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“Unfortunately, it was unavoidable. It isn’t often I’m forced to search for an associate who’s decided to open a business using my products. Please. Join me for a scotch.”
While I wasn’t accustomed to drinking in the middle of the day, it was his attempt at offering an olive branch. I nodded after a few seconds, glancing toward my Capo before returning to the table. I couldn’t trust the Colombian. It could prove useful to remove a member of the Montenegro family, although he had to be aware if he did, he’d face the hand of God.
Sanchez snapped his fingers at a waiter who’d appeared out of the shadows. That was all that was necessary for the young man to scramble out of sight, preparing the man’s order.
He sat down with flair, as if the restaurant belonged to him. I waited until he was in position before easing onto the chair, immediately pushing it away from the table and crossing my legs. While this was a formal meeting, I didn’t want to give the wrong impression that I gave a shit. While I didn’t enjoy getting into bed with what could turn out to be an enemy under any circumstances, doing so would allow us to keep an eye on his activities.
“Have you considered my offer?” he asked after lighting up a cigar, the fact the restaurant didn’t allow smoking meaning nothing to him.
“I have.”
“And?”
I waited until the drinks were brought to the table before answering. “Two million. No more.”
He’d asked for three. His smile indicated he’d expected my counter. “You drive a hard bargain, Mr. Montenegro.”
“I’m in a position to do so. Our purchase is a courtesy extended to increase your reputation and nothing more.” I swirled the glass, my thoughts once again drifting to the stunning brunette, my cock immediately twitching. Why did she have such a strong effect on me? I refused to take my eyes off the man having full knowledge of his reputation and his methods. He would just as soon slit my throat as to enter into the proposed contract. I was prepared for him to make an attempt. I’d enjoy cutting him into ribbons.
He sat back, studying me intently. “Two point five.”
I merely took a swig of my drink. While he might like to consider this a negotiation, I would walk away and not regret my decision. Providing recreational drugs for high paying clients was a perk of our business, but a low percentage of the family profits. We provided a service for a price in addition to gaining leverage over influential people who lived a supposedly legitimate lifestyle.
Everyone had something to hide, a darkness inside of them that provided ammunition.
“You are exactly like your father,” he said almost in retort to my silence.
Very few people had ever compared me to my father, especially since he and I had never been that close. What his statement told me was that he wasn’t prepared to start a war that would leave far too many casualties. “There are men who would disagree with you.”
Sanchez laughed, never taking his eyes off me. “Arrogant and confident. I did business with your father many years ago. He taught me many things about keeping my head while choosing my next business move.”
An interesting comment.
He had done business with my old man in another life prior to the use of social media and electronic communications. These face-to-face meetings were rarely necessary, although Sanchez had insisted. My brother was right. Either the comment regarding someone setting up business with his product was true, or he was here for other meetings, a larger push to get further into the country. Keeping an eye on him would be prudent.
“My father had his way. I have mine. Games aren’t included. What’s your answer, Sanchez? I have other business to attend to.”
He puffed on his cigar for a full twenty seconds before nodding to his soldier. “I find your deal acceptable.” As the soldier approached, he opened a briefcase, prepared to offer me a taste. Either the Colombian was foolish or had balls the size of cantaloupes. I waved my hand, narrowing my eyes.
“Not necessary. We will learn to trust one another. I need nothing more than your account number and the money will be wired once the product has arrived. I will, of course, be sending ten percent immediately as a gesture of good will.”
He seemed irritated I didn’t take his offer. That left me with the impression he had a plan of betrayal prepared, which could include having me arrested. Why put himself at that kind of risk? He reined in his anger, nodding to his soldier a second time. When a business card was produced, the man simply slid it across the table. “As I said. You drive a hard bargain.”
“Status quo,” I answered. I didn’t bother looking at the card before sliding it into my pocket. “When can I expect shipment?”
I’d learned to read people. The very slight twitch of his right eye indicated he had an issue. I’d known all along the Coast Guard was working closely with the DEA, cracking down on vessels attempting to bring drugs in from foreign waters, which was why we weren’t handling transactions directly. I did wonder if the incident he mentioned had anything to do with his hesitation.
“A matter of days.”
“Not good enough, Sanchez. I will need the date to confirm transportation.”
His irritation was turning into raw anger. “One week from today.”
He’d pulled the date out of his ass to appease me. “Then I’ll enjoy a few additional days in town. One week, Sanchez,” I told him as I stood, peering over the table with a smile on my face. “Not one day more.” Before leaving I had another sip of scotch, enjoying the flavor, although it didn’t come close to quenching my thirst. “Thank you for your hospitality. And there’s one more thing. Don’t fuck with me on this. I’d hate to be forced into making a visit to your beautiful city.”
He glared at me although there was amusement in his eyes. He obviously didn’t know what I was made of.
I should be happy about the deal. Sadly, my instincts told me there was a significant issue I’d be forced to deal with. Not a problem. As I walked out, I realized the only thing that would soothe my parched throat was a taste of her.
