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"Couple of days. Maybe a week.
After spending a few days in Nassau, Black met Martin in
Freeport for their meeting with the Chinese and the Cubans.
"Martin Marshall to see Huang Chang." Scotty, Martin’s right-hand man said. And the man stepped aside to allow them to enter. When they entered the suite, two men and a very attractive woman all rose to their feet.
"Mr. Marshall," one of the men said and extended his hand. "I am Huang Chang. This is my associate, Wei Jiang. My assistant Mei Ai Bao and you have already met Xiang Yong. He is, how you say—my bodyguard," Chang said and each bowed slightly.
"This is my associate Mike Black. You’ve already met Scotty, and this is Mr. Black’s bodyguard, Kevon Bailey."
The meeting was a success. The group decided to move forward and make an investment in Cuba, while Martin used his position to influence American foreign policy. But there was one person at the meeting who was not happy with the decision. His name was Maximino Cristóbal. He felt strongly that the group should invest in oil development in Cuba instead of sugar-based ethanol.
Chang had just returned from his trip to Cuba and was anxious to get together with Black to discuss the details of their venture.
"To be honest with you, Chang, I was making plans to get off the island before you called," Black told Chang. There was a hurricane reported to be heading for the island, and he wanted to be gone before it hit. "Why don’t we get together when we get back to New York? This way Martin will be able to sit in with us."
"Here is the situation. I spoke with Cristóbal several times while I was in Cuba. He is still here on the island. He still feels that we should make an investment in oil development."
"I understand that. It puts him in a better position financially. But we all agreed. Oil is not where the future is."
"And that is still my position. That has not changed. As you said, when the oil is gone it’s gone. You can always grow more sugar cane."
"Exactly," Black said. "So if that’s the case, why are we even talking about oil?"
"I only agreed to speak with him as a courtesy to Clemente Eustaquio. As I said, Clemente is a trusted old friend, whom I have done business with for years."
"I can understand that."
"I assure you that we will take care of our business and be off the island long before the storm approaches."
"So when does he want to get together?"
"This afternoon over lunch, so please bring your associate with you. Martin tells me that she is quite charming, in addition to being very beautiful."
Black looked at CeCe who was sitting across from him packing. "She is that and so much more."
"After that, I am leaving the island going back to New York on my private jet. I would be honored if you would join me."
"I accept your most gracious offer."
"Excellent. My limousine will pick you up at your hotel at noon."
"We’ll be ready."
The meeting was to be held at a house in McLean’s Town, which was about forty kilometers outside of Freeport. It was the farthest settlement on the east end of the island that could be reached by two roughly paved roads. The winds were stronger on that side of the island as the storm approached much faster than anyone had anticipated.
When they got to the house, lunch was served and afterwards, Black, Chang and Cristóbal went into another room to talk. Kevon, CeCe and Chang’s assistant, Mei Ai Bao were asked to wait along with two of Cristóbal’s men. Xiang Yong, Chang’s bodyguard waited outside along with another one of Cristóbal’s men.
"Cuba has been oil hunting for decades, and their attempts have not always been successful," Chang began as they entered the room.
"This is true," Cristóbal said and took a seat behind his desk in front of the French doors. "However, as you know, with discovery of oil field’s revealed within five miles of Cuba’s northern coast, we expect yields which could excess forty percent of Cuba’s total production," Cristóbal said.
"How much is that?" Black asked.
"Roughly seventy-five thousand barrels a day of heavy crude. Oil companies from China have already begun talks with Cuban energy officials about investments in deep-water operations."
"I am well aware of this fact, Cristóbal," Chang said and looked impatiently at his watch.
