"Yes, I can well imagine," Vern said.
"Just what do you mean?" Elyse asked.
"Oh, nothing," Vern said. "I meant, with a lovely wife such as you, what man would want to fool around?"
"Yes, yes, that's true," Elyse Reardon said, beaming.
Ellen and Reardon returned a few minutes later. Surprisingly, their clothing was not rumpled; they were completely presentable. Ellen hastily went to old man Wyatt.
"Come now, sir," Ellen said. "You're the only one of the charming gentlemen here I haven't had the pleasure of strolling with."
Wyatt, his eyes twinkling, extended his arm, but Alta Wyatt stepped in. "I'm sorry to be a wet blanket," she said. "But I'm afraid we've all had plenty to drink. Can't we eat? I mean, there's an important announcement to be made regarding certain contracts, right Vernon?"
"Yes, indeed. Do you mind, Mr. Wyatt?" Vern asked.
"No, I guess not," the white-haired gentleman said, smiling. "I'll take a rain check, Ellen."
"Yes indeed, sir," Ellen said, and the entire group went into the large dining room.
They dined on rare roast beef from the buffet, followed by Cherries Jubilee, and then there was cognac and coffee. Finally, it was old man Wyatt who tapped on his water glass with his spoon. He huddled briefly, conferring with Hendricks and Reardon in whispers, then stood up and cleared his throat.
"We're all aware tonight," he began, "that this occasion involves more than just socializing. This is a unique event, in that two new friends of mine had decided to make their decisions regarding possible alliances with Shipley Research Incorporated."
Old man Wyatt paused, surveying the group and smiling particularly at Ellen. "At the risk of bringing up an unpleasant subject, I must say that we had all hoped Miss Maria Reese would be here tonight, for Miss Reese has been a part of our socializing these past weeks."
Old man Wyatt scratched his balls, caught himself and coughed. "However, in the last analysis, Mr. Hendricks and Mr. Reardon, I'm sure, have reached their decisions independent of socializing. Yes, I'm sure their decisions are based solely on the merits of Shipley Research-that is, the job Shipley can do for their companies."
"While it is true that these gentlemen have confided in me that another research corporation has been actively soliciting their business-", Alta Wyatt poked her husband. "Get on with it, dear. We don't have all night!"
Everyone laughed except Vern. This was the first he had heard of another research firm.
"In short," Wyatt said hurriedly, "I believe Mr. Shipley's competitor has lost out, but that is up to Mr. Hendricks and Mr. Reardon to decide. Mr. Hendricks? Will you be the first to let Mr. Shipley know of your decision?"
Lloyd Hendricks started to stand, but his wife held him in place, frantically whispering in his ear.-likewise Reardon's wife, Elyse, was whispering instructions, like a second in a prizefighter's comer.
Finally, Lloyd Hendricks stood, cleared his throat and said, "I must admit that Maria Reese's absence came as a shock to all of us tonight-a severe shock. However, I wish to voice both my wife's and my own approval of the delightful Miss Ellen Lanning. My company is signing the final contract with you, Vern."
Hendricks quickly sat down then, and there was applause, particularly from the wives. Whoever said, 'It's who you know,' is right! Vern thought. It was spooky to think of how much influence Maria had wielded over these people. Thank God for Ellen!
"I would like to join in the decision of Mr. Hendricks of Overseas Air Hontes," Randolph (little prick) Reardon said firmly, glancing at his wife for approval. "Yes, Reardon Electronics is convinced that Shipley Research is the firm for the job of researcher and business consultant."
Vern then made the appropriate thank you speech. He felt far more relieved than any of them knew. When finally he sat down, he was trembling with excitement. With a flair, he kissed Ellen, and all present applauded.
Fifteen minutes later, the three couples were shaking hands with both Vern and Ellen preparatory to leaving. The goodbyes were lengthy, and Vern noticed that the women seemed to be treating Ellen as though she were a queen. This puzzled him, and when they were all alone, driving to Ellen's apartment, he asked: "Just, what the hell kind of spell did you cast over those biddies, anyway?"
Ellen then told him about Stan Kettering-that Stan had provided her with the file on everyone who had been present tonight
"Your partner is a very thorough man, Vern," she said. "When he researches a prospective client he even engages a private detective. Did you know that all three women there tonight have boyfriends they are currently seeing on the sly?"
Vern shook his head. "You mean-"
"Precisely," Ellen said. "I simply whispered the names of their boyfriends in their ears and told them to 'cooperate or else!'"
"Ellen, you are ruthless," Vern said. "Absolutely ruthless."
"I know but it seemed the only way to get those accounts for you-and-and get you for me."
"Ruthless and beautiful," Vern said. "I'll never know how to thank you." Vern kissed her cheek. "But you really didn't have to-to screw Hendricks and Reardon then, did you?"
Ellen ran her hand along the inside of Vern's leg, rippling her fingernails. She shrugged. "One never can be sure," she said. "I had to play it safe." She frowned. "How do you know I screwed them?"
"Because I was watching."
"Then you know I didn't really enjoy myself. I mean, Reardon didn't exactly make me climax, dear."
"True," Vern said. "We'll take care of that little matter at your place." Impulsively, Vern pulled the car to a screeching halt at the side of the road. "Damn it, Ellen," he said. "How would you like to be a full partner-my partner?"
"I thought you'd never ask." She was crying now. "Yes, Vern. Oh, yes! But-but don't you think you ought to make Stan Kettering a full partner in the business, too?"
"You're right," Vern said. "After tonight, he deserves it. Yes."