“I’m sorry, too, because I have a pretty good notion that we’re just wasting each other’s time. You’re a busy guy, I’m a busy guy, we don’t either of us have time to sit here jerking each other off. I know Stevie’s got it in his head that we’re a leaky boat and taking on water. That’s not how it is. Fact is, it’s the nature of the business that it has a lot of ups and downs. Stevie’s still too green to understand. I built this company, I know what happens in every office and every construction yard in twenty-four countries. To me, it’s a real question whether we need a security consultant in the first place. And the one thing I have heard about you is that your services don’t come cheap. I’m a great believer in corporate frugality. Zero-based budgeting is gospel as far as I’m concerned. Try to follow me here—every penny we spend has to justify itself. If it doesn’t add value, it’s not happening. That’s one corporate secret I don’t mind letting you in on.” Harnett leaned back, like a pasha waiting for a servant to pour him tea. “But feel free to change my mind, OK? I’ve said my piece. Now I’m happy to listen.”

Janson smiled wanly. He would have to apologize to Steven Burt—Janson doubted whether anyone well disposed toward him had called him “Stevie” in his life—but clearly wires had got crossed here. Janson accepted few of the offers he received, and he certainly did not need this one. He would extricate himself as swiftly as he could. “I really don’t know what to say, Mr. Harnett. It sounds from your end like you’ve got everything under control.”

Harnett nodded without smiling, acknowledging an observation of the self-evident. “I run a tight ship, Mr. Janson,” he said with smug condescension. “Our worldwide operations are damn well protected, always have been, and we’ve never had a problem. Never had a leak, a defection, not even any serious theft. And I think I’m in the best position to know whereof I speak—can we agree on that?”

“A CEO who doesn’t know what’s going on in his own company isn’t really running the show, is he?” Janson replied equably.

“Exactly,” Harnett said. “Exactly.” His gaze settled on the intercom of his telephone console. “Look, you come highly recommended—I mean, Stevie couldn’t have spoken of you more highly, and I’m sure you’re quite good at what you do. Appreciate that you came by to see us, and as I say, I’m only sorry we wasted your time … .”