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112 SNAKES IN SUITS
to switch to his company. Ron had a carefree lifestyle, enjoying many
perks at work such as a company-leased luxury car (significantly
above the standard allowed for a field salesperson at his level) and an
expense account for entertaining clients. Everyone seemed to look
the other way when Ron’s expense reports came in for processing.
Occasionally, the liquor bills, visits to gentlemen’s clubs, and other
obviously out-of-the-ordinary things were questioned, but with his
boss’s signature on the reports, there was little the accounting department
could do, other than roll their eyes and joke about how the
West Coast handled business dealings. The few times Ron’s boss Joe,
the regional sales manager, pushed back, Ron simply talked his way
around it, promising a big sale down the road. Ron was very persuasive
and knew how to play Joe very well.
Joe arrived shortly, a bit out of breath, and found Ron perusing
the menu.
“Hey, Ron, you’re looking great—sorry I’m late. Traffic, as
usual,” said Joe, extending his hand.
“Joe, good to see you,” responded Ron, rising up briefly to offer
Joe a firm handshake. “There’s a New York strip special today; hope
you’re hungry.”
“More thirsty than hungry,” he started to say, just as the server
returned with the drinks. Ron indicated which drink was Joe’s and
waved the server off.
“To another great month,” Ron said loudly, raising his glass.
They both sipped their drinks and got down to business. Ron pulled
out his latest call report and handed it to Joe. Despite the lack of sales
for this month, Ron had made a significant effort “beating the
bushes,” meeting almost daily with potentially large clients. Without
looking, Joe took the report. “And here’s my expense report,” said
Ron, handing it to him with a pen on top. Joe pretended to read it,
merely glancing actually, as he signed the report. “Thanks, Joe,” said
Ron, reaching under the table for the bag and sliding it across the
floor toward Joe.
Ron waved to the server, indicating that they needed two more