Note: An earlier draft of this story appeared on this blog in 2022.
Leah is at the conference table in her office, listening as Tracey and Roscoe evaluate companies who’ve submitted proposals to work on the NSA contract. Tracey sits to Leah’s right, concentrating on a folder that lies open in front of her, with a pen bouncing up and down between the index and middle fingers of her left hand. Roscoe is across from Tracey, leaning back in his swivel chair, his feet on the base of the chair, applying alternating pressure which causes him to rock back and forth. The chair squeaks with each pass, which annoys Tracey, but does not break her concentration.
She looks up from the file. “Solid proposal. They’ve dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s.”
“I like them.” Roscoe grabs his water bottle and takes a drink. He holds the bottle on his lap rather than return it to the table. “They run the gamut of experience from old school programmers to young Turks up on the latest bells and whistles.”
Leah takes it all in. “If you’re both in agreement, let’s schedule them and see what they have in mind for the contract.”
Almost in unison, Tracey and Roscoe say, “Agreed.”
Tracey closes the file and sets it on top of a small stack of those who’ve merited further consideration. A much larger stack sits beside that, containing those who’ve been passed over. She rises and heads to her desk. “I’m getting some WD40 for that damn chair.”
Leah calls after her. “Thank you, Tracey.”
Roscoe leans on the table. “Hey, it’s my thinking chair.”
“Think quieter.” A company name in Tracey’s files to review catches Leah’s eye and she picks up the file. “Synergistic Dynamics. Sounds very familiar.”
Roscoe sits up. “Yeah. They’re the West Coast firm that relocated here after they went through some trouble a couple of years ago. The founder was accused of sexual discrimination and had to pay a large out of court settlement.”
“I remember hearing about that.” She opens and reads over the file. “Robb Dennison? He’s the principal?”
“I guess. Why? Do you know him?”
“We have a history, actually.”
Tracey returns and signals to Roscoe. “Up.”
He stands and she sprays several spots underneath the chair, moving it to see if she’s having the desired effect. She motions to Roscoe, and he sits. The chair is much quieter. She resumes her seat but keeps the spray can handy.
Leah slides the file over to her. “What’s the story here? Why are they on your short list?”
Tracey looks over the information. “They’ve submitted a very good proposal. Hard to beat the price with the experience they’re offering.”
“You know their history, right?”
“I’m aware of it. It could work to our advantage. They’ll be looking to polish their image and probably won’t haggle.”
“Have you taken a look?” Leah slides the file to Roscoe.
“I have and I agree they’re offering quite a lot for less than a company with their experience would normally charge. What exactly is your history with Dennison?”
“I cold cocked him at a conference once when he wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
Tracey shakes her head. “How long ago was this?”
“College for me. He was post-doc.”
“Any chance he would have forgotten?” Roscoe says.
“Not much. If we bring them in for an interview, could our history create any problems for us?”
“I don’t think so, as long as that’s not a factor in your decision,” Tracey says. “But it might be difficult to prove it isn’t.”
Leah considers it. “Then it’s a good thing I’m not making the decision.”
“I’m in favor of bringing them in,” Roscoe says. “They definitely have the know-how.”
“I agree,” Tracey says. “All things considered; they seem like a good fit. And they really need the business.”
“Schedule them but don’t mention the history between me and Robb.”
“No problem there,” Tracey says.
“This should be interesting,” Roscoe says.