Eliminating the Competition

 Zion Press -- Usually, the business manager of Skinny John's Winery approached the owner nervously, knowing that whatever news he gave him would never be good enough. Today, though, Dave had good news. The winery had broken all kinds of records, from tour groups who managed to sneak through the borders to the oblivious who acted as though nothing had changed.

Dave handed the reports of the third quarter, and what he had so far for the fourth, to the owner, anticipating the response, but pleased to direct him to the positives.
Haarjel took the offered reports, ready to lambast the manager, but trying not to shoot (or really, pepper spray the messenger) until he realized his business holdings were holding. In fact, they were outstanding this time. What was different, he vaguely wondered.
"Really helps to have closed down the competition" suggested Dave helpfully. "Doesn't it?"

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