Bad Business
Be very careful what you wish for. In Joseph Finder's truly frightening new business thriller, what electronics sales executive Jason Steadman wants most is a promotion at his company, Entronics, that will stroke his ego and quiet his wealthy wife's barely-hidden distrust of his manhood.
When Jason swerves off the road near his office in the Boston suburbs, Kurt Semko, the tow-truck driver who comes to his aid, seems to be almost too good to be true. Not only is Kurt a softball pitcher with a wicked fastball (the highly competitive Entronics is in desperate need of just such a creature), but he also has a background in Special Forces (he was dishonorably discharged, he admits, but his explanation sounds believable). So Jason recommends Semko for a job as head of plant security, and begins a relationship doomed to end in tears.
Kurt (whose skills also include bodybuilding) helps Jason slim down and toughen up, listens to his hopes and fears, offers advice and even pulls off a few dirty tricks to help Steadman's sudden career advance. When people begin to die, however, Jason realizes it's (probably) not worth it ? leading to a surprising but most satisfying confrontation.