"They're saying we're dumping materials at below-market prices and disrupting the state's construction materials market. Hell, those were preferential rates to support the revival plan!"
"The worst part is, they've suspended all fund settlements. My cement trucks are still on the road burning fuel, but our cash flow has been cut off."
"I'm sorry, Leo, we have to terminate our partnership immediately. I have to call my fleet back, or we'll go bankrupt."
Next came Johnston, then Altoona.
The calls were all more or less the same.
Investigations, audits, crackdowns, and fines.
The bureaucratic machine in Harrisburg had been set in motion.
Leo gripped the now-hot telephone receiver, his expression unnervingly calm.
He was thinking.
He was replaying Ron Smith's hysterical rant from the phone call.
'Was that fear?'
'Yes, it was fear.'
'But was it only fear?'
"No."
Leo said to Roosevelt.
