Read Online The Snow Falcon by Stuart Harrison - Free Book Online

old man gestured that they should stand by the window, and together they looked out on the vehicles arranged in lines on the lot below. This had about it a little of the feeling of a king surveying his domain, and Michael guessed that Wilson spent a fair bit of time standing right at this spot. At that moment, the salesman who’d approached Michael earlier appeared outside and went over to a young guy who’d wandered in off the street. The salesman just appeared at his side, scuttling like a crab, and from where he and Wilson were standing, Michael could see the smile that automatically arrived on his face. Michael saw the salesman glance up, and for a brief instance their eyes met, then the salesman was casually touching the customer’s elbow, starting to guide the guy further onto the lot, gesturing toward a line of Ford trucks.
    Wilson nodded toward the lot. “That fellow there has worked for me for five years now. He’s a good man. He wanted to apply for this job you’ve come about, but I told him he wasn’t right for it. The truth is, I’m looking for somebody with some fresh ideas, and that puts most people around here out of the running.” The old man turned, and for a second their eyes met. “I believe in cutting through the b.s.,” Wilson said briskly. “I rely on my instincts when it comes to business; the same applies to people. So, you’re from Toronto, eh?”
    “It’s where I’ve lived most of my adult life.”
    “What kind of work did you do there?”
     
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    “I was in advertising.” He held up his resume. “It’s all in here.”
    He’d put it together using the computer in the library at St. Helen’s. After a lot of thought, he’d decided to end his career record at a point six years earlier without giving any explanation as to what he’d been doing since then. It was something he’d thought was best handled face to face, when at least he could explain.
    Wilson made a dismissive gesture. “We can get to the paperwork later. I like to hear what a man has to say about himself first. The way somebody talks tells me a whole lot more than some fancy resume ever will. So, what brings you to a place like Little River?”
    It was a question Michael had expected, but for the moment he sidestepped it. He wanted a chance to explain what he thought he could offer before he got into that. “A lot of things, I guess. But you could say I needed a change of scenery.”
    “It’d be that, all right,” Wilson said. “And what makes you want to apply for a job like the one I’m offering? I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s an important position for us. We never had a promotions manager here before, but somehow I doubt this is the kind of thing you’re used to.”
    “Advertising is what I know about, Mr. Wilson, and everything that goes along with it. I understand that Little River is a different environment from the one I’m used to, but I knew that when I decided to come here.”
    Wilson nodded as if he understood. “I guess I can relate to that. Any man who decides the city doesn’t have everything this life has to offer has got my vote.” He looked out the window toward the mountains. “I’ve lived here all my life, and I’m seventy-four years old now. I’ve done a bit of traveling in my time, and I never found a place that offered anything better than what I’ve got here. Of course, I’m fortunate. My dad started this business, so I’ve always had something to work on, something I knew would be mine one day, which it was when he retired. I’ve done all right here, and I’m thankful for it.” He paused a moment, then added, “You married, Mike? Can I call you Mike?”
    “Sure. I was married, I’m not now.”
    Wilson frowned and looked thoughtful. “That’s a shame. I’ve been married for nearly forty years now myself. All of them to the same woman, too,” he added, and laughed briefly. “It’s a great thing, marriage. A family is important,