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I don’t bother to eavesdrop, assured that I’ll be invited in. A moment later, the woman returns.
“Mr. Richmond will see you now.”
“Thank you. I appreciate your help.”
She smiles, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “My pleasure.”
I walk around the wall and through the large metal door to what must be his office since there’s nothing else in this hall. The man is behind another massive metal desk, clicking on a keyboard, and ignoring me. He seems to be on the shorter side, nearly swallowed up by the too large furniture of his office. After a moment, he glances up at me, and with an annoyed huff, sits back in his seat, gesturing for me to sit.
“I’m curious what you want with me, Mr. Toussaint, but I have a feeling it has something to do with Mr. Landon.”
“You’re very smart, Mr. Richmond.” I sit in a leather chair across from his desk. “I understand you may be under the wrong assumption about your business partner.”
“He’s not my partner. He wants me to invest. You’re here to tell me why I shouldn’t?”
“I am. You may be unaware that he’s mortgaged to the hilt and very close to defaulting with the local bank. His business is failing.”
“I’m told it’s because you’ve brought in competing businesses from New Onyx.”
Before I can object, he continues.
“However, I haven’t been able to find proof of that claim.”
“That’s because there isn’t any. While it is true that I have brought in new business, none of it is in direct conflict with his. Garrett’s concept is outdated. Older people used his travel services but obviously the internet exists now, and those same older people are either dying or getting younger relatives to book travel.”
Richmond nods, watching me with steepled hands. “He tells me he’s reinventing and offering exclusive packages with some partners. He said he can show a profit by next month.”
“He’s lying. I have it on good authority that he plans to fake those documents. Out of his own mouth when he thought no one was listening.”
Richmond’s face tenses. “I had my doubts. He has a snake oil salesman vibe about him.”
“Unfortunately, it’s far worse. He’s terrible for Neubrook. As mayor, he drove the city into the ground, and I’m there to clean it back up. Giving him money is the worst thing you could do. Not only will you lose it, but he’ll make a fool of you. He’ll name-drop all over town that he’s your partner. Your name will be associated with his.”
“And your motivation for warning me?”
“I have a vested interest in the success of Neubrook. I’ve invested my own time and money into bringing it back to where it should be. I want his building. As it is, he only uses one floor of it, and he’s down to two employees who are part of his own family.”
Richmond studies me for a moment before nodding. “I believe you, but his offer interested me because I want a part of Neubrook. I see good things happening there. Because of you.”
“And Maren George, the mayor. It’s also full of good people who deserve a nice place to live. They’ve been working to improve things too. I’m setting up a scholarship fund to help with home and building improvements.”
“What kinds of investment opportunities do you have planned?”
A smile pulls at my lips as I realize this just went in an even better direction than I intended. “My ultimate goal is to entice young professionals to either stay or come back from New Onyx or Clearbrook. I have plans to create mixed-use buildings, retail, and luxury apartments. Garrett’s building is in a prime area that would be perfect.”
Richmond nods. “Then let me make you an offer, Mr. Toussaint. Based on my research, his building is worth about five million. Obviously, converting them to high-end housing and retail would greatly increase the value. What if…” He pauses, grabbing a notebook from his drawer and scribbling some numbers. “Okay. I buy the building for five, and put up forty percent of construction costs. In return, I get a retail space for a phone store and the building name, Oscala.”
“Generous offer. What does your equity look like?”
“Sixty-forty. You maintain all control. All I ask is inclusion in the design to make sure it lives up to the Oscala name.”
“And you’ll publicly announce your plans and partnership with me?”
“Press releases and a conference if you want.”
Standing, I extend my hand. “Deal.”
Sean Richmond stands, shaking my hand. “Excellent. I’ll inform Mr. Landon that I’ve had a better offer.”
