Olmstead just smiled, running a hand through his patch of well-groomed hair and sitting back in the relaxed pose of the successful businessman. “You got that right. What we really need is someone to be smart and work with people, not against them. We’ll have a big crew on-site eventually, and they all have to use each other to get things done. Know your stuff, and take advantage of it. Frankly, I think you can do it, looking at your job experience and schooling. You’ve been in and out of the business for what, ten years? You know what makes a plant tick by now. You’ve worked with pumped storage development. And your references are good, with the exception of the EPC job.”

There was a sudden, uncomfortable silence. David cursed silently. Of course he knew it would come up, had to, but still he hadn’t been prepared to face it so soon.

“I’m not going to lie to you. Your boss at EPC had some pretty loud ideas about how you handled yourself there.”

“Look, I can explain all that.” David paused, and found Olmstead had leaned forward again, studying him closely, waiting. He didn’t look away. “The guy was a prick.”

Olmstead raised one eyebrow in an almost comical expression of surprise, then laughed. “I admire your courage. I spoke with your supervisor myself, and frankly, I’d agree with you. Now I hope I’m reading this right. You had a difference of opinion, got tired of waiting around for real opportunity and decided to go out and get it.”

David nodded. “That’s about right.”

“Again, I admire your courage. Not exactly what I would have done, not with the economy the way it is, but I understand. I think that shows some initiative that could be put to use. Of course, I’m not the only one that makes the decision.”

David forced a smile. “I hope you’ll put in a good word for me. I really want this job. I know what it takes. I worked in Alaska on my first project, so I’ve had experience with the cold. As far as Hydro goes, this has always been the place I’ve wanted to be.” I just got three million interviews in other places for kicks. “And working in Canada might be just the thing for my family life.”

“Could be. And the scenery’s beautiful, believe me. I went up there to check the spot out before we started construction last summer. Thick pine forests and lots of wildlife. There’s a hell of a lot of logging going on too, but you’d never know it in most places. And the water coming off the peaks is just about the most pure thing you’ve ever tasted.”

“Sounds great.” Of course, he would be spending the winters there too. Not saying much about those, are you?