He’d known this job would be messy when he had been assigned it. But now... it was going to be a clusterfuck.
Chapter10
Aleks followed the maître d’to a table tucked back in the corner of the restaurant. Located on the top floor of one of Seattle’s skyscrapers, the high-end eatery was known for both fine dining and the spectacular views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Unfortunately, given the location of the table, he wouldn’t have the chance to enjoy the vistas.
“Your dining companion, Mr. St. John.” The maître d’ gave a short bow, then smoothly stepped away, leaving Aleks alone with Killian St. John.
“Thank you for meeting me, Mr. St. John. I’m Aleksander Lind.” Aleks extended his hand.
St. John took it with a firm grip. “Your request intrigued me, Mr. Lind. And that was before I started receiving calls from other investors.” He released the handshake and gestured to the seat near Aleks’s hip.
Aleks hid a grimace—he hadn’t expected discretion from the people he’d met with yesterday and today—but he’d hoped for it, nonetheless. He took his seat, studying Killian St. John while he did so.
The other man was a key investor in the Tremaine Corporation. His family had invested when the company was just starting out and their wealth had grown exponentially in the decades since. Although he was dressed in a deceptively simple suit, Aleks knew that it probably cost more than he made in a month.
The moment they were both seated, a waiter appeared as if out of nowhere, offering them menus. Aleks took his with a nod of thanks.
“Your usual, Mr. St. John?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“And for you, sir?”
“Coffee, please. With cream and sugar,” Aleks added.
St. John leaned back in his chair, one arm draped casually over the back. He embodied the image of a wealthy, bored dilettante, but Aleks recognized the intelligence in his gaze. This was not a man to underestimate. His next words proved that true.
“I understand the Solveig Consortium is interested in acquiring shares of the Tremaine Corporation.”
Yes, St. John had definitely spoken with the other investors.
“My employers are always on the lookout for investment opportunities,” Aleks replied. This wasn’t the first such “negotiation” he’d completed for the company.
St. John’s lips curled in a hint of a smile. “And I’m sure this has nothing to do with Dizzie’s sudden appearance on the scene.”
Aleks studied the other man, contemplating the best way to answer. The intelligence dossier on him had primarily identified him as an investor who preferred a hands-off approach. But St. John was a longtime friend of Portia Tremaine and her late husband. And he was now the serious boyfriend of Dizzie, the missing Solveig granddaughter. Which Killian St. John was he talking to right now?
Taking a chance that he was talking to the boyfriend, Aleks said, “Yes, she’s definitely a consideration. The Solveigs would like to ensure that she’s taken care of in the future.” Aleks put just enough emphasis on those last words to convey their dismay about how she had been treated in the past.
St. John opened his mouth, then closed it, when the waiter reappeared by their table with their drinks. “Thank you, Michael.”
“You’re welcome, Mr. St. John.” The waiter beamed at the recognition. “Are you ready to order?”
Aleks hadn’t even thought to look at the menu yet—hell, he hadn’t even been sure he’d get lunch—but the other man beat him to the punch. “Bring us two of the chef’s specials.” He glanced at Aleks. “Any allergies, Lind?”
When Aleks shook his head, St. John confirmed the order. As the waiter disappeared, he said, “You really can’t come to Si’ahl and not have the salmon.”
“I appreciate the tip.” While St. John wasn’t treating him as an enemy, there was no sense in antagonizing the other man.
Aleks took advantage of the lull in service to present his case. “As I mentioned in my initial call, I represent the Solveig Consortium. The consortium is looking to expand their presence in the North American market and believes that acquiring the Tremaine Corporation is a good first start.” Aleks knew the plan sounded ridiculous—Tremaine was at least twice the size of the consortium—but he had his orders.
St. John studied Aleks over the rim of his glass, but said nothing.
Aleks plowed on with his sales pitch. This wasn’t his strength, but he turned up his charm. “With the two companies combined, the Solveig Consortium will become the preeminent player in the medical–industrial complex.”
Lowering his glass to the table, St. John asked, “How many investors have taken your offer?”
Aleks kept his gaze steady. “That’s confidential.”
