Mountains of Dawn

"Jeff, I want to be one hundred per cent sure the proposals for the installation of the Compact Disk Lab are right, that we've included everything," Kevin Matwin said. He glanced around the Surf and Turf Restaurant in downtown Toronto as if anxious he might be overheard. Preoccupied, he drummed his fingers on the table while they waited for their lunch to be served.

"But of course," Jeff replied. "So do I." He took a sip of his white wine.

"We have to be certain we've included everything we need, and only what we need. No splurging. The cost is prohibitive enough for even the most minimum of our needs."

"As I said, but of course." Jeff sounded slightly annoyed. "Maybe we should consider contracting out the reproduction of the CDs. At the beginning, I mean. It'd be more expensive per item, that's true, but we wouldn't have to come up with all the money in one shot." He looked at Kevin, weighing the effect of his words. "Besides, we could get a feel for the market, see if there is any interest out there for your collections in this new format."

Kevin shook his head. "No, even though what you say makes perfect sense, I'd still like to have everything done in-house. I need to have full control on the quality of the production."

"Again, of course. But remember-any equipment we purchased in the past was a minor investment. This one is major, and I still choke when I think of it-one million dollars." Jeff buttered a small, warm roll and bit into it. He smiled as the waitress came to their table with a tray filled with plates.

The waitress placed a lobster tail swimming in melted butter before each of them, then added a chafing dish of brandy, warmed by a candle underneath. Baked potatoes with sour cream and chives and a garden salad completed their meals.

"Fantastic," Kevin said, taking a forkful of lobster and dipping it in the warm brandy. "The brandy's at the perfect temperature to bring out the best flavor in the lobster." The two men ate in silence for a few moments, savoring their meal.

Kevin patted his mouth with his napkin and sipped ice water from a tall crystal goblet. "Tell me about this new lawyer, Jeff. Leslie Hadson. Is he reliable?"

"Yes. He's a corporate lawyer, recommended by the director of The Peoples' Helping Hand. Ron, an old friend of mine, knows him very well." Jeff paused to eat some of his potato and a forkful of salad. "He's a fox, the best legal adviser we could have. He got us a real sweet deal." Jeff grinned, then turned his attention to his lobster.