"Jesus."
"that's thirteen percent of the total pooled audience, not thirteen percent of the remaining twenty one."
"shut up"
"Just wanted to clarify."
The next morning at the magic factory a team meeting was in progress.
The man speaking was a stranger, but gave the impression he was actually everyone’s boss. As it turned out he was everybody's boss.
".. and it isn't so much that Caruso has pulled out of production, so much as he wasn't participating in the first place, it seems the woman we thought to be his agent was in fact charging us for a David Caruso look-alike, she may also have been a vice madam, we're looking into it."
A lowly junior programmer raised his hand, "In theory we could work from a look alike, the technology's there."
"Hell, I say anyone of you could build a fully functional Caruso from scratch, but without his name this project will never get off the ground. "I won't lie to you it's going to take a lot to get back on track, no pun intended"
Dennis, the company's longest serving software engineer interjected, "I thought the Arctic Tram wouldn't run on tracks."
"Yes the Tram does run on children’s Christmas wishes, but real trams do, and it was decided that it would be like a real tram. The pun is unintended, but never the less valid."
"Point."
"Okay. Now we have had some interest from the Hallmark channel, in fact, they were close to bankrolling the project."
"Were?"
"Well they phoned Caruso’s people, and well they didn't like what they heard, that's actually how we found out. And long story short, they're now suing us for time wasted."
"The Japanese?"
"The Japanese are out of the Equation, understandably they were quite upset about Caruso and something to do with some test footage, some kid running up a hill or something, I can't recall it, but apparently it wasn't up to standard."
"Are we still getting paid?"
"I'm glad you mentioned that. Now ladies and .. well just gentlemen it seems, hang on, one lady at the back there. Good to see you. Anyway!" He pointed to a flip chart behind him, "Stock options!"
When Don arrived home Dorothy was waiting. She usually finished most of her housework by three and since she quit her job she didn't have much to do with her time.
There was a certain amount of trepidation she asked. "How was work?"
"Works over, the project is falling apart, I'm getting out while I still can."
"OK."
"I'm sorry about my attitude lately, I've been letting the project get under my skin."
"That's okay, I know how much pressure you put on yourself" she embraces Don holding him tightly. He remaines limp, resting his head on her shoulder. She's a little bit taller than him, he whimpers. "Do you want to go upstairs?"
"That would be nice." lies Dorothy, doubting she could deny him in his hour of need.