Crawford studied Shadow’s smiling image once more. “And how exactly do you propose going about taking possession of something with such value? If her father is who you claim, there must be safeguards in place to prevent something like that from happening.”
“You leave that part up to me.”
“And why would I do that? Why risk my reputation on someone I’ve never done business with before now?”
The man’s hesitation to get on board was far from unexpected, but as always, Coulter came to the table prepared.
“Because I’m the only one who knows how to find this woman, which means no one gets to her without me. You don’t want to do this, that’s fine. I’ll have no problem finding someone who will.”
“I don’t suppose you’re willing to share her location with me?”
Coulter’s shoulders shook with a chuckle. “I didn’t get whereIam by playing my hand too soon. And before you think about having your people torture itout of me, you should know I already have a fail-safe in place for such a scenario.”
“And here I thought threats were beneath men of our stature.”
“It’s not a threat, Gordan.” He shrugged. “It’s called survival. I’m merely keeping myself and my men protected the best way I know how.”
Crawford dipped his head in a nod. “I suppose I can respect that, though I do have one question.”
“Which is?”
“Why not handle procuring and selling the product yourself? You know where Brittany is; you knowwhoshe is, and I bet you have people in your corner able and willing to set up the sale. Why bring me into the fold rather than keeping the profit all to yourself?”
“You’re right. I could do this all on my own. But with your name attached to the sale, more buyers will be chomping at the bit for their chance to be selected. It’s branding one-oh-one, Gordan. Your name automatically increases the interest and demand, which in turn will increase?—”
“The value,” Crawford finished the thought with a solemn nod. “On paper, the plan makes perfect sense, but I’m sorry. No reality exists where I forfeit fifty percent. Twenty, perhaps, but that’s the best I can do.”
It was Coulter’s turn to laugh. “I wouldn’t pick up your dry cleaning for twenty percent.”
“Thirty, then.”
“Thirty-five, and I concede the finder’s fee.”
Come on, Gordo. You know you want this. It’s written all over your slimy face.
He came back with, “Thirty-five,no finder’s fee, and I have the final say on who’s allowed to participate in the auction.”
Bingo.
A victorious smile spread across Coulter’s face. He pushed himself to his feet and held out a hand. “I believe we have a deal.”
Crawford stood, as well, and the two shared a firm shake. After letting go, his new business partner attempted to return the pictures of Shadow and Rafe.
“Keep ’em.” He waved away the offer. “They’ll serve as a reminder of what I hope will be the first of many partnerships between us.”
“How soon do you think you’ll have the product in your possession?”
“Airline confirmation puts her in Charlotte two weeks from tomorrow. My men and I plan to be there when she lands. We’ll follow, survey the situation, and make our move at the earliest opportunity.”
“Charlotte, you say? That’s quite a coincidence.”
“How so?” he played dumb.
“That’s where Alexandria lives.”
Coulter pretended to think back before letting out a quick chuckle and a shake of his head. “Oh, that’s right. Wow. I guess it really is a small world.” Another flash of a smile preluded his bringing the meeting to a close. “Have a good rest of your night, Gordan.”
“I look forward to hearing more from you on the progress for this deal.”
