Jack’s flying out tonight. He wants to talk to you, Bob said.

What about?

Things. Here at the plant. He’s heard rumors. People talking.

About? Tom asked.

Just talk. He wants to put a stop to it. These things he’s hearing. So and so said this and so and so said that. One guy stabs another in the back, and a whole house falls down, Bob told him.

Do you believe in redemption? That a man can redeem himself.  Make up for his faults. Mistakes.

That’s not for me to say.

What? Is Jack an mighty god? Is he coming here to save my soul or cast me to hell? Tom lit a cigarette. Took a drink of whiskey.

Rumors. Give me a break. Bunch of hens talking. Men not being men.

That may be.

Including Jack.

He built this company.

Yeah. And he’ll destroy it too.

You think so? You’re so sure of that.

Yes. What am I under a microscope?

We all are. This is business.