David J. Thomsen

I always thought I'd write a dozen novels and the 5th or 6th might be acceptable; instead it is just this one, written now 25 years ago. Arrow was a mix of Justin Dart and Sam Skaggs, 2 retail giants I worked for, rubbed elbows with, absorbed their skills/knowledge as best I could. The characters were the corporate suits (of which I was one) that I had met in 15 years (then) of consulting; the far NW (book's end) was where I was pointed. But as for the plot ...

The 1st 1/2 was my diary of events as American Stores enacted the hostile takeover of Chicago based Jewel Corporation(since I was Sr. VP Planning, I was a lead plotter) and the "weather" was caused by D. Levine and I. Bosky exchanging briefcases of money in Central Part (the former going to jail only for this, the Jewel trade). Now a quarter Century later, I recognize the Bible has 1,000s of similar (shorter) stories ... the real arrogance of our time is the young's belief they've learned from history, are improved versions in the sequence of the species, know the "facts" in a free country where 99% don't have the foggiest clue as to how others make a living (or better put, don't make a living).

When this novel came out, I. Bosky held press conferences re. his new book, "Merger." Later it was obvious as to the "why." Perhaps that was for the best ... I might have overestimated my capabilities and written another novel ... as my view of personal potential always exceeded reality (search for history of Palisades Village School for a picture of me when I had hair) :).

It's a good thing, this thing called life ... but for those who don't believe in regulation of corporations (all the rights of an individual, except they don't go to jail) and a strictly run stock market (hedge funds and all) and banking system .. well, they are destined to see "merger" again and again ... which I believe has been the case over these last 25 years.