Straight Commission

Frank Cusco is a travelling salesman, working straight commission. No safety nets, no guarantees, but potentially high rewards. He believes in honest effort and in even more honest relationships in his business, but finds out that life on the road is often a savage place, where rules can move, change, or even disappear along the highways, stainless steel manufacturing presses, or corporate politics. His nemesis is a product of this ugly environment, and when the two finally meet, there may or may not be anyone around to hear that tree fall.

Frank Cusco is a travelling salesman, working straight commission. No safety nets, no guarantees, but potentially high rewards. He believes in honest effort and in even more honest relationships in his business, but finds out that life on the road is often a savage place, where rules can move, change, or even disappear along the highways, stainless steel manufacturing presses, or corporate politics. His nemesis is a product of this ugly environment, and when the two finally meet, there may or may not be anyone around to hear that tree fall. Within, and around this conflict are a cast of characters including immigrant laborers, a grizzled coyote whose own profession keeps his wits as deadly as rattlesnake venom. A skydiving computer genius on a mission of revenge, while mending a broken heart. In search of love and fulfillment, a beautiful young woman manages the minefield of emotional joys and betrayals. All the while, under the auspices of two very self-aware birds of prey.

Matthew J. Cahan has worked as a straight commission salesman in the manufacturing industry both domestically and internationally for over twenty years. He lives in St. Louis, MO. This is his first novel.