Robert feels like his eyes are drying out. He has been up looking and studying his company's financial report since last night. He curls a scrapped paper into a ball and is going to throw it into the trash bin when he hears knocking on the front door of his home. Reluctantly he gets up from his sofa and stretches his body which makes some cracking noise. He grunts, takes off his glasses and pinches the bridge of his nose. He has an idea of whom at liberty to come knocking this early in the morning. The knocking on the door goes louder. Cursing something under his breath Robert wears his glasses back and walks to the door. He opens the door swiftly, yes familiar rugged face. He does know who this is.
"Bates." Robert greet lazily. Bates comes to his house a lot mostly for coffee or tea. Robert rarely minds him, after all they are both are only in their mid twenties and had graduated from the same university. Since they first met they are like brothers instantly. After graduating, they joined up and started to do the property business together.
"Robert. I need coffee." Before Robert can say anything Bates already walks pass him to the kitchen and the coffee machine.
Robert closes the door and follows Bates to the kitchen shaking his head, "Really Bates, you should get your own coffee machine."
"I don't think so. I like yours and besides if I get my own I'll have no reason to barge in and check whether you are still alive. After all you are supposed to be on your break right now Mr. President."
Robert snorts at this. "Yes, I still cannot believe James embezzled our company's fund, but not to worry buddy; I will not kill myself over it." He takes off his glasses again and rubs his eyes. "I'm afraid neither of us will have any break for now Mr. Vice President. I think I'll have to talk to some people and get some fresh fund to support our current apartment complex project in the centre of London. If we get the fund we can continue with the project. Do you hear anything from Murray?"
Bates nods and slurps his coffee, "As a matter of fact I do."
"What did he say?"
"He told me that he wanted to meet you, he said that he has an offer that you cannot afford to lose."
"Well, then I suppose I shall take a shower and meet him on my way to office. See you at Lunch." Robert starts walking to the stairs to his room.
"Where should we have it today?"
"Joe's, it's only a block from office."
"We are really broke now, aren't we? Burgers for lunch.."
"I am afraid so Bates."
"Sure, Fine. Um, Robert.."
Robert turns to him his eyebrows rise.
"Do you happen to have some bacon?"
"I still have some in the fridge I suppose." Robert answers and shakes his head in disbelief. "Really Bates, now you are going to have breakfast in my house? The neighbor might think we finally tie the knot now!"
Bates laughs and starts to walk to the fridge.
It does not take long for Robert to finish his showers. The smell of fried bacon attacks his nostril once he comes down but Bates is not in the kitchen anymore. He must have finished his breakfast and went back to his house.
Robert turns off all the lights and grabs his car keys. He gets into his white Maserati Ghibli and drives it to Murray's. He does not turn any music on but he does let his driver window down a little. There is no music, just the sound of wind and the sound of his car's swift engine roaring silently as his foot step deeper on the pedal. Robert tries to clear his mind preparing himself, he does feel rather anxious to know what Murray has to offer.
After about 20 minutes of driving through London's traffic Robert arrives at Murray's. He parks his car and walks into the building.
As soon as he walks into the office Murray's secretary rises from her seat and greets Robert, "Good morning Mr. Crawley, just go in he is expecting you."
"Good morning Nicole. Alright I'll see him right away. You look lovely today." Nicole smiles at him and sits back. She is a middle aged woman who has worked with Murray like forever. Robert likes her, she is always kind to him even when he sometimes acted impatiently when Murray was in a meeting with another client and he had to wait
He gets into the Murray's office and immediately greeted by the older man's wide smile.
"Good Morning Robert. Please sit down." Robert smiles and walks to sit on the chair opposite Murray. Murray has been Robert's lawyer since day 1.
"Good Morning Murray. What is this offer you told Bates about?"
"You are never the one to waste time eh Rob." Murray laughs before continuing. "Yesterday, I have a call with this funding company from America. Trinity Funding, it's a company under Levinson Group. Their CEO is interested in funding your apartment complex project. She will fly in tomorrow morning at 10 and it will be really good if you can meet her and tell her more about the project and your marketing plans."
"I'd really like to keep it local Murray."
"I know you do Robert, but I have contacted several funding companies that we usually work together with. They are all not very confident with us after James' embezzlement case."
"I suppose that's only normal.. And did you just say she? Their CEO is a woman?"
"Yes, a Ms. Cora Levinson, 25 years old. A successful young executive just like you Robert."
"Levinson Group?"
"Yes. Apparently, her father is the major holder of Levinson Group."
"God gives me strength. She is probably only becoming a CEO because of her father. How can she understand what I envision for the project Murray?"
"Give it a chance Robert. You have no choice. Either you make her fund your project or we will have to file for bankruptcy next week." Murray stands up and pats Robert on his shoulder. "You will be surprise to hear this son; her father might own the company. But from what I have heard, she is known to be a very bright business woman. She'll arrive at 10."
"I hope you are right Murray." Robert gets up and excuses himself out of Murray's office.
After saying goodbye to Nicole he walks to his car and drives to his office. As always, no music and winded down window. Sound of wind and car engine. The drive to his office is filled with anger with James for putting him in this unfavorable position.
"Wherever you are cousin, damn you.. I hope you are happy with all that dirty money." Robert muttered under his breath.
To Be Continued…
