Soon journalists and other members of the public filled in the rest of the seats, while government officials took their places at the table. Lawyers, accountants, secretaries, an auditor, a stenographer, and representatives from both the army and the navy added up to twenty people. This was precisely the sort of government bloat Gray resented.

Clyde and old Jedediah Magruder took a seat at the end of the table. Clyde carried only a slim folder, and they hadn’t brought a lawyer. They were obviously confident of their position.

Finally, the officer in charge of army procurement arrived to start the meeting. Major Gilligan had a scowl on his face and a brusque demeanor as he took a seat at the head of the table and flipped open his file.

“Let’s get started, gentlemen. What are we buying today? Let’s see, baked beans and Magruder chipped beef.” His face was instantly transformed. “I love Magruder’s creamed chipped beef! To this day, one of my favorite meals. When I was growing up in a dirt-poor mill town, Magruder’s creamed chipped beef was the best thing I’d ever tasted. We only got it on Friday as a special treat. Well done, sir!”

Jedidiah Magruder pushed himself to his feet and took a little bow. Clyde looked at Gray and smirked.

“To continue,” Major Gilligan said, settling back into business, “a draft of the contract for the beef and canned beans has already been distributed. Prices agreed on. Why are we even here?”

“The public has a right to be informed and respond with any concerns,” one of the lawyers said. Paper copies of the contract were distributed by a junior officer, and Gray snatched two, handing one to Roy and skimming the other quickly.

“Gentlemen?” Major Gilligan asked after a few minutes. “Any comments for the good of the nation and mankind?”

“We’ve reviewed the contract and had it approved by the accountants,” the lawyer for the army said. “We are prepared to proceed.”

“Anyone else?” the major asked. Silence lengthened as no one around the table had anything to add.

This was it, his chance to insist on a list of ingredients. Gray raised his hand, and the major acknowledged him and gestured him forward. Gray introduced himself, and the government stenographer captured every word.

“I’d like for the contract to require that all canned foods purchased by the army contain a complete list of ingredients on the label.”

Instead of outrage from the Magruders, Clyde appeared to be enjoying himself. “Already done. Paragraph two, line three of the addendum.”

Gray flipped to the appropriate page. It was the same draft Caroline had supplied to him five days ago, but he still pretended surprise. He assumed a properly abashed stance and gave a brief nod. “Excellent.”

He sat, and Maude Larkin stood.

“I’ve got something to say,” she announced.