“Thanks, man, I appreciate that,” I say, taking it from him. “And what have you guys seen so far?”
They chose a relaxed venue, an indication that the first meeting's formality is no longer required, and we can start to get to know each other differently.
“We’ve seen that you have reach in every corner of the city. There is hardly a street we could drive down where you haven’t got a building or some kind of influence. It’s very impressive.”
I smile at Kristopher. He is an observant man. The kind of man you value having on your team.
“Have you scouted routes for our operation? Do you have something in mind?” Emmanuil asks, immediately grabbing the other men’s attention. They're eager to go ahead with the operation, or they wouldn’t be so eager to hear my answer.
That’s a good sign.
I take a sip of my beer and nod.
“We always plan ahead by choosing three or four route options. That way, if one becomes an issue, we can immediately reroute to the next one with the driver is fully prepared aheadof time. But we do have a route preference, of course,” I inform them.
“Would you give us that information beforehand so we can drive the route for ourselves?” Nestor asks.
“Of course. I can have my driver take you on all four routes we have prepared?”
“That might be a good idea. We can scout it out while he does the driving. Sure, we’d appreciate that.”
“I’ll have him meet you at the hotel this evening. The delivery will take place after seven, during the week. It’s the quietest time, and in my experience, the safest.”
“Do you foresee any issues? Is there anything you are concerned might jeopardize the operation?” Kris asks.
I think about Kayla, how she has only recently come back into my life. I think about my daughters and how things have changed drastically for me in the past two weeks. But that's in no way linked to my business or my new alliance with these men.
Kayla’s presence in my life wouldn’t affect the operation in any way.
The attack last week would, though.
But I don’t want to tell them about that. Not until I find out who was behind it.
“I don’t foresee any issues. And with the operation still a few weeks away, we should have plenty of time to iron out any worries you gentlemen possibly have?” I say, turning the question back at them.
“I don’t know the city well enough to have concerns here yet,” Nestor chuckles.
“And we left our enemies back home on the West Coast,” Ardalion adds.
I pick up my beer and raise my glass. “Then we are all ready to push forward with our plans?”
“We are,” Nestor nods, raising his own. “To the start of good business and growing strengths,” he says. “We are very much looking forward to working with a man of your stature.”
“And I with you,” I nod in polite acceptance of his compliment.
After the meeting, I call Isaak again.
It’s half past six in the evening, and I’m heading back to the office to finalize a few things before I call it a day. But he didn’t message me, and I really want information on that attack.
“Isaak,” I huff when he answers the call. “I didn’t hear from you.”
“That’s because I don’t have any information yet,” he sighs impatiently. “I’m not going to make up something or tell you some half-assed rumor, Josiah. I will get you real information. And until then, you need to hold onto your pants, or whatever that saying is.”
“Hold your horses,” I tell him.
“No, I don’t think that’s it,” he replies.
I’m too tired to argue with him. “Do you want to hire another PI to cover more ground?”
