The five got to the door at the same time. The security guard opened the door and stood outside telling the men that they were not allowed in unless t...ey were applying for work.This pissed them off big time and sent a forties guy with a crew cut into spasms. I recognized the guy's voice as that of the earlier caller. Telling Sue to stay inside, I stepped out along side the security guard."It's nice that you gentlemen could come early for our meeting. If you wish, we can go across the street to. That’s ours. This door,’ continued Sandy as they walked by a door on the right with a small sign labeled ‘Emergency Exit,’ ‘is the fire stairway. With your legs I thought the fourth floor was high enough.’ ‘Thanks,’ replied Brad. ‘Maybe in a year or so I’ll do all 25 or more.’ Behind him Sandy chuckled. ‘I bet you will, Brad. Bet you will. While I’ll huff and puff my way behind you.’ Brad snorted. ‘Some tennis player you are.’ Behind him Sandy continued to chuckle. ‘Brass key for the dead. “What do you mean?” Josh asked, pouring his cereal.“It’s early in the morning, and you’re dressed and in a good mood. What, you just win the lottery?”“That’s what it feels like, like I’ve won every lottery on Earth.”“Yeah, well I hope whatever disease you’ve caught isn’t contagious.”Josh ate his breakfast, and then set off for school. He left the wand in his bag, not wanting to draw attention to it, but he walked considerably faster and more enthusiastically than he normally did, excited to try. One of the things he appreciated about the Western Group was their enduring stability. They'd been around for over a century. The Midland offices were a perfect representation of that history. Aside from thinner and larger computer monitors, the stately décor had changed little since his first visit nearly five years earlier. Everett Wahl's office suite featured dark woods and leather with warm lighting. Western ranch chic was how Scott thought of it. He liked it, liked the smells and the.