Read the entire strip at adrianruyle.com. Select menu item: “media”.  Click “Washington”

“Ah, so it’s all about the prestige of the dish!” thought Henri.  “Then all is not lost!  I may have a veritable nuclear option here — the ultimate dish HE CAN’T REFUSE!”

“Read your contract, loser,” snarled his boss.  “There is an exclusivity clause that forbids your working for anyone else for five years.”

“If you ever thought about anyone but yourself, Henri, you would realize I have the Triumph family reputation to maintain.  Triumph Enterprises must project an aura in every respect of absolute luxe.  Sure, I pose with hamburgers to fool the voting proles.  But the right people must always see me at the very pinnacle of the food chain, eating food no one else can even dream of eating.  So it’s business.  Nothing personal.”

“Quel bouleversement!” ejaculated Henri in his native tongue, shocked to be sacked on such short notice.

He could not believe this was happening, after years of faithful service, and considering his perfection of gastronomic esoterica.  What was he to do?

15

The disaster’s assets and liabilities taken care of, Mr.Triumph focused his executive attention on cleaning up minor details –  like HR.

“No more aardvarks, Henri,” he announced.  “So no more Henri.  You’re fired!!“