Oz
Brian was sweating as he faced Colin and me from across the desk. It wasn’t from the Queensland heat. “They’ve already started” he said. “Who’s already started?” I asked. “The consultants are here. They’ve already started letting go of people.” “You guys were supposed to start
Oz
2am. The phone rang again. It was Eunice. She never called at that hour. “It’s Ron. I think it’s a heart attack. I can’t get through to the ambulance. Can you come?” The front door was already open when Maryam stepped inside. Ron was sprawled on the
China
Christmas morning, 1992. Shibalidian, south-west Beijing. The factory should have been finished months earlier. Instead, half-built walls stood in the snow, surrounded by unused materials. Mr Li assured us everything was progressing according to plan. That was the moment I realised we were not managing the same project.