“Sounds like a larger bank or even a medium-sized one could come in and buy it out,” Jose suggested.
“As in a takeover?” Kairo asked.
“No, not really. If the bank is struggling because of its clientele, then a larger bank would be seen as a savior of sorts,” Jose replied.
“It would only be viewed as a savior if the new bank allowed it to continue operating as is. That way they can continue to serve the community of farmers,” Mauro said.
“Yes, the farmers need the equipment to continue their work. Farming is imperative for the survival of the community,” Rafael declared.
I quickly tried to recall the demographics and poverty rate of Piaui. They couldn’t absorb higher rates that a corporation could impose.
“The poverty rate for Piaui is already close to thirty percent. The farmers need to be able to obtain affordable financing,” I said while I kept my eyes on the doorway to the hall.
“This could be a multi-tiered financial opportunity,” Jose began. Mauro and Rafael immediately balked at what Jose was getting at. “No, no, hear me out. Let’s say a larger, more stable bank steps in to relieve the burden on the small bank in Piaui. They charge the farmers anywhere from an extra percent to a percent and a half on all new loans.”
“Jose, those farmers can’t afford anything else,” Mauro quickly said.
Jose pointed to Mauro and said, “Exactly.” I glanced at the others who were all silent. “The farmers default on their loans, the land goes back to the bank, and they in turn auction it off. An energy company comes in and buys up the defaulted farming land and builds wind energy farms on it,” Jose explained.
“And what happens to the farmers and community?” Kairo asked quietly.
“They can perhaps work at the wind farm,” Jose said nonchalantly.
“Absolutely not,” I said.
“Will, sometimes good people have to pay their bills, you know.” Jose’s tone was laced with sarcasm.
“A few things. One, sometimes good companies and corporations need to put people and communities before their wallet. Two, we—as in the Reges Dei—can do better than scheme up a plan to dupe hard working farmers in an impoverished country to default on loans and to seize a small bank. Three, I don’t care for your tone. And four, we’re here as guests to meet and welcome the incoming Omnia students. This conversation is over,” I said.
“Apologies, Will,” Jose said. “I meant no disrespect.” Jose faced the other men and nodded. “I apologize, gentlemen. Enjoy your evening.” Jose walked toward a small group of professors and began chatting with them.
“Mauro, Rafael, email me the details on this bank in Piaui. My bank can get them some funding to help them stabilize.” I paused when I saw Ryder enter the lounge. He didn’t look well. Certainly not like a young man who’d just experienced a good time. He kept his head down as he made his way through the lounge and exited to the main hallway. I turned my attention back to Mauro, Rafael, and Kairo. “I’ll look for your email next week. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
Abandoning the Kings in the lounge, I headed into the hallway and looked around for Ryder. I told myself that I wouldn’t engage with him again this evening since I’d already talked to him earlier about music. Even that conversation hadn’t been planned, but I hadn’t been expecting Atlas to have found me someone so enticing as Ryder. Tonight was the first time I’d laid eyes on him, and I was quite possibly addicted already.
As long as I knew Ryder made it back to Atlas, I could follow up with him tomorrow. I walked by the dining room and looked in. Atlas and Louis were still seated at the table, talking overcoffee. I could have told him to go find Ryder, only I elected to go find Ryder myself.
Being already at the end of the hallway and knowing he hadn’t doubled backed, the only possible place for him to have gone was outside. I walked to the door that was slightly ajar next to the orchestra and stepped outside. The grounds were prepared for guests with plenty of lights and heat lamps. I looked around as I walked down the steps from the house and spotted Ryder crouched and leaning against a planter at the farthest part of the yard.
He kept his back to the house and was oblivious to me being there. He raised his head a little to spit beyond the planter and then lowered his head again. In the moonlight, the back of his hair glistened.Was his hair wet? Was he sweating?I tilted my head to try to get a good look at the front of him. The tips of his hair in the front appeared damp as well. When he spit again, a string of saliva clung to his lips. From my suit pocket I pulled out my handkerchief and stepped closer.
20
Ryder
December
Desperate to get outside to some cooler air, I hurried through the lounge and kept my head down. I didn’t want to speak to anyone, and I didn’t want to risk anyone seeing my face.
With each step I took, memories came flooding in of Roger and his truck. Memories that I obviously never wanted to think about again.How had I forgotten it for all those years?
When I reached the orchestra, blotches of spots clouded my vision, and I didn’t bother raising my head to look at the musicians. The soft sounds of the gentle music did nothing to settle my upset stomach. If I didn’t get outside and away from the heat of these rooms, I was going to pass out. I pushed open the door leading outside, and once the cold air hit me, I exhaled loudly.
I needed to move away from the door and out from under any curious eyes. I didn’t want to talk to anyone right now, let alone be seen. As I walked across the large courtyard, I gathered all thesaliva in my mouth and spit in the bushes. The dinner I’d eaten was doing cartwheels in my stomach as pieces of memories from my past assaulted me.
I reached the opposite side of the courtyard, and there wasn’t anywhere else for me to go. I crouched beside a planter box and opened my mouth, ready for the vomit to come, though it never did.
“So fucking pathetic, Ryder,” I mumbled and then spit again. “You can’t even fucking barf.”
