" Oh, Mike, don't be silly. You and I both know it takes a lot of money to begin an operation like the road job. It's going to take a lot of cash to k...ep your timber business going, and just look at how many men you have working there now. I'm sure your bill with Benson is enough to choke over the way he's working on all of those men with bad credentials. Take the money, Mike, use it, make people happy."I have really had to argue with my conscience sometimes, and this was one of those times.. But before we could really discuss that possibility, the food came and we both forgot about it and I hate to say it but I didn't even think about him joining us as absolutes until I started writing this down just now.Back to Monday, soon we were paying the bill and walking back to his office. I gave him a goodbye kiss before I had to get back to my office to meet the Kensingtons. Before lunch, we had all agreed to meet back at my office parking lot and I would drive them to the other properties. ’ I rose from that bench, mind far clearer, and at the same time somehow muddier, and walked back home. ============================= My cell phone rang, pulling me from the warmth of my dreams. Who in the name of Godzilla’s twelve story cock would be calling at–I forced an eyelid open to discern the time: 3:45. I cleared my throat. ‘Hello?’ I rasped out. ‘Toby?’ ‘Why was there music coming out of my phone?’ My sleep-addled brain wondered. ‘Yeah?’ Answers were going to be mono-syllabic until. I hate to be put into this position, but I have needs too. I’ve had to cut back on some of my costly personal services for things that I really enjoy. I just don’t think that I have much choice at this point.”The reality that I might be fired was sinking in and I was frantic. I thought for a moment and asked, "Is there anything that I could do for you to help make it up? What kinds of services are you talking about anyway?”Ben studied my face for a moment and said, “Well, I injured my back.