They left in single file, with Zoe in back, heading to the office. Maxim began cutting cigar tips as Leo poured brandy. Viktor took a seat in the high wing-backed chair close to the fire.
Maxim’s office was very masculine with deep, rich red leather couches and chairs. A large ornate carved desk he claimed had once belonged to a king. Tall dark wood cabinets lined the wall surrounding the fireplace with little marble statues on the mantle.
“Leo tells me you’re hesitant about this deal. What are your reservations, Max? I figured you would want to jump at this kind of opportunity.”
Maxim handed Viktor a cigar before he took a pull of his own, then released a cloud of smoke in the air. “Is that why you came? To convince me?”
“That and to visit my friend. So why not agree to this?”
“I don’t know anything about this Diego man.”
“Agree to the meet and you can learn all you need to know.”
Maxim didn’t look so easily convinced. “What is your proposal, Viktor?” Maxim asked, taking a seat across from Viktor. Leo sat on the couch next to Viktor while Zoe opted to stand.
“It’s simple really. We’ll create a trade route from here back to the east coast. Diego has a supplier overseas that brings the shipments into the states. They get distributed from there. Half come to me, the other half to you. You sell them with your clubs and business associates.”
“What am I supposed to do about my supplier? I’ve used them for years.”
“This is the deal, my friend.”
“What guarantee do I have his supplier is good? That his drugs are good. I have a reputation. I won’t trade my supplier for crap.”
“Would I do that to you, Max?” Viktor looked offended as he pointed at himself. “How long have we known each other? We grew up together. Played together. We left Russia together with nothing but the clothes on our backs and ten dollars in our pockets. I wouldn’t steer you wrong.”
Zoe had heard the sob story before. Viktor always used it when he wanted something and was getting pushback. Though the amount of money always changed. Regardless, it always worked.
“You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. Agree to meet him. Hear him out.”
“And what does Diego get out of this deal?”
“Papa, just agree to meet with him. What do we have to lose?” Leo spoke up, looking angry his father wasn’t easily agreeing to this meeting.
“Diego just asks for a small percentage for his supplies,” Viktor cajoled, reminding Zoe of the devil whispering on the person’s shoulder.
“And protection of the merchandise?”
“That can be discussed at the meeting.”
There was a lot that Viktor was leaving out. Zoe simply didn’t know if it was because he didn’t know or was being obtuse on purpose. Hopefully, Maxim would realize that.
“Is Diego here in town or are you waiting for a meeting to be agreed upon before he’ll arrive?” Zoe questioned.
“He’ll be ready for the meeting,” Viktor responded evasively.
That didn’t answer her question, but she knew if she kept pushing more, he would become suspicious. Greg said he had a tail on Viktor. Maybe they would have more information.
“Please, Papa,” Leo pleaded.
“We’ll meet, but that is all I will agree to for now.” Maxim’s hard eyes could cut stone as they pierced Viktor and Leo. He wouldn’t be cowed by them. It was a concession just to agree to meet Diego. Zoe knew Maxim liked things the way they were but was doing this for his son more than anything.
Viktor grinned like he had won first prize. In some ways, he had won. “Diego will be pleased. I’ll arrange the meeting. Tomorrow night. Eleven p.m.”
“We’ll pick the meet spot,” Zoe interjected.
The corner of Viktor’s eye twitched. A sign he wasn’t happy. “Diego may not agree to that. Going somewhere he doesn’t know about first.”
