“I spent a few months in San Francisco last summer. The fog caught me by surprise.”
He chuckles, relaxed and non-confrontational, setting the tone for the call.
With small talk aside, I dive into business.
“So, I am curious to know what enticed one of the West Coast Pakhans to call me?” I speak.
“Business, of course,” he says cheerfully. “I’m sure a man like you keeps his eye on everything, so you are aware that our West Coast alliance has been growing stronger?”
“I am aware, yes.”
“We have discussed it, and we are all interested in spreading our reach to the Midwest, and we’d like to do so with you….”
He lets his voice trail off so that I can process his proposal.
There is a moment of expectant silence between us. While I was interested in expanding my reach to the West Coast, this offer caught me off guard. I didn’t expect it to be this easy to go into some kind of venture with them. As always, I am cautious that people might be using me, but also aware that risks are a part of every growth maneuver.
“I’m listening,” I reply, withholding my eagerness from my voice. If there is some kind of negotiation looming, I'll hold my cards close to my chest for the time being.
“I thought we could discuss it in person. The five of us are flying to Chicago in the next hour. I understand it’s short notice,but will you be available to meet?” he asks, catching me off guard again.
This man is keeping me on my toes, and I’m rather enjoying it. I do like a challenge, and somehow, with his unexpected boldness, he is providing one.
“I can set aside some time this evening after six,” I tell him. “Do you have a proposal to send through in preparation for the meeting?”
That should give me enough time to mull over the pros and cons of teaming up with them.
“We do. But we’ve kept it basic, as everything is open to discussion and negotiation. Our bottom line is that we want everyone to benefit in a way that suits their personal needs.”
“Good. Well, send it over so I can have a look. Then I will see you, gentlemen, after six. I’ll have my assistant book a private table at La Carte Black,” I say.
Nestor says his goodbyes, and I hang up the phone. My mind is racing with possibilities.
A new project. A new venture. A new challenge.
These are the things that keep my mind engaged.
There is already a lot going on in my own businesses, with the new firm almost fully set up and interviews starting tomorrow for key positions, but I always have time to investigate unique opportunities.
Five minutes later, I'm reading through the proposal on my laptop, and while it's basic, it's also clear that they have a keen business sense and eagerness to work with me.
It doesn’t take me long to decide that I'd like to go into business with these men, but tonight’s dinner will be the finalconfirmation. I can only make up my mind fully about a person once I’ve met them face to face. I have a special skill for reading people, even when they put up false masks to hide their true intentions.
When I walk into the restaurant, all five men are already waiting in our private section at the back.
Ardalion Pushkin is the first to stand and greet me. His handshake is firm and confident.
“Josiah, it’s a pleasure to meet you in person,” he says, his voice deep and commanding. I like him already. His strong presence and squared posture tell me a lot about what kind of man he is.
Benedikt Karamazov is next. He smirks, and immediately, I'm reminded that he has a playboy reputation and is the most arrogant of the lot.
Somehow, though, I like him, too.
Kristopher Ilyin, Emmanuil Belyayov and Nestor Rostov greet me in turn before we all take a seat to start the meeting.
Not one of these men sets off any alarmst hat I should watch out for underhandedness.
They are grounded in their power, and they present a unified force, showing their strong alliance and ability to work as a team.
