Klee turned towards him. "Randy, do you mind if I invite this couple to join us?
"Of course not. Friends of yours?
Randy shook his head. "No. We've just met, but I think we'd all benefit from a little chat.
Leon sized him up. "Who's this?
"I'd like you both to meet Randolph Starling. He's the man responsible for bringing in the death sentence on Consolidated Communications. He's also had an interesting chat with the CEO of the company that owns this chain.
Starling nodded in greeting. "Come on back. It sounds like you have something on your mind.
Francine stood her ground. "I will not be bought off.
"That was never my intention. Please. Join us. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
"We'll see.
As they approached the table where Klee and Starling had been eating, a yellow-clad young man pushed another one against it and slid its two chairs over, holding one of them out for Francine. When she reached him, he asked, "Would you prefer steak or chicken, ma'am? It's on the house.
The confused couple placed their orders and joined the two men around the newly enlarged table. Then, Leon fixed Klee with a serious gaze. "You were about to explain why the union didn't call a strike.
"I was. But perhaps it would be better if we just let you see for yourself.
The woman from the register walked over with two glasses of water. After she set them down, she said, "Hi. I heard what you were saying back there, and I want you to know that having the company incarcerated was the best thing that's ever happened for the employees of Fremont-Wayfarer. It's how we finally got unionized. Mr. Klee is not only our night manager. He's also on the Board of Directors. That's right. The union of this company has a voice on the board.
Francine took a sip. "So tell me. Why do you put up with this? Aren't the uniforms and dà cor demeaning?
"It would be, if that's all there was. Our first reaction was to strike. But then one of the members reframed it for us, showed us another way to look at it, how we could turn it to our advantage.
"And that was...? Leon prompted.
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