"An algorithm, hmm?" Arpad scratches his chin. "You know, people have been trying forever to get in on that."
I nod.
"And you’re sure this algorithm is going to work?" Edward looks between us.
Both Saint and I glance at each other, then I turn to face our friends. "It’s a good starting point. Like everything, it will learn and adjust as we deal. And get smarter."
"And make you more money?" Weston teases.
"That’s the plan." I hold up my hand and Saint high fives me.
"So," I glance about the room, "you wankers in or out?"
"In the company?" Edward asks.
I frown. "What else have we been talking about all this time?"
"I’m in," Arpad nods, "provided I get shares in the company."
"Five percent," I retort. "You get five percent of the shares."
Arpad laughs, "We split 7A seven ways."
"Ten percent." I thrust out my chest.
"Fourteen-point-two-nine percent for each of us." Arpad folds his arms across his chest.
I glare at Saint who jerks his chin.
I scowl at Arpad. "Done. We Seven will co-own the company, invest equally, share in the profits," I glance around the room, "and the losses." I peruse the faces of each of my friends in turn. "How does that sound?"
"Count me in," Damian calls from his perch on the barstool. "Considering I have no idea where my career’s headed, this one’s a solid bet for me." He adds, "Not that I trust your instincts or anything, you get me?"
"Of course, not." I jerk my chin at him, then turn to the others. "Well?" I ask. "What about you guys?"
"It's worth a shot." Weston shifts closer.
Baron blows out a breath, "Much as I hate to admit it, when it comes to making money, you two are the best brains in the business, and I deal with only the best."
"Of course, you do." I hold up my palm and Baron high fives it.
"And you?" I turn to Edward. "What do you think?"
"I’m on my way to becoming a man of God."
"Men of God have to live too. You can be a silent partner; the proceeds from the investment can be put into your trust fund, to be used as you deem fit."
Edward’s brow crinkles. He rolls his shoulders, "I’m not su?—"
"Imagine all the good you can do with it, Father?"
He hesitates.
"All those souls you can save," Saint interjects. "And you know it’s going to take money to do good, don’t you?"
Edward blows out a breath, "Much as I hate to admit it, you are right. I could do much with it, to support the rightcauses." He glances around the assembled faces, then nods toward me, "I’m in."
"That’s bloody brilliant." I hold up my hand and Edward high fives me.
