Behind the Bonehouse by Sally Wright

advantageous for a man with political ambitions.”
    â€œSo what?” Carl’s face was red now, but his eyes were cool, squinting under his sandy gray brows as he lit another Lucky.
    â€œThe second option open to Mr. Harrison is to file a civil suit and ask the court to
permanently
enjoin you from working for a competitor, as well as from competing against Equine Pharmaceuticals in any manner whatsoever. It would preclude you from disclosing trade secrets, and all other information acquired at Equine Pharmaceuticals.
    â€œI draw your attention to the word
permanently
. If you were to appear in court, facing this evidence, you would have no choice but to
agree
to such an order. While that might reduce the chance of a criminal prosecution now, it would expose you to crushing defense costs, and ultimately the payment of all Mr. Harrison’s financial damages arising out of the violation settlement for having willfully violated the contract you signed upon employment. The theft of a substantial trade secret, based on this evidence, will support punitive damages as well.
    â€œAt the end of the day, you would have a court order hanging over your head, and no employer, investor, or banker would ever touch you. If you were even to attempt to subsequently violate such a court order, you would be subject to contempt of court proceedings. The court has
very
broad powers in handling instances of contempt of court, and the violation of its own orders. You would risk having to pay additional damages, as well as Mr. Harrison’s legal costs.”
    â€œAnd Mr. Harrison’s other option?” Carl was sitting on the sofa now, leaning back, blowing smoke toward the ceiling, holding an ashtray in his lap.
    â€œHis third option is to draw up a document such as I have here. In it you acknowledge that your employment at Equine Pharmaceuticals is terminated as of today’s date. You acknowledge that this agreement is binding and supersedes the employment contract you signed when you were first employed. You agree to abide by the following: For a period of ten years, in all of North America, you will not work for a manufacturer of equine pharmaceuticals and health care products, or any other enterprise which competes with Equine Pharmaceuticals, directly or indirectly. You will not start such a company or go into competition with Equine Pharmaceuticals in any manner whatsoever. You will not use, or disclose, any formulas, trade secrets or other information to which you were privy while employed at Equine Pharmaceuticals. You will acknowledge that if you violate this agreement, a court will immediately issue an order to enforce the restrictions and require you to pay the costs of such an action.”
    â€œYou expect me to sign that without seeing a lawyer?”
    â€œMr. Harrison is a man with many demands upon his time who wishes to reach a quick conclusion and put this matter behind him as rapidly as possible. He is consequently willing to extend the offer until six o’clock tomorrow evening. After that, Mr. Harrison will take the tapes he has in his possession and pursue his other options. We took the liberty of determining that Harold Rasmusson, whom you used when negotiating your first employment agreement, is in Versailles all day tomorrow, and has time available to meet with you. We have played the tape, and discussed the options with him, and shown him this contract. But if you wish to consult another attorney, that’s entirely up to you. If you wish to sign now, no other attorney need be subjected to hearing the tape Mr. Harrison has in his possession.”
    â€œWhat about Butch?”
    â€œThat is not your concern.”
    â€œSo you’ll offer him the same deal?”
    Garner didn’t answer.
    And Carl stared at the fireplace as he stubbed his cigarette out and set the ashtray on the coffee table. “I suppose I might as well read the agreement.”
    Garner Honeycutt handed a