Contingent Liability - Kevin Miller (novels to read TXT) 📗

I have a family treasure for you. My katana was forged five hundred years ago by one of the first masters. In fact, come over tomorrow after work.

Clarissa: Oh mom! That’s great. I’ll be there directly after work – maybe I should pick up dinner – that place dad used to love. Thanks mom, I needed a friendly voice. Oh, so they want to know if I am going to be a team player – I don’t think I can.

Mother: Clarissa honey, do you know how your father survived in that company for 35 years? It wasn’t just that his blade and wits were sharp, he knew how to play the game. You tell them yes, go along with them for now – pick your moment to strike. When you are weak, join them. When you become strong, attack them. Bend like the reed, but be as sharp as steel.

Clarissa: But mom, what if they ask me to do something evil, like fire an employee?

Mother: They will. They will test your resolve. If you must fire someone, fire someone who deserves it. That means you need to know your employees very well. Love them, but stay cautious.

Clarissa: OK, mom. That sounds hard, but I will do my best and I will see you tomorrow.

Clarissa hung up the phone and picked up Suki. She pet her cat and then decided she needed to go practice her moves in order to be ready for tomorrow.

She sharpened her Katana and Stars, using a new whetstone she had imported from Japan. The waves in her blade had the perfect cloudy pattern as she worked it gently on the stone. Clarissa then dried and oiled her blade, maintaining the glow and protecting from rust or imperfection.

The second bedroom in Clarissa’s apartment was her practice room. Hanging from the ceiling was a series of tatami mats, each at different heights for cutting heads, hearts, or hands. She dimmed the lights to add challenge to her exercise and took a swipe at the nearest mat. Whishh!  She cut it clean in half. 20 mats later and she needed a rest – and to resharpen and polish her sword for the next day.

Imprint

Text: Kevin E. Miller
Publication Date: 04-22-2013

All Rights Reserved

Dedication:
To my sister Melissa, who is the REAL Ninja Accountant. And to my Dad, the Master Ninja Accountant.