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“My behavior doesn’t need ‘correcting,’ and even if it did, you’d be the last person I’d go to for that”

I’d intended the cohter than it had, but the scandalized expression on Sam’s face made it clear he’d taken it very seriously

“Alith an attitude,” he said “Maybe if you—”

“That’s enough,” growled Dad, stopping Saot for me”

I crossedone last look at Sam that made it clear I’d noticed he was the one who’d been silenced

“All’s going about as well as we can hope,” I said “The top brass told the executives in a h the rest of the company”

“Good Any objections?”

Again I thought of Cassidy MacLand had toldtheBut I was certain she, and anyone else who had any s, would come around eventually

“Nothing worth noting They were surprised, but it’s not like anyone decided to storer over their shoulder as they left”

“One way to put it,” said Dad “And all’s ready for you to oversee the operation at the beginning of the new year?”

“Don’t see any reason why not Once the transition’s behind the our own dedicateddepartment Which will be a real benefit”

Dad nodded, letting me know he’d heard all he needed to know Then he turned his attention to Sam

“And how are things in Oregon? Expansion taking hold?”

Sam smiled, clearly pleased to report what he was about to say “Profits are already higher than anticipated It’s been hard work, but our foothold in the region looks poised to ions All under my watch, of course”

“Doesn’t hurt that you’re in the best logging region in the country, of course” I couldn’t help e, and it’d make money”

Sam shot me a hard look “Excuse you?”

I raiseda hell of a job over there”