Contracts Delayed

“What did they say, Josef?” Larbonne asked when Ranell returned to GML headquarters.

Leaning forward with one elbow on the table, Ranell reached up and ran his fingers through his tangled gray locks. “It’s not good, Dominique.”

“Unlimited funding!” Anderson blew his breath, making a noise that sounded rude. “What did I tell you? They’re breaking the contract, right?”

“You told us that government contracts were a win-win, Mitch!” Larbonne pointed an accusing finger. “Why don’t you cut Josef some slack? He’s doing the best he can.”

“I also told you that with the Gold Standard Restoration Act, we would experience a hard fight, Dominique.” Anderson’s counterattack was right on cue. “You’re the one who said that this administration wouldn’t stick with it.”

“I cannot help it if your foolish president insists on remaining ignorant of economic reality!”

Ranell had heard it all before. He was tired. “Stop it, stop it. The election is over. Just drop it.” He rolled his neck, trying to work some of the kinks out. “They didn’t cancel our contracts; they’ve just been delayed.