“The board meeting is set for December fifteenth,” Frank said.

“We have to present the final executive oversight plan to the bank syndicate.”

“The twelve-million-dollar contract bid is fully backed,” I said.

“The contract’s fine,” Frank said, tapping the pen again.

“It’s the leadership clause that has the loan officers nervous.”

“Which leadership clause?” I asked.

“The standard term requiring the CEO to show full physical and mental capacity to run day-to-day field operations,” Frank said.

“I’ve run day-to-day field operations for thirty-four years,” I said.