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“That’s only fair.” I picked up the folder with all our company assets and the numbers I had been crunching for months, and handed it over to him. He was getting an inside look at our financial reports, which could be a very dangerous business move, but one I couldn’t afford not to take. As he studied the pages, I continued. “I am asking for the current value of the company and not a dime more.”
His eyebrows raised at that. “Not the projected value of the company?”
“No, sir.”
“Why? There has to be something you’re not sharing with me.”
“I promise you, all our assets are in good standing. The reason I ask for the current value is that I am asking to retain shares in the company.”
He nodded and continued to look through the paperwork. “You forget that my business is not nearly as profitable as your own. Why would you assume I have the funds to buy the company from you?”
I smirked at him. “You do. I also have a report on your own finances. While it would cost you everything you have to buy this company, you would instantly come into wealth beyond that. Your company wouldn’t suffer for it.”
He flipped the folder closed and rested it on his knee, staring at me. “James, I’m going to be honest with you…It’s a decent deal, one that I should jump on.”
“But?”
“You’re offering me ownership in a company, but asking for more shares than I’m willing to give. You have a board in place that I know nothing of.”
“Those are still details we have time to work through.”
I could hear the desperation in my voice, and so could he. I could be a shrewd businessman seven days a week, but this was about more than business. My family and life were on the line. I could feel freedom so close, yet slipping through my fingers. He wasn’t going to take the deal.
“I’m sorry, James. At this time, it’s too big a risk. Even with all I stand to gain, there are too many uncertainties.”
I stood, knowing the meeting was over. “I appreciate your time, Mr. Fletcher, and your discretion.”
He nodded and took my hand, giving it a stiff shake. I sat back down and turned to the wide expanse of windows as he walked out. I was so close to getting our freedom, but I needed something bigger, something that would catch his attention and force him to enter into a deal with me. It had to be him. I’d been over all other possible buyers, and he was the only man I trusted to keep any potential deals to himself while we worked through everything. I would just have to keep looking. There had to be something out there that would entice him to buy the company.
* * *
“Sir,you need to leave now so you’re not late for the gala.”
Sighing, I shoved back my chair and grabbed my jacket off the back of the chair. “What’s this gala for?” I asked Alisha.
“Autism Awareness.”
The gala was for a good cause, but I couldn’t say I was excited to go to this. If I could get away with just sending a check, I would do that in a heartbeat.
“Have you called Rose to remind her?”
She didn’t answer right away, and when I looked up, she looked downright uncomfortable. “I did call, but…”
“But what?”
“She wasn’t answering, sir.”
Letting out an aggravated sigh, I walked around my desk and headed for the door. “Thank you, Alisha. Will you be there tonight?”
“Yes,” she said, following behind me. “I assumed you would want me there to help you navigate the crowd.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
I stopped and turned to Alisha, glancing around the empty office. “Alisha, I am grateful that you’ve kept…certain things to yourself.”
“You never have to ask me. I work for you, not the company.”
Giving her a slight smile, I continued. “If I can succeed in my plans, I would be very grateful if you would accompany me on my next venture.”
