Page 207 - harryDEC12_clean.iba

“After the good job you’ve done for the CARGO RE-INSURANCE contract, maybe I’ve got a new job here,”
Howie says, and goes to his desk, sits down and searches through a heap of papers. The phone ring and he takes the speaker and says nonchalantly
“Keller speaking ...”
A second later he stands up as though stung by a tarantula, springs to attention with the phone speaker firmly pressed to his ear, and answers with a different tone,
“Yes, sir, Howie Keller, head of marine AIU, what can I do for you, sir?”
His face has taken on a tortured expression suffused with respect. The dialogue continues-
"Yes, sir, with great pleasure it will be an honor ... may I bring our London reinsurance brokers, sir? ...They are from Cayzer Steel Bowater in London ... Thank you, sir ... ... 18.00 hours in boardroom five ... okay, sir ... we will be there".
"That was Maurice Greenberg, the president! We are invited for a reception for the marine department - he will be there!"
Howie announces with a proudly swollen chest.
++++End notes++++
Never before in my life had I seen such a manifestation of sycophancy. The man stood up, at the phone, mind you. I needed a long time to digest that. The reception arranged for 6 p.m. has pushed everything else into the background. At lunch Howie states how rarely they got to see the president of the company personally, and what an honor it was for us to be allowed to participate in the reception.
The day passed quickly. We went to the hotel and got dressed in a manner befitting the occasion. John and I in dark blue suits with mono color silk ties in pink and light blue. John took a breast pocket handkerchief and combed his thin blonde hair, adding hair tonic-as usual, say, not even in the face of death, would he miss out on that.
oOo
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