Hello?

You were right.

Is this Owen?

Yes, you were right.

Thank you, maybe. I'm not sure. I might have been better off not knowing.

Is that ever true?

I don't know either. So what happened?

I set a trap. She fell into it. After you contacted me and said she was a spy, I had a hard time believing I was so wrong about her. But I also couldn't afford to ignore what you said either. So I couldn't think of anything but to let the relationship develop while I figured out what to do?

So, what did you do?

I had one of my people doctor my program to take out the best stuff. Then I installed that version on my home PC. I also installed an activity log routine. When all that was ready, I invited her over and let slip that I sometimes work at home.

Machiavelli has nothing on you!

Is that a compliment? Anyway, she stayed the night last night. Early this morning I left for work, leaving her alone. I went back home at lunchtime today and checked the activity log.

What did it show?

It showed that after I left, she turned on my computer and searched my hard disk. Then she downloaded to a floppy disk what she thought was the help file to my program. That was pretty smart of her, by the way. You can tell from a help file pretty much everything a program is supposed to do, and a lot about how it does it.

She's cunning.

And you?

How cunning are you? Why did you set her up?

And why are you calling me now with all this information?

I don't know, exactly. I guess this whole business makes me feel so uncomfortable I want to understand it. I've been used twice, first by Mallory then by you.

But you used Mallory to deceive Terry

OK, you've made your point. I'm no saint. So, without my being judgmental, why did you stab Mallory in the back?

Without being ungracious, none of your business.

Whatever is going on, I'm right in the middle of it. Of course it's my business.

So figure it out.

That's what I'm trying to do. I'm not getting very far. In the case of Mallory, I assume her boss put her up to it. But then I also have to assume that her boss is somehow involved in both a software company and an escort service?otherwise, how could he coordinate all this. But is that likely?

Are you asking me?

Yes.

I've said what I have to say.

Well, that brings up the next question. What's your angle?

You don't have to worry about it. I don't need anything from you.

You need me not to tell Mallory what you did to her.

You won't do that.

Why not?

Because if you do, I'll track down Terry and tell him how you presented an escort to him as though she were a friend of yours.

Maybe he won't care.

Get real. You can't take any chances. That's why you put on that charade in the first place.

What do I tell Mallory, then.

That depends. Do you love her?

I thought I did. Now I don't think so. I'm shaken. It's hard.

News bulletin: Life sucks. Film at eleven.

That's helpful.

Do you love her?

I said, I don't know any more.

It seems to me your first order of business is to figure that out.

How could she do this to me?

You're not going to tell me this either, are you?

No, but in this case I'm not being hard-nosed. I'm doing you both a favor. She deserves the opportunity to make her own explanation without any filtering through me. And you deserve the opportunity to form your own reaction, without influence from me.

I guess that makes sense.

It does. I may be sour, but I'm not stupid.

What are you sour about?

It's a long story. If we were friends, I would tell you about it. Are we going to be friends?

I don't think so.

I don't think so either. So that's that. It's been nice doing business with you.

Thanks for the tip. So long.

Busy?

Nothing that can't wait. C'mon in.

(Closes door) I got it!

The program?

Not the program itself, but almost as good. I got the help file. The whole program was too big to fit on a floppy disk, but I copied the help file. That should describe all the features of the program, enough to make Dennis happy.

That was a good idea, if the file is current.

I think so. It was date stamped only two days ago. That should be current enough.

Congratulations, Mal. Sounds like you did well. So, tell me the story.

You know how he's been taking me to lunch? So Monday at lunch he invited me to his place for dinner last night.

What about his fiancé?

Out of town on business.

That's interesting. So how'd it go?

Oh, Kathy, it was wonderful. Like a fairy tale. Kathy, I think I really like that man.

Tell me all about it.

We talked nonstop, about absolutely everything. And he cooked a great dinner. We had champagne. But you know, it was the talking. We really communicated. We were honest with each other, about the deepest things. We understood each other. I felt closer to Owen last night than I ever felt to Kenny in all the years we were married.

Something tells me more went on last night than just talking.

I?I spent the night there.

And how was that?

Oh, Kathy, that's private. I'm not going to talk about that.

No offense intended, Mal. I'm just rooting for you to enjoy the fireworks.

Well, OK, thanks, I guess.

It's a vicarious pleasure.

What?

A vicarious pleasure. I don't get any fireworks myself. Vicarious is the only kind of sex I get nowadays, and not even much of that.

Do I sound bitter? I'm supposed to be your mentor, right? So I'll give you some good advice. Go for that gusto while you can ?cause all the fun can vanish overnight along with all the promise. Then you're left sitting on the same couch where you used to entertain gentlemen callers, only now you're entertaining a half empty bottle of White Zinfendel and telling it about all the rotten bastards who helped turn your life into a waste. Then all you've got is memories, so make all the good ones you can while you can. That's my advice, mentor to mentee.

You think I'm a bitter old hag, don't you? Sweetheart, I started out full of hope and enthusiasm, brimming with an optimist outlook, just like you. You could end up just like me. I hope you don't.

Do you mind if I ask you what went wrong? What is "just like you?"

Just like me is lonely. No dates. No gentlemen callers. No skin contact. No life.

Kathy, I don't understand. What happened?

What happened? Nothing happened, that's the problem. I wanted a husband, a family. I never got it. I have a career instead. It's a consolation prize but it doesn't provide any consolation. I wanted somebody to love me. I wanted to love that somebody back. I wanted to share a lifetime with a man. Grow old with a man. Raise kids with a man. I wanted to be one of those couples you see on the local news celebrating their fiftieth anniversary, so at home with each other that they can't imagine having been with anybody else. What I've got instead is a bank account that keeps growing because there's nothing I want to do with the money.

Didn't you ever fall in love?

Yes. Deeply, totally, profoundly.

And?

He dumped me.

Oh, no. That had to hurt so much.

Kathy, what can I say? I can only imagine the pain. And you never fell in love again?

It twisted me all up in knots. You know, I never dated much in school. I wasn't prepared for the pain. Afterwards, I kept measuring every new guy against his standard, and they never measured up. Even at the time I realized that it was just my defense against getting injured all over again, but I just couldn't help myself. After a while I grew bitter and never could trust any man. I just gave up on all men. So, no, I never fell in love again. I had guys, but not love. Nowadays I don't even have guys.

But why give up?

I'm tired. Old and tired. Tired of disappointment. Better not to raise my hopes than to have them disappointed.

You sound so'defeated.

That's what I am. Defeated.

What caused the breakup?

Nothing.

What do you mean?

Just what I said. Absolutely nothing happened. We were lovers for about two years. Then one day he says to me, "I don't feel the chemistry for us to get married, so I don't think we should date any more. So we can find someone where there's chemistry." Chemistry!

Was there someone else?

No. I know there wasn't. Chemistry, that was all.

Nothing to blame him for.

Nothing to blame him for.

Maybe that's what you blame him for?

What?

If you could blame him, it would be easier. Without having him to blame, there's only yourself left to blame. That's got to be hard to take.

Listen, Miss Freud junior, what's hard to take is that the son of a bitch screwed up my life.

I guess men can do that.

You bet they can. So, that's why I'm telling you all this. So you stay on your guard. Men are programmed to mess women up, and our culture is set up to help the men out. If you don't get married, you feel rejected, marginalized, cheated out of life. If you do get married, you're more than likely going to be unhappy. Half of marriages end in divorce and half the remainder are probably miserable. So the odds are stacked against us no matter what.

And to think I was feeling pretty good when I came in here.

Oh, hell, thanks for listening, Mal. I know I sound like an old crone. I feel like an old crone. I hate it. I hate myself for it.

Don't hate yourself. You've been through a lot.

Yes. But a lot of people go through a lot. Who has never been disappointed in love? Everybody gets disappointed in love. But most people ache, they pine, they rage, they cry, they down a bottle of whisky, then they go on a shopping spree, then they get over it and move on. I was never able to move on. I don't know what's wrong with me.

Kathy, you're so smart, you're attractive, I bet men still find you sexy. You're good at you're job. I think you're great. You just need to rebuild your confidence.

You're sweet, Mal. I wish it were so easy. All right now. Back to the subject at hand. Where were we? Yes, you had fireworks.

You said that.

Any denials for the record?

Yes?

He said he's starting to fall in love with me. He said I make him feel electric.

And you said?

"I know?" He says he loves you and you say you know?

He wanted me to say I love him too, but how could I? I hardly know him. We had lunch a few times, for god sakes.

I dare say you're better acquainted now.

OK. But the fact is that you do love him, isn't it? You really did love him after a few lunches, didn't you? Isn't that why you went to his place last night?

How can I tell it it's real? It feels like love. But what if it's not? What if it's not really? What if it's just infatuation?

If it is, then it will curdle and be over. You go on to the next man. You're not fourteen, you know all this. What is the problem here?

The problem is it's 4:30 and he didn't call all day.

You expected him to?

Well, wouldn't you? Last night wasn't our first date. It was our first night together. After leaving me a love note in the morning? After the note says he misses me already? Loves me! Then he doesn't call all day? This day after that night?

Maybe he's tied up in meetings at work.

That doesn't make sense. Meetings have breaks. Lunch. How could a one minute phone call to me not rise to the top of his priorities all day? This day in particular?

So what do you think?

I don't know. I can't make any sense of it.

You know how men are. Maybe he's just pulling back out of commitment anxiety. The message might be nothing more than too much, too soon, too quick.

Maybe, but that just doesn't seem like him. Anyway, he's been controlling the pace of our relationship. Last night was his idea. He was the one who couldn't wait to declare his love.

You think men are logical?

It's not his way. Not Owen. There's something else. But I can't see it.

Maybe. I don't know. How can I know? I hope not!

You know, you did copy his program. Could it have to do with that? Could he suspect something.

(Hands to mouth, horrified) Oh God?.OH GOD?OH GOD!! That can't be! Can it? Can it? Oh my God, no!

I really have no idea. I was just exploring all the logical possibilities. It is a logical possibility. I don't know if it's a real possibility.

(Frantic) But what if it is? What if he found out somehow? Oh Kathy, don't you see? Don't you see?!? It makes sense now! It's the only think that would make him mad enough not to call me.

Mal, calm down a minute. You don't know anything of the sort. I was just speculating, nothing more. Do you have any evidence at all that he knows?

Not really, I guess.

And how would he even find it out?

I don't know, I don't know, I don't know!

So isn't there most likely some other explanation?

Logically you're right. But I just feel it. I know how we were last night. There's no way he would ignore me today unless something horrible happened. This is the only thing I can think of that's horrible enough.

So why don't you call him and find out?

And say what?

But what would be my reason for calling?

Just a friendly call to tell him how great he was last night. Every guy loves to hear how great he was the night before.

I don't know, calling him so soon for no reason. The last thing he needs is a girlfriend who's emotionally needy. If I weren't so worried about the program, I'd wait ?till he calls me. Anyway, it's almost 5:00 now and I'm supposed to go over there tonight anyway.

Then wait ?til tonight and see.

I'm such an idiot, thinking I could get away with this.

Maybe you did. You don't know.

Come in.

Oh, hi Mal.

Dennis.

Sure.

So. Mal. How are things going with Owen?

Excellent. We're connecting.

Good. You think there's a future for you two?

I hope so. Oh do I hope so!

What about the fiancé?

That's still an issue. But Owen says I make him feel electric, and she doesn't. So that's good.

Good indeed. OK Mal. I'm glad things are working out. I want you to be happy. But don't forget the object of the exercise is to find out about his product. How is that going?

He hasn't told me anything yet. But we're getting pretty close, as a couple that is. I don't think it will be long before he'll trust me enough to talk about it.

Let's just not get so caught up in the relationship that you forget about the job, OK?

(Turning to Kathy) Not too long.

A couple of minutes.

Fine. (Leaves the office, closing the door behind him)

(Stunned) I can't believe this. You didn't tell him about the help file.

No.

You lied to him.

I had to.

How come?

Because I didn't tell him this morning when I came in. I couldn't tell him now because he would wonder why I didn't tell them then.

And? This morning?

I didn't want him to know.

What do you mean?

If he knew, I couldn't back out.

You're thinking of backing out?

I don't know yet. That's the whole point. I copied the file this morning when I had the chance so that I could have the option of giving it to Dennis if I decided I wanted to. I haven't decided yet. I didn't tell him so that I could preserve the option of not using the disk if I decided not to. It's a good thing, too. Maybe I can still save my relationship with Owen, since I didn't actually do anything with the file.

If there's a problem with Owen. And if it has to do with the file. And if he has a more forgiving nature than any man I've ever met.

I've made a mess, haven't I?

Maybe things will work out. Hey, I'd better go see Dennis. Will you keep me posted?

Of course, Kathy. Who else can I talk to? (They hug, then exit Kathy's office)

I suppose it does. But it's true. I don't understand the dot-com world. And the bottom line is, I just don't feel comfortable investing in something I don't understand.

I can appreciate that. But we're in the new economy. Dot-com is the future.

It means building value out of information instead of physical objects. It means companies that build value now so that profits will flow later.

Exactly. That's all mumbo jumbo to me.

Mumbo jumbo or not, it's how lot's of people are getting rich these days. You have the chance to be an insider and get very rich too.

Look. I've made several million from businesses I understand. I guess I'm old fashioned. A relic of the 20^th century. I'm more comfortable continuing to do what I know. If I end up with only 10 million instead of 100 million, I won't consider myself a failure.

You and Mallory.

Mallory?

You just reminded me of her. Old fashioned. That's what she said too. Old fashioned.

Right.

Which reminds me. I want to apologize for the way Ellen behaved that night we went out.

No apologies necessary. I though she was great.

Ellen?

Ellen. Who else are we talking about?

I didn't think she was great that night.

You provoked her.

She was pretty testy with me that night. And I really didn't think that was appropriate in front of you. That's why I apologized.

Maybe it wasn't appropriate, but Owen, she was provoked.

You think so?

I think so.

Maybe you're right. After you and Mal left, she told me my hormones were raging over Mallory.

And?

You think so too?

As I said, she was provoked.

Then maybe I owe you the apology.

It's not about apologies. Owen, listen, would you be open to some advice from an old fart who brings lots of life experience to the table?

Sure. Why not?

OK. Mallory is charming. As I've said before. Delightful, even. But she's unformed. She's young and she doesn't know who she is yet. And if she doesn't know who she is, then you can't either.

C'mon with the pop psychology. She is charming. Enchanting, even. Honestly, don't you think that?

Yes, in certain ways. But she's still in the process of becoming a grown up. And she has a ways to go yet.

She's at least in her twenties.

Early twenties. You're not really a grown up in your early twenties. Ellen, she's a grown up.

You like Ellen.

Yes, quite a bit. That shouldn't surprise you. She's your fiance.

Even after the display she put on?

What she displayed was her love and devotion for you. What she displayed was that her relationship with you is worth fighting for.

But she embarrassed me in front of a potential investor.

No, Owen, you embarrassed her by flirting with a twenty-something tease. And let me tell you something else. At that point, that night, I liked her better than I liked you.

What do you mean?

Not only were you flirting with someone else in front of your fiancé?that was bad enough?but also, she trusted me?Ellen trusted me?to be able to separate all the personal subtexts of that evening from my evaluation of your business proposal. She gave me more credit than you did.

How can you say that? Trusted you? How do you know what she was thinking?

So I can't know for sure. That's what I believe. I believe that she understood that I would separate business judgement from personal matters. You understand that too, now, don't you?

Yes, sure.

But you were uncertain then. She sized me up correctly right away. That's one reason I like her.

All right. Point made.

So here's the rest of my advice. You can take it or ignore it. Ellen is a keeper. She smart. She's good looking. She's saucy. She loves you. Don't blow it.

It's easy for you to be so objective. You don't have feelings involved.

Oh. Mallory. Do you trust her?

Why do you think I shouldn't I trust her.

No reason that I know of. But you're talking feelings. Trust is the main thing. When you're in a committed relationship with someone, you're really putting your emotions in her hands. What could be more important? So I'm asking, do you trust Mallory with the care and feeding of your emotions.

Right now I don't know.

What about Ellen?

I trust her.

OK then.

It's so easy for you to sit there and direct my life by long distance.

Fair point. You have to make your own mistakes.

All right. Thanks for looking at my proposal.

Sorry it didn't work out.

Thanks again. (Hangs up.) Thanks for nothing.

Oh, no! Nooo? Owen, I'm sorry.

Not your fault.

That he doesn't invest in dot-com projects because he doesn't understand the new economy.

But doesn't he want to get rich?

He says he's getting rich enough in the old economy.

I feel terrible about this. I hope I didn't let you down somehow.

(Owen looks at her, then realizes she is talking about her evening with Terry.)

You mean the night we all had dinner? No, it isn't that. He liked you. Delightful was the word he used, I think. It had nothing to do with you.

Are you angry at him.

No, I have no reason to take it personally. He has every right to put his money wherever he pleases.

But if he doesn't like dot-com companies, why did he meet with you in the first place?

You got me.

He wasted so much of your time.

Not entirely. Preparing his proposal forced me to think through the business plan. I'm more frustrated than angry. I don't know any other angels.

Well, you know, I can't help you with that. But I can help you with something else right now.

What do you mean?.

I can help fix those tense muscles of yours. Go sit backwards on that chair. I'm going to give you the most relaxing shoulder rub you've ever had.

There's an offer I can't refuse.

Owen, for heaven's sake, take off that shirt. T-shirt too.

Feel good?

Good? Exquisite is the word. Mallory, you're making it very difficult for me.

Uh oh. What's difficult?

To say what I need to say.

Triple uh oh. Owen, what do you need to say. Out with it.

Mal, I'm staying with Ellen.

But Owen, why? I love you so much. We're so terrific together. Why?

I don't know how to explain this. Ellen is right for me. She just is. We're a team. We were meant for each other. Jesus! That sounds like such a cliché. But I don't know how else to put it.

But last night! Did you forget last night? We were a team last night! We were a great team last night. Don't you remember.

I remember. It was memorable. I won't ever forget it.

Memorable! It was fantastic, Owen. Doesn't that count? And your note! Just this morning! Spectacular, it said. "Last night was spectacular," it said. "You are spectacular," it said. "I have fallen in love with you," it said. What about that? Was it a lie? Was our whole relationship a lie? Owen, please, don't do this.

It wasn't a lie. It was true when I wrote it. But all day I've been thinking about us. About the choice I have to make between you and Ellen. And I realized it has to be Ellen. I want it to be Ellen.

Something happened, didn't it? I knew it! Something happened today. Besides Terry. I knew it when you didn't call.

What did you mean, "when I didn't call?"

Owen! If nothing else, don't patronize me! You know exactly what I meant. The first time a couple has sex, and it's spectacular, and the guy leaves a note that he loves her?he's going to call her that day. If he wants to continue the relationship, he knows to call her. Or send flowers. Or rent a billboard or hire a skywriter. Or something. Right or wrong?

OK. I knew what you meant. I'm sorry.

So answer the question. What happened?

Nothing happened. I reached a decision, that's all.

I don't understand it. Last night I was your soulmate. You said that.

There's nothing to understand. I gave us every chance, but in the end I want to make a life with Ellen.

(Starting to cry as the impact hits her?) I'm never?I'm never going to find anybody else as wonderful as you. I wish I'd never met you.

You're twenty three. You'll find somebody else.

You mean, I'll settle for somebody else.

No. You'll find somebody who really is your soul mate. It's not me.

Owen?

Yes?

Is there any chance you'll change your mind?

No.

Then at least?let me give you a goodbye kiss. To remember you by.

I don't know?.

Don't you owe me that, at least?

Oh, all right

Please, Owen. I'm accepting that this is the end. It's killing me but I'm accepting it. It costs you nothing to let me deal with it my way. Just a kiss goodby to show me at least you cared.

All right, Mal. Sure.

Owen?

What?

How about if I give you one last something else to remember me by?

No, Mal.

Owen. Just one last time. No commitments, no consequences.

It's tempting, Mal, but no.

Owen, I need your touch one more time. I need you to fill me up one more time. You're so good for me, Owen. One last time. That can't be too much to ask. Don't say no. Don't hurt me any more than you have already.

Out here, for all the world to see?

Come on inside. Where we belong.

I'd like to but I can't. Mallory, listen. I'm going to marry Ellen. If I have sex with you now I'm going to regret it later. So I'm not going to do it. I'm sorry. Put on your dress.

(Dress still off, spreading her arms in invitation.) How can you say no to this? No strings attached.

I'm sorry.

You're not sorry! You're an insensitive, callous piece of shit!. You said you cared about me! Loved me! I believed you! You lied to me!

God Dammit! You're absolutely determined to force the issue, aren't you? Well, god dammit, you want to know the reason? I'll give you the god damned reason! I thought it would be better for you if I didn't bring it up, but now I don't care. You want to know what happened? What the reason is? Well, look in your own stone cold heart. The reason is whatever caused you to copy my file. You tell me?what's the reason for that?

Owen. I'm so sorry. I didn't do it to hurt you.

You didn't do it to help me.

In a way I did.

I don't want to hear any more. I don't trust you any more so nothing you can say matters. Get dressed, and then let yourself out.

It's been six weeks now since Terry turned him down. He's pitched his idea to just about every venture capitalist in the yellow pages. Not even a nibble. We got lucky on our phone tap. He talks to this friend from his home phone, so it's all documented in that report.

That's why you make the big bucks.

Yeah, big bucks my ass. Anyways, he's getting real discouraged now. No angels. The VC's are all passing on it. He's come up dry. You can move now when he's down, but before he has the chance lucky.

Why do you think he's having such a hard time?

Don't really know. He doesn't know. The markets are soft right now, IPO's are tough. VC's are looking in other directions, not dot-com software. Still, there's lots of money out there looking for a place to roost. I don't know, maybe his business plan sucks. Why are you interested?

I'm going to buy him out.

What the hell?

No, really. His product fits with one of my companies. His software is good, but his business plan does suck. I've read it. We've already started talking. On the phone so far. He's coming here to meet me in just a few minutes.

You have his business plan?

Yes, he sent it to me. His idea can't work as a stand alone company. But I'm going to fold it into another product at one of my other companies, where it's actually worth quite a lot as a value added feature.

Well, if you knew all that, what the hell you need me for?

Timing, Vic. Timing is everything. Look, having you continue the phone tap this past month cost me a small fortune. Perhaps not so small. But I figure I'm going to save several times that much in what I pay to buy him out, taking advantage of your information that he's in distress. So that's a return on my investment in you of about 100%. In just a month. Annualized that's more than 1,000%. You're a good investment, Vic. You're worth the big bucks.

Jesus Christ, you're some piece of work.

I'm just good at what I do. So are you, Vic, phony locksmith and all. Sounds like we have the basis of a beautiful friendship.

Yeah. Next you're gonna? tell me since we're such good friends I should give you a discount.

(Grinning) There you go.

(Grinning back) You know what the word "chutzpah" means?

Yes?

Mr. Talbott's here to see you.

Thank you. I'll be right out. (To Victor) Chutzpah is just being unafraid to ask for what you want. I just want a volume discount.

Yep, that's you all right. What's the word for being unafraid to say "Up yours?" That's me. Take care, Dennis.

Good work, Vic. Thanks.

Have a seat, Owen. Glad we finally have the opportunity to meet face to face.

I was so curious to meet you I couldn't pass it up. I don't know what to make of you. I'm angry and grateful at the same time. I had to see for myself.

Good. You should see for yourself before you decide whether you want to do business with me. How about some coffee?.

Yes, thanks. Just black

OK. You say you're angry. Tell me

Tell you! It should be obvious.

Humor me. Say it.

You set me up! You sent Mallory undercover as an industrial spy to steal my secrets.

And you're indignant.

I think I said angry.

And I think "indignant" better captures the flavor of your self righteousness.

What the hell? You're going to insult me now too?

Actually, I'm trying to impress upon you from the outset that when you deal with me you can expect not just truth but candor at all times.

So by calling it candor, you make insulting me into some kind of virtue? (Stands up) Thanks for the coffee.

You can leave. But you have a lot to gain by staying.

Your attitude makes that impossible.

Quite the contrary. I'm flushing out all your emotional toxins so we can talk business on a rational basis. That'll result in a better outcome for both of us.

You are some piece of work.

(Amused) That's the second time this afternoon somebody's said that to me. It must be true.

Somehow I'm not impressed.

Owen, listen. I'm not being hostile. I'm making a point. Please let me continue. If you still want to leave after a few more minutes, feel free.

I feel free now. (But he sits down nonetheless.).

So let's deconstruct this indignant anger of yours. First of all, this secret that I sent a spy to uncover. At the time, you were discussing this secret with Terry.

So?

So it wasn't exactly a secret.

It was confidential.

Confidential. And in the six weeks since Terry turned you down, how many other potential angels have you discussed this confidential matter with?

A few.

A few. And how many venture capital firms?

Several.

Several and a few. As a matter of fact, you've been peddling your program to anybody you can get to listen to you, right?

I wouldn't say that.

The point being it's hardly a secret any more, through no action of mine. Another point being if you don't share your so called secret, there's no way for you to launch your business.

But what's your point?

Where is the value? So long as it is a secret, your program has no value. It only gains value when it is shared with somebody who would put up some cash to help you launch a company. As a secret, it was literally worthless. What Mallory and I did gave it value.

But that misses the point. The point for me is that I have the right to decide who I share my creation with. That's up to me, not you. The sharing I did was on my own volition. Your spying was a violation of my right to make that choice.

Point taken. But so what? This is where your emotions get you hung up. You are

focusing on your indignation over being violated. You are ignoring the practical fundamentals. What did your exercise of your rights actually get you?

It got me lots of opportunities to present my concept.

First several and a few, now lots. So what did these opportunities actually get you?

Nothing so far, but I'm not discouraged.

Yes you are, or you wouldn't be talking to me. So the answer is nothing.

Nothing yet.

Nothing in fact. So, first of all, I'm a potential investor, just like everybody else you talked to. But in another respect, I'm unique. I'm the only one who has given you a positive response.

So? Is your argument that the end justifies the means? Spying is OK if the result justifies it?

Of course. Isn't that why Israel has its Mossad? Isn't that why we have a CIA? Are you suggesting that we abolish the CIA.

But that's national security.

Exactly. As you say: you agree that ends can justify the means.

Therefore your ends justify your means.

Therefore the outcome does not justify your indignation..

I feel violated.

Exactly so. Violated. And you're indignant over that. But it's all an emotional chimera. It's just an emotional reaction to an emotional construct in your mind. You are certainly entitled to any feelings you like. But it's irrational and foolish to let feelings get in the way of a mutually beneficial business arrangement.

Now you're calling me irrational and foolish! You can't help being obnoxious, can you?

I've been told it's chutzpah. But in this case. Quite the contrary. It is precisely because I do not see you as irrational and foolish that I expect you to set aside your emotions and make a business deal with me.

How can I trust you?

How can I trust you?

What?!?

Think for a minute about how this looks from my end. You're vice president of marketing at your present company, right?

Yes.

You're good at it? You add value, right?

I would say so.

They treat you OK? Decent pay? No complaints?

I would say so.

But instead of developing your idea with them, you're going off on your own.

So?

So who at your company have you told about this scheme of yours to leave and go off on your own.

That's confidential, too.

That's crap. You haven't told them at all. If you're as good as you think you are, your leaving will hurt them.

What is your point?

Trust. That's the subject you raised. They trusted you, and you are betraying their trust. They made an investment in you. They taught you their business, their products, their customers, all in the expectation of a return as you produced value over time for them. Now you're scheming to go off on your own, using an idea you got while working for them, and your value to them goes down the toilet.

Entrepreneurs do that all the time. If that didn't happen, how would new companies get started?

Yes, you are indeed part of a large and illustrious population of enterprenuers. Nonetheless, your accusation that I'm untrustworthy rings mighty hollow from somebody who's pulling the rug out from the company that employs him, pays him fairly, treats him well, and depends on his services.

This is crazy.

I think not. They trusted you, and you repay them by abandoning them in pursuit of the almighty buck for yourself. And you know it's not right, because you haven't told them about it. So get off that high moralistic horse about trust. Relative to me, you do not occupy the ethical high ground.

The question remains, how can I trust you?

Forget about trust. Business relationships should not rely on trust all. They should be based on mutual benefit. If you have to rely on trust, the relationship is faulty to begin with.

So then why do you accuse me of being disloyal to my company? Like you say, I'm just pursuing my self interest?

I'm not accusing you of disloyalty, only unearned self-righteousness. Actually, I don't believe in loyalty.

That figures.

Yes, it does. Think about it. Think about exactly what you mean when you say that somebody did something out of loyalty. What you mean, in fact, is that it was something he didn't really want to do, or something he wouldn't ordinarily do, but he did it anyway out of some sense of obligation. Isn't that right?

But usually it's about an allegiance to a higher cause. Isn't that a good thing?

When there's a higher cause, perhaps. But I'm not a higher cause. I don't want anybody I know doing anything out of obligation to me. I want everyone to make his own choices, do what's in his own best interest, do what he wants to do. Loyalty is just a form of psychological coercion to control somebody else's behavior, and I want no part of it on either end.

Are you telling me that when Mallory copied my file it wasn't out of loyalty to you? That she wanted to do it? That it was something she would ordinarily do?

Actually, yes.

Actually, I don't believe you.

As you wish. But I am telling you, she made a deliberate decision to do it in her own best interests. Loyalty never entered the picture.

In other words, you made her an offer she couldn't refuse.

It wasn't like that. I did suggest it. We did discuss it at length. But there was no appeal to loyalty, and there were no threats. On the other hand, I did point out some advantages to her in going ahead. I have no apologies.

You bribed her.

No. I pointed out certain intrinsic advantages that would accrue naturally from going ahead. We explored every facet, including her moral qualms, and her feelings about you. (Dennis gestures toward the white board.) We even laid everything out in a cost benefit framework, from which she reached her own conclusion.

The white board!

She told you about that?

No. She just mentioned the board in passing. I didn't know what she meant until now. So. You say I was part of this calculation?

Very much so.

Unbelievable. And while we're talking about loyalty, what about Kathy?

What about Kathy? You mean, our Kathy here?

Your Kathy here. You don't know?

Know what?

She's how I found out about Mallory. Kathy contacted me. She told me what Mallory was up to, before she did it. That's how come I put an activity log on my computer.

That's profoundly interesting. I didn't know that.

But why would Kathy do that? She wouldn't tell me why.

I think I know.

You want to let me in on it?

We were lovers some years back. I broke it off.

A woman scorned?

Apparently so. Although I never scorned her. I just broke up with her.

And she still works here?

Not for much longer! Before this, I never saw any reason to let her go. I offered her jobs in my other companies if she'd be more comfortable, but she said she'd rather stay here. I thought she'd gotten over it, but now I see not. Enough of that. Let's talk business. First of all, your business plan is unworkable.

You bring me in here for that? You couldn't have dialed the phone?

Relax, Owen. I'm making you an offer. Your business plan is unworkable as a separate company with a stand alone product. That's why everybody else turned you down. But it fits in beautifully as an add-in feature to one of my other products. The company is Venceremos?you've probably heard of it.

I have.

All right, so here's the offer: $250,000 cash for the rights to your product, plus you become marketing vice president at Venceremos, with stock options, bonus, the whole deal.

What happens to the current vice president?

He is getting a promotion. He'll be fine.

This is bizarre. First you spy on me, then you insult me, now I'm supposed to work for you.

This is business, just business. Furthermore, it's win-win for both of us. There are no losers here unless you turn this down. We already talked about how logic gets derailed by emotions. Do you really want that to happen here?

I've never even met these people.

I don't expect an answer from you right now. That would be illogical too. If the offer interests you, you should go talk the folks at Venceremos. Discuss roles and responsibilities, finances, corporate culture, the works. Ask them what it's like to have me as an influential investor with a seat on the Board. If you're comfortable after that, we can negotiate details. If not, walk away.

I'll think it over.

Yes, Sandy.

Mallory is here. She'd like to see you if you have a couple of minutes.

Sure. Send her in now.

Your timing is good, Mal. I've just invited Mr. Talbot here to come work for me.

Here?

No. One of my other companies. I've offered to buy him out for cash on the barrel, make him a VP Marketing so he can see his baby come to fruition, and then make him quite rich when the company goes public.

(To Owen.) That's great. And you said yes?

I said I'd think about it.

What's to think?

Whether I'd want to work for this guy. Whether I ever want to have anything to do with him. You, too, Mallory. It's hard to imagine having anything to do with either one of you.

Oh, Owen. I'm sorry for what I did to you. I certainly never meant to hurt you. But you won't be right here in this building, so you'll never have to see me. And Owen, think about Ellen.

What about Ellen?

What the money can do for her. It is within your grasp to provide Ellen with not only lifetime financial security, but the financial freedom to do anything she wants with the rest of her life. That's what you said this was all about from the start. It's what you told me in the restaurant that very first night. How could you forget?

I do remember. But a lot has happened since then.

But nothing that changes the fundamental equation.

That money equals happiness?

That money equals freedom! Independence.

I'm not against having money. But how I get it is important too.

Yes, of course. But that's what's so good about this. Turning your invention from an idea into a real product is important. Bringing it to market is important. That's a benefit to society. Lots of people will use it and benefit from your creative work. That's important. And if you don't do it, and your idea goes nowhere, then how will you feel? How would you look back on this situation if it became just another missed opportunity?

You make it sound dandy. But there's a problem. The problem is, when you work for someone like Dennis here?and I'm saying it right to his face?the problem is that once he sucks you into his world, sooner or later'sooner, probably?you will discard your scruples and you'll be compromised. Isn't that what happened to you? Three months ago, if somebody had suggested that you would purloin a computer file in an act of industrial espionage, what you have said?

I suppose I would have said, "You're nuts."

OK, so that's my point.

But it's not a valid one. Nobody in my "world"?as you put it'does anything that he or she doesn't want to do. I have no guns. I have no goons. Mallory's decision may have surprised her, but it was her decision to make and she's the one that made it. I compromised nobody. She did what she chose to do.

Then you two are peas in a pod. My god, what a pair. You two deserve each other.

Owen, you don't have to like me to work at one of my companies. I'm merely a member of the Board; I'm not there on a day to day basis. You'll report to the President. All I would like from you really is to respect my business judgement. And my business judgement is that your creation is going to make you and Ellen both very rich. And if you're ever asked to do something that you don't want to do, you can just say no. What's the worst that could happen then? So we have a disagreement and we part company. So what? You walk away with a ton of money that you wouldn't have had otherwise, and some valuable experience to boot. Where's the downside here?

Giving up my chance for independence. Dennis, I told you I'd think about it..

Fair enough. And while you're mulling over how to maintain those scruples of yours, try to figure out who compromised who when you gave Mallory a test drive while your fiancé was out of town?

Owen

You son of a bitch. You stink.

Oh? I stink? And if Ellen knew anything about this little escapade of yours, is that what she would say? That I stink? Don't get in a lather now. I have no intention of telling Ellen. I'm just raising the point to provide you with some perspective on the subject of scruples.

Your perspective I don't need.

Yes you do. When you calm down you'll see. So listen. I don't like you all that much either. I find you too self righteous by half. But I like your product and I think you'll do well in the job. So it's just business. My offer will be good for the next month or so. Think about it and let me know. No matter what, I am glad to have met you.

So long, Mallory. It's been an experience.

I wish you well, Owen.

Well, what do you think?.

About what?

Is Owen right? Are we a pair? Do we deserve each other?

(Amused) Why Dennis, I do believe you're coming on to me.

Well, I wouldn't put such a crude spin on it. Mal, I think you're terrific. Not only in your work, but in every way. I would like us to become friends. I would like to take you out, show you places, have you meet people. I can just be a shoulder to lean on; you can count on me to be on your side. Best of all, I'm a good listener?you can talk to me and I'll understand. I understand you in a way that very few people can.

I have friends that understand me. Kathy, for instance.

Kathy understands you, but she's hardly your friend.

But sure she is.

She most certainly is not. How do you think that Owen caught on to what you were doing?

Mal, Kathy is not your friend. I just found out from Owen that she called him and told him what you were planning to do.

But? But?why would she do such a thing?

To hurt me. It wasn't about you, but it was at your expense. She is not your friend. I can be your friend. Why don't we just try it?

Dennis, I'm really flattered. I like you. I admire and respect you. But I think you're interested in more than friendship, and it's only fair to tell you that I don't have any romantic interest in you. I'm sorry. I wish I did but I just don't.

Mal, that's OK. I understand. But if you like and respect me, what's the harm in being friends, and if that's as far as it goes, so be it.

Maybe what I came to tell you will have some bearing on this.

Oh, yes. What did you come to see me about?

Dennis?I came to tell you I'm resigning.

Really? How come?

I got another job. A step up.

But why? You have a tremendous future right here.

Because I'm not comfortable here any more. From the Owen thing. I made a bad choice. I know it was my own decision. I'm not saying you forced me to do anything. I'm responsible. But that's the point. I made a bad decision. I screwed up. And it left me gagging with self contempt. I don't feel clean, like I used to before. I want a fresh start somewhere else. I need a fresh start.

You're so full of shit, Mallory. You just want to move your career ahead faster than I'm willing to do it for you here.

That is what you have to believe.

Explain that one. This'll be interesting.

You have to believe that everybody is cold and calculating and has no conscience. That everybody is just like you. Otherwise you couldn't operate because the world would be incomprehensible to you.

What I believe is that there is rational and irrational behavior. I believe rational is good. I believe irrational is stupid. Now, if you have a better job opportunity elsewhere, it is rational for you to take it. I appreciate that. But this business of your feeling soiled is bunk. Let's be clear about what happened here. First you schtupped the guy while his fiancé was out of town, then you copied a confidential file from his computer. But you only felt bad about it afterwards, after the plan didn't work out. While it was going on, in the middle of it, you didn't feel bad at all! You enjoyed it. You were pumped. You loved the thrill of it. You were anxious, sure, but that was about getting caught. And that only added to the exhilaration of the whole thing. Unclean, my ass!

You don't get it, do you?

Oh, yeah, I don't get it. I'm Officer Krupke and you're misunderstood. So. You got another job. Where are you going?

Venceremos.

Venceremos. Really. To work for Frank Gallagher?

You know him?

Venceremos is one of my companies. I'm on the Board. Sure I know him. VP Marketing.. I'm their third biggest investor.

And it's OK with you that I go there?

What are you going to do there?

Associate product manager.

That's OK. You'll do fine. You understand that you do all the grunt work and the senior product manager gets all the glory.

Frank explained that. I'll pay my dues before I move further up. And I'm committed to finishing my education.

OK then.

You're not mad about my leaving.

Mad is irrelevant. This is business. You'll learn to be a good product manager and help Venceremos. And I can replace you easily here.

That easily?

Easily enough. Who do you think you are?

At least you're not giving me a hard time. Frank didn't say anything at all about you being involved in Venceremos.

I think he was testing me to see how much autonomy he has to act on his own. Don't worry. Your resignation is hereby accepted. Did you agree to a starting date?

Two weeks from today. But I have a week of accrued vacation, and I'd rather take the time off next week than get the money.

So you want this Friday to be your last day in the office.

If that's all right.

That's all right. Friday is your last day here. Before I forget, thank you for helping out with Owen just now.

You're welcome. I was glad to be able to help you and Owen both at the same time.

You were a big help. My guess is that he's going to say yes to the deal. And you deserve much of the credit. It's ironic.

Why ironic?

You never thought to ask where it is that I've offered Owen a job.

Where?

Venceremos. VP Marketing, Venceremos.

But that's Frank. You're firing Frank?

Quite the opposite. I'm promoting him. He's moving up to President of another company. So if Owen accepts my offer, he'll replace Frank, and he'll become your boss.

But?how can I work for Owen? You heard what he said. He doesn't want anything to do with me.

I think he'll let you go.

Then I'd better stay here.

Your resignation has been accepted. Your last day is Friday.

You bastard. You set me up!

Hardly. I knew nothing about your resignation until you told me just a few minutes ago.

But if Owen accepts, I won't have any job at all.

So it appears.

But why won't you help me? Why won't you take me back. And why are you mad at me but not Frank Gallagher. He hired me behind your back.

Because Frank is doing exactly what I hired him for'doing what he believes is best for his business. And he's not wrong about that. He's doing his job, and well. But with you, it's personal. I won't help you because you made it abundantly clear you don't care at all about me. You don't even want to be friends.

I didn't mean it that way. I just didn't want us to get into something where one of us would end up getting hurt.

I'm already hurt.

But that's emotional. You've always said you don't act on emotion.

I have never said that. Ever. What I've said is that I don't made business decisions based on emotion. From a business standpoint, you are inconsequential. From a business standpoint, you'll be replaced in a week, and forgotten in a month.

Dennis, please don't do this.

Mallory, this is simple. First there was the floppy disk. You already had it but you didn't tell me about it. When you did that you broke a crucial bond of trust. I can't tell you how disappointed I was over that. And now, you quit. And it's personal. It's not a career move. There's nowhere that your career prospects were better than they were right here. With me. But you've made it clear you don't want to be here with me. You don't want to be friends. You don't want to work here with me. It's as personal a rejection as I can imagine. I'm an adult. I'll get over it. But feeling the way you do, I don't think you should be here. So it's good that you're leaving.

Dennis, please don't take it that way. You're right. I didn't see it from your point of view before, but now I do. I apologize. I'll do anything. Just tell me. Anything, to show that I'm sorry. That I really do trust you. That we can be friends.

Mallory, people I work with think I'm cold, arrogant, conniving?I don't care, it's just business. But I have a heart. I do. I just normally leave it home during business hours. Right now I need to take it in for repairs. Mallory, go home. Take the rest of the day off. I'll see you tomorrow and we'll sort out what you should work on your last few days here.

Can't I have one more chance? I'll prove my loyalty to you, I will.

You still don't get it. It's not loyalty I'm after. It's trust and respect. And you've shown me neither. If you don't understand by now, you will never understand me. I'm very disappointed.

But Dennis, after what we've been through together, am I nothing at all to you?

You're something, Mallory. You're further ado.