CHAPTER 14
The Mechanic was quick to arrive at the new production warehouse and genuinely excited by the prospect of renovating the older facility. He had completed work for the Headman and his legions before so, he was familiar with some of their immediate needs. This warehouse had previously served as a packaging and distribution center for Bacro Industries but was shut down back in 2005 to recoup some of the financial losses. The floorplan was open and efficiently arranged to capitalize on square footage. Electrical outlets and compressed air lines could easily be retrofitted and brought up to code. New truck lifts and conveyor belts would need to be brought in and installed, but overall the project could be completed with minimal downtime. There was no better candidate to accomplish the task at hand than the Mechanic.
Over the years, he had completed private jobs for everyone from the federal government to the Mexican cartels. No matter his employer, the Mechanic was meticulous, inconspicuous and efficient. The services he provided were legendary, and his reputation was unmatched. He had no favorites, and could not be bribed to conspire against other previous or prospective employers.
“I am quite pleased that you could make it here in such a short time, did you have any issues finding the place?”
The Headman was always a gracious host and knew the value of his field operatives and specialists. He produced a humidor from his inside coat pocket and offered his guest a fine Cuban cigar.
“Thank you, sir, but I’ll pass for now. Finding the place was a breeze, and your gate attendants are to be commended for their dedication and thoroughness. I am really quite eager and excited to see what I’m working with here. You know that I greatly enjoy being able to set up and outfit these kinds of distribution centers. Will this also be where your product is synthesized, or will that be at a different locale?”
“All in due time my gear-headed friend. I have a laboratory offsite where the synthesis is currently taking place, but if possible, I wouldn’t mind having all my eggs in one basket. There is an empty room in the back that my men are currently clearing out as your private quarters. This area here.” He motioned to the open area across from the parked vehicles. “Needs to be set up as our distribution hub. Most of the conveyor belts are torn up or missing, and are in dire need of replacement or repair.”
The Mechanic scanned the area while jotting down some notes on a pad.
“I can have this all functional in a matter of a day provided we’re not changing the conveyor pathways.”
“I want it to be efficient and requiring minimal man-hours.”
The man took some more notes and snapped a couple photos with his cell phone.
“Give me a couple hours and I’ll have a new floor plan available for your approval. What about the area along the wall?”
“I would like to turn that into an auto repair shop. I will need several drive-on truck racks and a couple of above ground electric lifts. You know more than I do on this matter. I would like a space to ensure that my delivery trucks remain maintained. I have a lot of talent within my ranks and can’t afford to be sending out my trucks to the local tire shop when all of that can be done here.”
He flipped a page and continued his notes on the next page.
“The other side of the facility needs to be outfitted with machinery to package our wares for worldwide shipping.”
The Mechanic scribbled down a few more notes before replying. He then noticed the railroad tracks installed into the floor.
“What about the steel rails? Staying or going?
“I’m thinking they may be of some future value, but let’s not break the bank. Of more importance, I need the cellar area beneath us outfitted in order to produce firearms and ammunition. How long do you think you will need to get it all done?”
He paused for a moment to write down some calculations on his notepad while visually surveying the area.
“I will need to take a better look around outside but it should be a piece of cake. Let me make a couple of phone calls to check on the availability of some items. I would wager that I could have you up and running within ten days time. I may, however, need to get a couple of my associates in here to assist me.”
The Headman narrowed his eyes a bit.
“I asked for you alone. I cannot provide much at this point beyond your regular payment. If you should choose to bring in others, you’ll be responsible for paying them out of your pocket.”
The Mechanic seemed unphased by the proclamation and shrugged.
“I have made sure that there are at least a dozen mechanically-trained soldiers available on site, and at your full disposal. They will answer to only you and I until completion of the project.”
The Mechanic considered his employer’s words then nodded in agreement.
“That will do nicely sir. If that’s the case, then I should only require input from two of my other trusted associates. It should all work out quite well. So, would you like to introduce me to these recruits? I am quite eager to get this project started.”
The Headman reached into his coat pocket to retrieve a pager. After pressing the call button, the two men waited no more than a minute as twelve Headhunter troopers assembled before them.
“Gentlemen, you will be reporting directly to the Mechanic for the next week. Whatever tasks he assigns you, are to be completed as if the order came directly from me. Are there any questions?”
The twelve all saluted their leader, then turned to their new field commander and did the same.
“They’re all yours. Oh, one more thing. I am in dire need of a new office. You are already familiar with my preferences. I will meet with you up above in say...twenty minutes? So we can further discuss.”
“Absolutely, I will make that my top priority.”
The outlandishly dressed Headman smiled as he walked off in the direction of his temporary private office.
The tall, burly man was quick in his critique of the assets left at his disposal. The twelve men stood before him at attention eagerly awaiting their orders.
“First and foremost, remove those ridiculous helmets while in my service!” The Headhunters quickly responded by taking their helmets off and holding them in their hands out in front of them. “Good, now I can actually get a look at your ugly mugs.”
With their mirrored helmets removed, the dozen appeared much less menacing. The Mechanic noticed that many of them looked like the average citizen, not some beefed up drug cartel member. Surprisingly, there were two rather plain looking women among the ranks. He found this quite odd as the Headman typically surrounded himself with male operatives. Perhaps he, like so many others, was evolving and changing his misogynistic ways.
“Okay, here’s how things are going to go down. I will need the strongest of you to move machinery, the smartest of you to supervise construction, and the most mechanically-inclined of you to assemble the needed apparatus. No one questions my judgment or speaks out of turn. I’ve been at my craft for many years, and I’m the best at what I do! Are there any questions?”
He stared them down with a smug expression plastered on his face. The Mechanic was a hulk of a man, and his muscular body and callused hands showed the telltale signs of many years of manual labor. Standing nearly 6’4,” he was by no means a diminutive man. The assembled Headhunters met his steely gaze without averting their eyes, and they all answered in unison.
“No, sir! We will make it so!”
The group promptly divided themselves up into three groups
“Well? Are we ready to get down to work or what?”
A tall gentleman from the center group spoke first.
“We three will serve as your site managers and overseers. The five individuals standing to our right are the strongest amongst us and will be responsible for any and all of the heavy lifting. While the four standing to our left is each a skilled laborer capable of handling installations and maintenance.”
The Mechanic gave each group a cursory look, took a mental note of their faces, and nodded his approval.
“Excelsior! I need the five of you to start moving the materials on the far wall over to the western one. The four of you, will need the check the conveyor belts for broken parts and compile a list of needed components. The three of you, assemble some of the others to get this area completely cleared out. I will check in with you in about an hour and give the project managers a portfolio detailing the further specifics of the job.”
“Yes, sir!”
The Mechanic was impressed by their discipline as they all sprung into action. The Headman had come a long way since his early days of pushing pills on the local street corner. If these twelve recruits were a clear representation of the Headman’s evolution as a cartel leader, he was even more eager to get down to work.
The Headman looked out over the events occurring beneath him from the confines of his elevated office. He had known the Mechanic for many years, had even regarded him as a role model, and now he was asking the same man to help further the expansion of his empire. So much had transpired in a short period of time. His rise to power had been slow and secretive. Spending years learning the tricks of the trade, and the rules of the street from some of the roughest and most influential players. In the beginning, he was a mere underling, a street rat peddling the wares of someone much higher up. Now, he had become “the man,” the one who was running it all.
He had scheduled a meeting today with one of the more unsavory individuals within his employ. Mr. Rogers would be accompanying him as his muscle, but being ever cautious, he started to consider bringing along several other Stormtroopers just to be safe. The Weasel, as many called him, had earned his name for a reason, even though not many dared to call him that to his face. The Headman cared little for the man’s overall reputation, and even less for his arrogance, but couldn’t argue with his ability to get his product into the hands of many well-paying clients. Lately though, he had been getting a little too brazen, and he needed to be paid a personal visit to not only determine his loyalty but also to remind him of his rank within the organization. He shook his head and mumbled aloud, “the problems of being the king.” He understood the value of keeping the unscrupulous and dangerous man as an ally, but if things started to go south, he would not hesitate to make an example of him. Just then, his cell phone buzzed, indicating a new text message.
Think of the devil and he shall come to a calling.
He glanced down and scrolled through the content of the text. It was a confirmation of their rendezvous. This had become quite customary in the past year. He typed a quick response consisting of a dollar sign followed by a carrot, and a skull and crossbones emoji. After sending his reply, he placed the phone back into the deep pockets of his designer slacks. He glanced at the clock hanging on the wall and contemplated video messaging his mother, but his new location did not yet have all the necessary security measures in place. It would be at least another twenty-four hours before the Mechanic and his crew installed and activated the new cloaking satellite and other security details. His only other option would be to contact her from inside his private car. He decided upon calling her during his drive out to see the Weasel later. Just then, a knock came from the office door.
Right on time. The Headman opened the door to allow the Mechanic access to the room.
“How goes everything below?”
“We are making great progress sir. So, what’s the plan for this room? It’s a bit small for the main office.”
“I agree, but it’s merely a front. My main office will need to be constructed towards the rear of the warehouse. I am imagining a faux wall with a concealed entrance. Both locations will require security cameras and an encrypted wifi signal to secure me from prying eyes and ears, especially the technological ones.”
“I understand sir. Which is why I have sent for one of my best IT operatives to meet me here tonight. I will have you firewalled tighter than a crab’s ass, and that’s watertight. Don’t worry. No one, not ever the feds, will be able to crack the server code used in this facility.”
The Headman smiled.
“This is why I keep you around. I like the way you think Mechanic. I certainly wouldn’t want any unauthorized parties snooping around in my business.”
“I aim to please, sir.”
The drug lord’s phone trilled from inside his pants pocket, the ring pattern indicated that it was from his covert contact inside of Bacro Industries. He smiled at his foresight and decision to leave the operative inside the company even after the restructuring. The text message revealed a two-part numeric code, “432-01.” The Headman recognized the first number as a location within D’Alleva’s research and development department. The second digit rated the level of importance.
“If you could excuse me Mechanic, but I have another engagement. Please let me know if anything else requires my attention.”
“Of course Sir. I’ll get started on the plans for your private offices.”
After grabbing his hat, jacket, and personal laptop, he headed out the door and down the stairs. I think I’ll go and pay the research and development department a little visit. I’m sure the good doctor won’t mind. Two of his foot soldiers standing guard at the bottom of the staircase flanked him as he crossed through the warehouse. He stopped abruptly before the rear exit door, turned around and held up his right hand to the guards.
“That will be far enough gentlemen. I have a meeting with Doctor D’Alleva and some of his scientists. I shan’t be gone long.”
The two Headhunter guards saluted their leader before returning to their previous station. The Headman jumped into his vintage Mustang and started the engine. The cars rebuilt Windsor V8 made short work of the nine hundred feet between the warehouse and the underground parking garage of the main complex. Upon pulling into the subterranean area, he continued straight and hung a right, parking in his recently created reserved spot close to the entrance. The doctor had been gracious enough to set aside a personal space for him, for just such an occasion. After exiting his car, he passed through the double glass doors into the elevator lobby. After pressing the illuminated call button, he waited patiently as the car traveled downwards to retrieve him. A bell chimed and the doors opened to reveal a new addition to the corporation’s staff, an elevator operator/security guard.
“Top of the morning to you sir.”
The Headman was a bit surprised, but it made sense to him being it was peak operating hours.
“And a good day to you kind sir, but I would say that we’re a bit closer to noon.”
The bellman glanced at his watch and nodded in agreement.
“Well, will you look at that. Time flies when you’re having fun is what I always say. Will you be going up?”
“Why yes, I am thank you.” The well-dressed gentleman stepped inside and smiled as he tipped his hat. “Twelve please.”
The lift operator paused momentarily.
“I’m sorry sir, but all visitors to Bacro Industries must first report to the reception area on the fourth floor to sign in. Once you’ve checked in, you can take the Pegasus elevator to the upper floors. New protocol.”
The Headman took a moment to assess his surroundings and noticed that the switchboard in the elevator now only showed call buttons for the first four floors and the parking garage.
“Not a problem. The fourth floor it is then Jeeves!”
The elevator operator smiled and pressed the button for the fourth floor. The car groaned a bit as it began its ascent.
“Gorgeous weather today. So, do you have an appointment?”
It was apparent to the Headman that the man was simply making polite conversation.
“No, but the CEO is a very good friend of mine. An unforeseen twist of fate has placed me in town so, I thought I’d swing by for old time’s sake.”
The security guard smiled at the response.
“I see. Well, won’t that be great? The doctor sure seems like a great guy, you two must have a lot to catch up on. Oh, before I forget. When you get out, make sure you sign in at the front desk and get a visitor’s badge. Everyone, friends included, needs one.”
The car slowed to a halt and the dual doors slid open.
“Not a problem. I’ll be sure to do that.” The well-dressed man took a step forward and exited the car.
“Hey, it was great talking with you! What was your name again?” The bellman called after him. Without turning back to face him he responded just as the elevator doors slowly closed.
“The name is Skee.”
The receptionist’s desk was a few short steps, and the woman sitting behind the counter was also a new hire.
“Good morning sir, and welcome to Bacro Industries.”
The Headman smiled at the pretty young redhead behind the desk, while nonchalantly glancing down at her name badge. She was probably in her mid-twenties and full-figured, just the type of girl he would fashion to pick up for a quick fling.
“Well good morning to you as well...Daniela is it? Such a pretty name to go with a pretty face.”
The receptionist blushed a bit as her green eyes made contact with the well dressed and manicured gentleman. He was tall and slender, standing about six feet, but at the same time, there was an underlying roughness to him. He had deep blue eyes and an attractive, rather sexy smile, that only revealed his upper, pearly white teeth. She let her eyes slip back to the computer screen in front of her, but only after cutting them rather seductively at him.
“I’m sorry---and your name is?”
The secretary giggled and bit down on the right side of her lower lip.
“My name is Charles Romley Skee, Doctor Charles Romley Skee, and before you ask, no, I do not have an appointment, but Vincent and I are old friends from the university.”
She picked up her phone and pressed the extension button for the CEO’s secretary.
“Oh hi, Vivian, it’s Daniela. Is Doctor D’Alleva available by any chance? There’s a Doctor Charles Skee here to see him, says he’s an old friend from college.”
She twirled her hair as she awaited a response from the other end of the line, keeping her eyes fixed on the attractive man standing before her, even allowing her eyes to drift downwards to examine his other--- body parts.
“Hold on a second, let me check his schedule and see where he is.”
Vivian put the receptionist on hold and buzzed the CEO on his private line. The familiar voice of her longtime employer answered on the third ring.
“Yes, Vivian. What is it?” The CEO’s voice had been more full of life as of late. The past couple of months had been fruitful, but he was still a bit uneasy when it came to phone calls and unannounced visitors. His personal secretary could completely understand his trepidation in regards to the latter.
“Hello Doctor, Daniela has an unscheduled visitor here to see you. Says his name is Doctor Charles Skee, and that the two of you attended the university together.”
Vincent took a moment to switch his computer monitor over to the streaming security footage of the receptionist area. The visitor’s well-kept appearance and lavish outfit identified him as his new benefactor and business partner.
“Charles is here? That’s wonderful. Do tell her to send him up.”
He did his best to feign excitement and not to alert Vivian of the true identity of this unannounced guest. He commended himself for not making the security camera footage accessible from her private desktop. She would know soon enough who the visitor was, but he would not give her an opportunity to sway his decision to entertain the visitor.
“Alright doctor, I will let her know.”
She disconnected from the CEO’s direct line and switched back to the receptionist.
“The doctor said you can send Doctor Skee up.” Daniela responded with a quick, “will do,” then looked up to address the visitor.
“You’re in luck! Doctor D’Alleva is available to see you now.”
She typed his name on the keyboard and a few seconds later the printer spit out a name badge.
“Here you go Mr. Skee. You’ll need to wear this beyond this point. If you could just follow me please, I’ll take you to the correct elevator.”
She stood up from behind her desk and led the Headman to the first hallway after the reception area. He couldn’t help but notice that her beauty extended well beyond her facial features. He watched as her voluptuous hips swayed effortlessly in front of him. She then used a key that was secured to a springy bracelet she wore on her wrist, to unlock the elevator’s controls.
“This elevator will take you straight up to Doctor D’Alleva’s private floor Doctor Skee.”
The elevator door opened and a few seconds later the mysterious Skee stepped inside, he turned to face her while pressing the button to hold the doors open.
“Thank you, Daniela, it was such a pleasure to meet you. I hope you’ll still be here on my way out.”
He slyly smiled and winked at her once again before removing his finger from the control button and allowing the elevator doors to close. His flirtatious actions once more caused the young woman to blush and set her heart aflutter.
“Me too.”
She managed to whisper just as the doors slid shut.
This elevator control panel was also different from his previous visit. It now had only two buttons, up and down, and only the up button was lit. He continued to take mental notes of all the recent upgrades. The doctor had clearly been making good use of his profits, investing on improvements to the exterior of the building, as well as the interior amenities. He counted the seconds it took for the car to come to a stop. Nearly ten seconds past, indicating that the elevator was clearly skipping over other floors. If his memory served him, and it usually did, the doctor’s private office was on the twelfth floor. The elevator had been reprogrammed to avoid all the floors in between, possibly as a new security measure.
The elevator doors opened, to reveal a fancy new glass entrance to Vincent D'Alleva's executive office. The Headman exited the elevator then pulled open one of the double glass doors. Upon entering, he was promptly greeted by a middle-aged Hispanic woman sitting behind a rather opulent large desk. The engraved nameplate on her desk read, “Vivian F. Alvarez.”
“Well good day to you Miss Alvarez. I’m here to see my good friend Vincent. He should be expecting me.”
He smiled and tipped his hat to her. This secretary, however, was older and more experienced than her younger counterpart working the front desk, and would not be as easily charmed. She eyed him suspiciously while taking in his rather elaborate ensemble. The man was dressed in a shiny red suit, something Santa Claus might wear if he were a couple hundred pounds lighter and planning on attending a formal Winter Gala. Under the suit jacket, he wore a silver shirt with a thin, black satin tie. Atop his head was a white fedora with a red hat band matching the color of his suit. His feet were adorned with what appeared to be white snakeskin loafers. The outfit was so outlandishly ridiculous and yet oddly enough, it worked.
“Charles I assume? I must say, that really is quite some outfit you’ve got going on there.” Her voice suggesting at a slight bit of sarcasm.
“Do you like it? I figured with the holidays fast approaching, I might give it a test run. I had it custom made by my tailor. What do you think honestly? Is it too much?”
He spun around once in order to provide her a 360-degree preview, the whole time smiling and eagerly awaiting her response. The middle-aged secretary couldn’t tell if he had been offended, or flattered by her statement. She pondered her reply for only a moment.
“No, no, I think it quite suits you. It brings out the color of your eyes.” She lied of course and feigned a smile for the outrageously dressed man. “Daniela said you knew the doctor from the university? I know most of Vincent’s former colleagues, I don’t recall him ever mentioning you. What program were you in?”
Thinking she might trip him up and catch him in a lie, she cocked her head to the left side and awaited his response. The extravagant man continued to smile, seeming completely unphased by her line of questioning.
“Vincent and I had some overlapping classes. While he went for a more traditional medical program, I majored in pharmaceuticals. One could see why we would stay in touch after all these years. Vincent and I are considering a joint venture, as I have a few clients interested in manufacturing some new products, but who are currently undecided about their processor and distributor.”
As the conversation continued, the secretary’s eyes narrowed a bit as she began to realize that this was the man who had saved the company from financial ruin, but was also currently holding her employer hostage. Feelings of rage manifested within her but knew better than to act upon them.
“I see. Well, I’m sure the two of you have a lot to discuss. Excuse me for a moment while I let him know you’re here.”
She considered buzzing for security but knew it wasn’t her call to make and instead, hit the interoffice call button The doctor answered over the intercom.
“Yes, Vivian?”
“Good morning doctor, Charles Skee is here to see you. Shall I send him in?”
As she awaited his reply, she continued to watch the unusual man as he stood patiently before her. He didn’t present himself as much of a threat, in fact, his overall physique was a bit scrawny. How could this man have so much clout? As she mulled it over in her mind, the sound of the doctor’s voice cut her thoughts short.
“Oh, that’s excellent Vivian. Could you pour two cups of coffee and show him in please?”
His reply was upbeat, while his tone indicated a level of excitement, causing Vivian to doubt the identity of the man before her, if only for a few seconds.
“Absolutely sir.”
She released the call button then looked back to the visitor.
“How do you like your coffee?”
Charles smiled widely.
“Light and sweet my dear. The same way I like my women.”
The comment caught her a bit off guard, but after a second of processing, her face took on a bit of a scowl.
“That’s interesting. I would have thought dark and bitter. No worries, I guess people are full of surprises.”
The well-dressed man never stopped smiling. In fact, he chuckled at her quip, which he could see only succeeded in offending her further. Not wanting to create any issues between himself and the woman, he quickly apologized for his off-color remark.
“Oh, I am deeply sorry Miss Alvarez. My comment was meant merely in jest, but seeing how it offended you, I now know that it was in poor taste.” He tipped his hat to her and offered an apologetic bow.
“I appreciate that and accept your apology. I never was a huge fan of that type of locker room talk, and quite honestly, it can reduce your appeal to the opposite sex.”
“Thank you, Miss Alvarez, for your sincerity. I will definitely keep that in mind for the future.”
Seeming satisfied by her statements, she finished pouring the coffee and making up the tray. Charles continued to assess her body language. She had indeed accepted his apology, and it seemed that she was warming up to him, but always the planner, he made a mental note to have this one watched at all times. He wouldn’t have anyone interfering with his plans.
Vivian turned and handed him a napkin and a cup of coffee. Her scowl had diminished and she motioned for him to follow her into the other room, but stopped once more before turning the doorknob.
“Just one more thing if I may?”
“Of course, Miss Alvarez.”
“I hope you realize that there are strict laws regarding sexual harassment in the workplace and that what you said could be construed as such. I will let this one slide because Doctor D’Alleva is your friend, but please remain mindful of this behavior in the future. I’m sure you’ve seen the news as of late. You really don’t strike me as someone who lives their life under a rock.”
He tipped his hat to her once more and tried putting on a sheepish face to feigning his shame and remorse.
“I do appreciate this Miss Alvarez, and I assure you that it will never happen again.”
She nodded and as she reached to open the door, Charles stepped forward and grasped the door handle instead.
“Please allow me, Miss Alvarez. I feel it the gentlemanly thing to do”
After opening the door, he stood off to the side and allowed her to enter first. She turned to him a bit surprised.
“Why thank you Doctor Skee, but that isn’t necessary as I am the one working and you are the guest.”
“I insist ma’am.”
Vivian conceded and with a coffee tray in hand, the two entered the office. Vincent rose from his desk in order to greet his guest.
“Good morning Charles. It’s so good to see you again!”
He reached for his coffee mug and took a sip.
“Oh thank you, Vivian, perfect as always.” Vivian nodded then turned to leave as Vincent motioned for Charles to have a seat.
“Long time employee that one is huh?” Vincent didn’t quite know how to respond. “I like her, she got chutzpah! But I don’t think she likes me too much.”
“Give her some time. She’ll warm up to you. She’s very loyal and has been with me since the company’s very beginning. Recent tragic events have made her a single mother of two. Her husband died unexpectedly just last year. The coroner said he had an opioid addiction and died from fentanyl overdose. No one knew.”
He watched for any change in the expression on his visitor’s face. Then he wondered if perhaps he had said too much about his long-time secretary.
“Oh! That is absolutely terrible. I’m sure she and I will become great friends in time. So, tell me, how are things progressing?” Vincent smiled and took another sip of his coffee.
“Things are going well. New clients are being added every day, and I have been putting some of the profit back into the facility. It really is quite amazing how everything has gotten back up to speed this past couple of months.”
“Well that’s wonderful, and it really brings me joy to know that I could do this for you. But... I was wondering if you would be so kind as to give me a tour of the research lab? I understand that we have some interesting new projects. I am very excited to see what else Bacro Industries has to offer the world beyond the realm of fertilizers.”
Vincent had wondered as to the nature of the visit, but now that he had his answer, he was even more baffled. What use could a drug dealer have for biotech?
“A tour you say? Any lab in particular?”
Vincent did not want to be rude, but at the same time he wanted to keep some projects firmly in his own control and private from the so-called, “headman in charge,” who was now referring to himself as Doctor Charles Skee.
“I was hoping that I could see all of them, but I hear there are some captivating things going on in the fourth wing. Something with organic polymers and cybernetic components. I must be honest, that stuff simply fascinates me. Especially with all the artificial intelligence and robots out there now. I sometimes feel like humans may soon be obsolete. Would you get into a self-driving cab?”
The doctor could recognize the genuine interest in the eyes of his benefactor but also knew him well enough to realize that there had to be an underlying reason for his sudden interest.
“No, those things creep me out. I also quite enjoy driving an automobile.”
“I can agree with you there. So...how’s that tour looking?”
“Well Charles, you’re in luck! My calendar is clear until three this afternoon, and I would love to show you around the facilities and get to know you a bit better. After all, we are going to be seeing more of each other and collaborating on multiple ventures.” He looked at Charles for any sign of affirmation. “Won’t we? I mean... this is still my company and you are in a sense a partner now? You said as much in our earlier meetings.”
There was an awkward silence for a few moments that was broken by Charles laughing aloud. He walked over and clapped Vincent on his shoulders and squeezed them in a massaging fashion.
“Of course my dear Vincent. Relax. What I told you in the beginning still holds. Most of the time, you will never see me, but I still want the company to remain profitable both for my sake and yours. I’m simply seeing where else we can excel in the world.”
He flashed a genuine smile and extended his right hand to shake. Vincent stared at the outstretched hand briefly then accepted it.
“So, what do you say to that tour?”
“Let me just grab my clearance card, and we can take my private elevator.”
“Excellent! I can’t wait to see what wonders the new and improved Bacro Industries has to offer.
1996-1997 set in the box.