won't you?"
"Of course I will. For Christ sakes, Andy, can't you trust me?"
"Where are you going?" Green wants to know, as I pass him in the corridor on my way to Arthur Baron's office.
"Arthur Baron wants to see me."
Green skids to a stop with a horrified glare; and it's all I can do not to laugh in his face.
"What does he want with you?" Green wants to know.
"I haven't any idea."
"You'd better go see him."
"I thought of doing that."
"Don't be so God-damned sarcastic," Green snaps back at me angrily, and I lower my eyes, abashed and humbled by his vehemence. "I'm not even sure I trust you, either."
"I'm sorry, Jack," I mumble. "I didn't intend that to sound rude."
"You come see me as soon as you've finished talking to him," he orders. "I want to know what he says. I want to know if I'm being fired or not."
"What was Kagle talking to you about?" Brown asks when I bump into him.
"He wanted to know what you were up to while he was away in Denver.
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