Free Full Circle by Davis Bunn Page A

new project with proven reserves of fifty million metric tons of copper ore, valued at four hundred billion dollars.”
    Joshua bent over the computer. “So we could invest in Newland. They’re a sound company with solid footing in the Congo.”
    â€œNewland’s stock is up sixty percent in the past three weeks.”
    Joshua typed, studied the screen, then glanced at Peter. The chairman said, “So we were late on Newland. Why this German firm?”
    â€œTo reopen the diamond mines and keep this new cop-per mine viable, there has to be stability. The UN has agreed to keep peacekeepers in the country for another four years. One of their stated aims is to supply protection directly to the builders of new infrastructure, especially roads to the outlying regions.”
    Joshua demanded, “How do you know Herrstadt is going to build them?”
    â€œBecause,” Adam replied, “Herrstadt is the only company invited to bid.”
    Joshua said to the chairman, “How could he possibly know this unless they are granting him insider access?”
    â€œNobody has granted me anything,” Adam retorted. “And who is ‘they’?”
    Peter asked in return, “Would you please explain to Joshua how you obtained this decidedly confidential information?”
    â€œIt was announced weeks ago. The financial press dis-counted it because of Herrstadt’s pullout from Iraq. The chair-man has since said their pullout was part of the ransom demand to free their two kidnapped executives.”
    â€œOr so you say.”
    â€œIf you scroll down, you’ll find it all in the company’s latest quarterly update.” Adam watched Joshua bend back over the keyboard, and added, “There’s something else. Even facing this drastic loss and the slide in both stock price and earnings, they have not fired a single employee. Which strongly suggests they have a backup plan.”
    Peter asked, “How much do our foes have invested in companies relying on third-world projects?”
    Joshua remained focused upon the computer screen.
    â€œNothing. Isn’t that the correct sum, Joshua? Nothing whatsoever?”
    Adam asked again, “Who do you think I’m spying for?”
    Peter said, “Would the both of you be so good as to give us a moment alone?”

    Adam followed Kayla from her father’s office. He did not need an analyst’s brain to see the facts branded in the air before his eyes. The company was in dire peril, and even if it managed to survive a bit longer, Joshua Dobbins wanted him gone. Kayla was leaving, her own dreams in tatters. His pocket was full of money he had not earned, he was dressed in clothes for a job he might not have tomorrow, and his heart was wrenched by the thought of losing a woman he had known for one day. “Let’s go for a walk.”
    He did not speak again until they were outside the front doors and Kayla was shivering in a wind he could not be bothered to feel. Adam took off his jacket and draped it around her shoulders. “I know you’ve got a world full of reasons not to trust me, and if you refuse I won’t try again. But like I told you in town, I want to help. And the only way I can do that is if you tell me what’s going on.”
    To her credit, Kayla neither hesitated nor asked what he was talking about. “Before he started this company, Daddy worked for a company called Madden and Van Pater—”
    â€œSure. They’re known as mvp.” Adam made no attempt to hide how impressed he was. “You see their ads everywhere. mvp, the most valuable player on your financial team.”
    Kayla went on, “When Daddy left, he took some of their clients. They’ve been gunning for him ever since. Daddy is convinced they’re behind this latest crisis.” She swept the hair out of her face. “He was arguing with Joshua this morning, saying they needed to hire a