Richard has definitely earned himself a bonus for this one.
He picked up his phone, dealing out once more using his secure line. The solicitor picked up immediately.
“You’ve seen it, then,” Richard Mwangi said, his tone light. “I thought that would be a pleasant surprise.”
“Indeed it is. Put in an offer. I don’t care what it takes. I want that property.”
“I already took the liberty of making inquiries, and they named the price they’d accept for a cash purchase and a quick closing. They’re asking four hundred thousand.”
“Add on another fifty and get the paperwork moving today.”
“I’ll make the call as soon as we hang up,” the solicitor promised. “As for the other paperwork, my clerk is finishing that up now. I’ll have it ready when promised. In fact, I can bring it by around seven tonight, if you wish. Emma and I have reservations at Deluxious for dinner at seven-thirty.”
“I’ll be expecting you, and dinner is on me.”
“That’s very generous of you,” Richard murmured.
“You’ve earned it. See you tonight at seven.” He disconnected the call just as a knock sounded on his door. Knowing it had to be Ollie, he called for him to enter.
“I have the book you requested, sir,” Ollie said, holding up an e-reader. “I’m sorry for the delay, I had to wait for Jamal to deliver a secure device with the book in question sideloaded and first he had to unlock the boy’s phone.” He strode over and placed the device onto Ishmael’s desk. “It’s the first book in a series, so I had the rest of the series also loaded onto it.”
“Excellent. Thorough as always,” Ishmael murmured. “Your parents have reservations at Deluxious for seven- thirty. Please make sure the meal is comped and includes a bottle of champagne.” Today’s pending property purchase was worthy of celebration. “And a cake,” he added, his memory calling forth another important detail, also worthy of celebration. “I believe it is their anniversary.”
Ollie beamed. “Yes, sir. Their twenty-ninth.”
Ishmael grinned. “Honeymoon baby.’
“I was indeed,” Ollie laughed.
“See that an appropriate card is picked up, along with a gift card.”
“Mum was eyeing a new set of Japanese ceramic knives at John Lewis,” Ollie offered helpfully.
“Give enough to buy those and one of those colour coded chopping boards in a stand. The ones that were in the window display at Christmas.”
Ollie beamed. “She’ll love that.”
Ishmael gave him a wry grin. They both knew Richard wouldn’t get a look in on how the gift card was spent. “Comp a bottle of your father’s favourite gin as well.”
“Thank you, sir. Also, Jamal asked me to inform you that some of Kris’ co-workers have asked where he’s gone off to. A Lorraine Donaldson has been particularly curious.”
“Let it get around that after a chance encounter, I invited Kris to join me for a private lunch and that it’s gone over.” He picked up the e-reader, turning the device on while his change of attention singled a dismissal. He trusted his staff, though that didn’t stop him from checking important details were correct. The device was indeed now incapable of connecting to the internet. He eyed the book titles curiously, noting his boy enjoyed high fantasy adventure.
“Yes, sir.” Ollie turned on his heel and left.
“Your book,” he said, turning to gaze down at Kris who now was blearily staring at the soda in his hand. He held out the e-reader.
“An Oasis?” Kris asked, sounding surprised. “You just had one laying around?”
“Do you want it?” Ishmael pulled it away. The boy needed to learn not to ask questions.
“Sorry, yes. I just was surprised, is all.” Kris held out his hand. Ishmael gave him the device and gestured for the soda.
“You don’t want to spill it or have it get knocked over,” he said smoothly. Kris handed it over. Ishmael noted the weight of the can; it was over half empty. Between the book, the silence as Ishmael worked, and the drug, Kris would soon be in la la land.
