“What do you mean by ‘important’?”
“A hot software start-up, backed by Marshall Brennan, and a new subsidiary of Strategic Services.”
II blinked. “Marshall Brennan and Mike Freeman, of Strategic Services, are both members of this club.”
“That’s what I meant by important,” Bobby said. His father did not impress easily, and he was enjoying the moment. “I think this software firm is something you should keep an eye on,” he said. “They’ll eventually have an IPO, and it could be a big one.”
II withdrew an alligator-clad jotter from his pocket and uncapped his fountain pen. “Herbert Fisher, you say?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And the name of the software company?”
“High Cotton Ideas.”
II displayed a small smile. “I like the name.”
“The great thing about working for Herb,” Bobby said, “is that instead of learning to be an associate, I’ll be learning to be an attorney, and Herb has a broad idea of what that means.” He told him about the experience of watching his boss get High Cotton organized.
II regarded his son with an expression of wonder. “I rather thought that you’d be laboring in the law library and logging sixty billable hours a week for five or six years.”
“As I said earlier, I got a break.”
“I would like to meet Herbert Fisher,” II said. “Can you arrange that?”
Bobby glanced at his watch. “I rather thought you would like to meet him. He’ll be joining us for a drink about…” Bobby looked up to see a retainer showing Herb Fisher into the room. “Now.”
II swiveled his head to take in the door. “My goodness,” he said, rising to greet his unexpected guest.
Bobby made the introduction, and they sat down again.
The retainer hovered.
“Knob Creek on ice,” Herbie said to the man, “if you please.”
“That’s what I’m drinking,” II said to Herbie.
“It’s the patriotic thing to do,” Herbie replied, echoing what Stone had once said to him. “A fine American whiskey.”
“My son has been telling me of your exploits at Woodman and Weld,” II said.
“‘Exploits’ is a colorful word to describe such a short career,” Herbie said.
“There’s nothing wrong with a young man’s being in a hurry, Mr. Fisher,” II said, “as long as he doesn’t take too many shortcuts along the way.”
Herbie smiled. “Choosing one’s shortcuts carefully is always a good idea. I wouldn’t like to get caught off base.”
“That’s a good way of putting it,” Bentley said. “I know it’s short notice, but do you think you could join Bobby and me for dinner here?”
“Thank you, sir, I’d like that.”
Bobby excused himself and went to the men’s room.
“Your son is a very bright young man,” Herbie said. “He doesn’t have to be told twice what to do. I think he’s going to do very well.”
“It pleases me to hear you say that, Mr. Fisher. I worried when he decided to go into the law. I suppose I had some hopes of his joining the family firm.”
“What is the family firm?” Herbie asked.