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Chapter 19
The day dawned warm, muggy, and terrible. I glared at the sun outside and tossed my predominantly black outfit back into the closet. It would have to go with something that wouldn't absorb heat.
Which left me with two very bad decisions. White pants and a yellow shirt or teal pants and a red shirt. My golfing attire had never been large, as my visits to the golf course lately have been very few and far between. I stared at the abysmal choices and then walked back into the closet to retrieve my black pants. Red and black, it would be today. Not too colorful, matched my mood besides. 'Hell, it may even make an impression'
I stowed my clubs and shoes in the car and carefully checked my back for any stray pieces of lint. Convinced that none were there, I instead focused on how I would glean information from my target. Golf would be in the company of a Japanese chief executive and his operations manager. The executive in question had eluded all modernization efforts at his company since the late 1980s, a tribute to the inherent conservatism and monopolistic tendencies of his corporate universe. I would not be the first to try to convince him to modernize, and I had a sneaking suspicion that I would not be the last.
'Hell, we have to try once.' If we got the deal, we would be in an incredible position to maximize our further growth. I estimated that the deal could mean fifty million alone for the initial installation and many many more millions for technical backup and service.
Before getting into the car, I lit up a cigarette and took a deep drag before dropping it to the floor and grounding it with my heel.
Rei scrunched up her nose as she looked at herself in the mirror and coughed. White golf shorts were the order of the day, flexible enough to be worn on the course, yet classy enough for dinner later in the club house. She breathed out a puff of air and then ran her hand through her hair.
A sudden honking jolted her out of her thoughts and she grabbed her purse and hefted her golf bag. A company owned Maybach pulled into the temple driveway and sat there, purring like the day it came out of its German factory.
She sighed. Men and their toys.
The window rolled down silently and her boss grinned irreverantly at her. "Need a ride, lady?"
"This is a little much isn't it?"
Ryan shrugged, "I suppose so. But in business, I have learned that it is a far greater sin to look too poor rather than too rich."
"I am certain that you won't be suffering from the latter any time soon."
The CEO popped the trunk and got out to help her with her bags, "That depends entirely on my operational and visionary brilliance."
She shook her head, a sardonic grin playin over her face, "None of which are in question of course."
"Of course." He extended a somewhat tanned arm and glanced at the watch attached to it. "But enough chit chat. It's an hour away and we have to go."
Rei took a sniff of the car air, "You were smoking."
I coughed and tried to hide my guilt with a look of surprised innocence. "What ever do you mean?"
She glared at me, "Don't play with me. You were smoking. It's bad for you, you know."
I scowled back, "Ms. Radar Nose strikes again. Sometimes I need to relax."
"Then you're failing miserably. Tobacco is a stimulant. Not very relaxing."
I nodded, conceding the point. We both felt the tension in the car, realizing how big this deal might be, and how much it glory (profit) it would bring us if we succeeded. Should we get the deal, it would mean that hundreds of men and women would be getting much deserved bonuses in time for the holiday season. Jobs would be created, money would be injected into the economy, and quality of life would increase. All of them deserved it, and I would not fail them if I could possibly help it.
But, for all the worry that welled up inside of me, it could not possibly match that of Rei. She fidgeted relentlessly, alternating between glaring at me for my infidelity and gazing aimlessly out the window.
I remembered my own first big pitch, where I had spent the majority of the morning before in front of a toilet. And that was after negotiation classes, seminars, and tutors.
I could only imagine what Rei was feeling.
"Nervous?"
She looked at me with a uncharacteristically shy grin, "Does it show?"
I lied comfortably, "Not really. Just take deep breaths. You were a priestess, you should be good at such things."
Rei smiled gratefully, "Okay, you're the boss."
I pulled up sharply to the front. A manager and two caddies were there to greet us.
"Kaitou-san?"
I nodded, "Hai?" "We were informed of your arrival by Fukui-san. Please follow me."
The club house was decorated in a highly Western style, evoking images of old hunting lodges. I smelled the clean pine scent of the surrounding boards and spared a glance at Rei. She had shed the nervous energy of before, cloaking it in an almost sensual aura of calm. She turned her head to me and I caught the glimpse of a smile on her features.
I muttered to myself, "Let's rock and roll."
Rei queried softly, "What?" "Just an America phrase. It means let's get to it."
"Somewhat like that saying from that stupid American wrestling drama. Let's get ready to rumble?"
I beamed, "Indeed."
The manager turned, "Fukui-san will see you now."
I spoke in perfect Japanese, with a slight Tokyo accent I like to think, "Fukui-san, I greet you. I apologize for being late."
He smiled charmingly, "Not at all Kaitou-san. I believe you have met my Operations Manager and right hand man," he gestured to the thin man at his side, "Hiroshi-san. And who is the lovely young woman accompanying you?"
I bowed to Hiroshi, before motioning to Rei, "Let me introduce you to my executive assistant, Hino Rei."
Fukui-san bowed over her hand, "A pleasure."
Rei smiled beautifully, "No, it is all mine." Hiroshi merely looked on with a careful eye. I felt something strange about him, but focused my energy on the decision maker. "Shall we begin?"
"Of course, of course."
I sighted the green, closed my eyed and took a whack at the ball. Amazingly, it sailed high and true. Characteristically, it landed in the rough.
Rei whispered softly into my ear, "You need to work on your swing, Kaitou-san."
I smiled, "I need many things. A larger salary, a woman, a less chatty assistant."
"You love me and you know it. Besides, you took me on. Don't begrudge the work." She stepped up to tee off.
I took a couple of steps back to stand with the rest of the spectators. Fukui-san grinned at me, "An excellent shot. Went farther than mine."
"Was considerably less accurate as well. I would give quite a bit to get the ball on the fairway for once."
Fukui paused for a moment, then favored me with an almost ghoulish grin, "Indeed."
The caddies pulled two carts up to our little group. Rei beckoned to Fukui-san to sit with her, then shot a glance in my direction. I had little difficulty in interpreting it as 'You owe me big time'
Indeed, I do Rei-san. Far more than you will ever know.
Hiroshi smiled vaguely, perhaps picking up on the subtle tactic I had Rei employ, perhaps merely enjoying the weather.
"I suspect, Kaitou-san, that we will be riding together."
I extended a hand, "After you." The green grass crunched underneath our wheels as we scootered towards the nearest golf ball.
"So how do you like Japan, Kaitou-san?"
I was a little taken aback by the forward question, "I like it very much thank you. I missed it while I was away."
He broke out into the first genuine smile I saw that meeting, "Ah, so that is a Tokyo accent I detect. I could not believe a gaijin would do justice to our language. Pray tell, where in Tokyo did you live?"
I waved my hand dismissively, "I stayed around the Juuban district for a lot of my time." I hesitated for a moment, "Forgive my asking, but where did you go to business school?"
Hiroshi looked puzzled for a moment, "Why in Tokyo University...." he, too, paused. Then a smile broke over his face, "You are wondering why I am so aggressive right now, ne?"
"It did cross my mind."
"Well, I came back for business school, but my college days were spent in sunny Stanford University in California. Your home state I believe."
I slapped his back, in a way that I would never do to a Japanese businessman, "Sonafagun! I knew I felt something strange about you. What year did you graduate?"
He grinned back in a very American style, "Why the year we crushed Cal in basketball AND football." I extended my hand, "Then from one graduate to another, I would like to shake your hand."
Hiroshi took it and vigorously pumped my arm up and down. "So back to business, tell me, truthfully, what your company can offer mine."
I nodded, "It's a fair question. You remember in the 1980s, when Japanese firms were kicking the crap out of us Americans?" He nodded, "Well, we are now making another shift with Enterprise software. Instead of having a Human Resources department, you have three people with computers. Instead of having an entire team devoted to ordering materials, you have manufacturing linked with the suppliers themselves. It's incredible for efficiency and profit maximization."
Hiroshi nodded, "While you have convinced me, I warn you that Fukui-san will be much more difficult to deal with. I advise caution."
Sighing, "Thanks buddy. I knew it might be a lost cause. But I had to try."
Hiroshi nodded slightly, then got out as the caddy stopped. I grimaced, but straightened my shoulders and walked to meet my fate.
I cracked open a bottle of water and took a deep breath. Hiroshi and Fukui were off somewhere else, doing other things, and it left me a little time to interogate Rei.
"So?"
Rei pursed her lips, "Just a little bit, boss. From what I gather, the business seriously needs our products. They are being outcompeted severely by American firms who outsource."
"And our prospects for making the sale?"
"Can't make a read. He hides his thoughts well."
I nodded, "And the man himself?"
She hesitated for a moment, "Well....I felt very uncomfortable around him....very uncomfortable. I am not sure why."
I sighed, "Thanks. Let's see where this day get us."
The meeting began with tea. There was sake on the table, but that would not be touched unless the deal went through successfully. I had changed into a business suit, with white shirt and red tie. The first part of the meeting had been consumately American, a concession to me. Now, I would offer the same courtesy to my host, completing the sale in a completely Japanese manner.
After exchanging gifts, we sat across from each other in complete silence. Only when he took a sip from his tea, did Rei and I take one from ours. After ten minutes, Fukui began with a comment on the weather. I reciporicated with a casual remark on the same subject and the talks ensued.
Thirty minutes later, Fukui looked significantly at Hiroshi and then at Rei. "Would it be possible to ask your assistant to leave?" I was about to protest but Rei touched my shoulder and rose to leave. Hiroshi also rose to leave, bowing politely and exited the room.
"Kaitou-san, I tire of this. You are American. You, then, can appreciate my directness in this matter." I inclined my head slightly as he continued, "I am inclined to give into your request."
My heart jumped into my throat, but then sank into the pit of my stomach as he then made the second part of his request. "But....I must have some incentive to help you."
I felt a pang of suspicion, "What sort of incentive could I possibly offer you, Fukui-san?" Fukui's smile became ghoulish again, "Tell me, how old is your secretary?"
My eyes narrowed slightly, "I am not certain why you are asking me this question. Please, in the interest of American directness, let us not mince words."
Fukui looked at me with glittering eyes, "As you wish. Would your secretary be amenable to a....liason?"
A cold anger swept through me, "I think not, sir. I have no power over her."
He smiled easily, "Certainly you do. You have the power over her job, and with the job market the way it is now, I suspect she cannot refuse any requests. Come Kaitou-san, I am an old man. The geisha girls no longer amuse me. Do not make me drink this sake alone."
I stared at my tea, then placed it on the table silently. Rising, I bowed to Fukui. "I apologize Fukui-san. I cannot ask that of anyone, less one of my employees. This meeting is over. And if you don't mind my saying so, you can go to hell."
Fukui rose too, his smile maliciously cheerful, "You Americans. Wrapped up in your own morality. Welcome to Japan, Kaitou-san. I trust that you will not find the rest of your visit...difficult."
I smiled back, the old arrogance creeping back into my features, "No, Fukui-san. We are here to stay. I don't think that we'll we going anywhere any time soon."
" Don't be so sure about that, Kaitou-san. Do not presume to know Japan."
Chapter 19
The day dawned warm, muggy, and terrible. I glared at the sun outside and tossed my predominantly black outfit back into the closet. It would have to go with something that wouldn't absorb heat.
Which left me with two very bad decisions. White pants and a yellow shirt or teal pants and a red shirt. My golfing attire had never been large, as my visits to the golf course lately have been very few and far between. I stared at the abysmal choices and then walked back into the closet to retrieve my black pants. Red and black, it would be today. Not too colorful, matched my mood besides. 'Hell, it may even make an impression'
I stowed my clubs and shoes in the car and carefully checked my back for any stray pieces of lint. Convinced that none were there, I instead focused on how I would glean information from my target. Golf would be in the company of a Japanese chief executive and his operations manager. The executive in question had eluded all modernization efforts at his company since the late 1980s, a tribute to the inherent conservatism and monopolistic tendencies of his corporate universe. I would not be the first to try to convince him to modernize, and I had a sneaking suspicion that I would not be the last.
'Hell, we have to try once.' If we got the deal, we would be in an incredible position to maximize our further growth. I estimated that the deal could mean fifty million alone for the initial installation and many many more millions for technical backup and service.
Before getting into the car, I lit up a cigarette and took a deep drag before dropping it to the floor and grounding it with my heel.
Rei scrunched up her nose as she looked at herself in the mirror and coughed. White golf shorts were the order of the day, flexible enough to be worn on the course, yet classy enough for dinner later in the club house. She breathed out a puff of air and then ran her hand through her hair.
A sudden honking jolted her out of her thoughts and she grabbed her purse and hefted her golf bag. A company owned Maybach pulled into the temple driveway and sat there, purring like the day it came out of its German factory.
She sighed. Men and their toys.
The window rolled down silently and her boss grinned irreverantly at her. "Need a ride, lady?"
"This is a little much isn't it?"
Ryan shrugged, "I suppose so. But in business, I have learned that it is a far greater sin to look too poor rather than too rich."
"I am certain that you won't be suffering from the latter any time soon."
The CEO popped the trunk and got out to help her with her bags, "That depends entirely on my operational and visionary brilliance."
She shook her head, a sardonic grin playin over her face, "None of which are in question of course."
"Of course." He extended a somewhat tanned arm and glanced at the watch attached to it. "But enough chit chat. It's an hour away and we have to go."
Rei took a sniff of the car air, "You were smoking."
I coughed and tried to hide my guilt with a look of surprised innocence. "What ever do you mean?"
She glared at me, "Don't play with me. You were smoking. It's bad for you, you know."
I scowled back, "Ms. Radar Nose strikes again. Sometimes I need to relax."
"Then you're failing miserably. Tobacco is a stimulant. Not very relaxing."
I nodded, conceding the point. We both felt the tension in the car, realizing how big this deal might be, and how much it glory (profit) it would bring us if we succeeded. Should we get the deal, it would mean that hundreds of men and women would be getting much deserved bonuses in time for the holiday season. Jobs would be created, money would be injected into the economy, and quality of life would increase. All of them deserved it, and I would not fail them if I could possibly help it.
But, for all the worry that welled up inside of me, it could not possibly match that of Rei. She fidgeted relentlessly, alternating between glaring at me for my infidelity and gazing aimlessly out the window.
I remembered my own first big pitch, where I had spent the majority of the morning before in front of a toilet. And that was after negotiation classes, seminars, and tutors.
I could only imagine what Rei was feeling.
"Nervous?"
She looked at me with a uncharacteristically shy grin, "Does it show?"
I lied comfortably, "Not really. Just take deep breaths. You were a priestess, you should be good at such things."
Rei smiled gratefully, "Okay, you're the boss."
I pulled up sharply to the front. A manager and two caddies were there to greet us.
"Kaitou-san?"
I nodded, "Hai?" "We were informed of your arrival by Fukui-san. Please follow me."
The club house was decorated in a highly Western style, evoking images of old hunting lodges. I smelled the clean pine scent of the surrounding boards and spared a glance at Rei. She had shed the nervous energy of before, cloaking it in an almost sensual aura of calm. She turned her head to me and I caught the glimpse of a smile on her features.
I muttered to myself, "Let's rock and roll."
Rei queried softly, "What?" "Just an America phrase. It means let's get to it."
"Somewhat like that saying from that stupid American wrestling drama. Let's get ready to rumble?"
I beamed, "Indeed."
The manager turned, "Fukui-san will see you now."
I spoke in perfect Japanese, with a slight Tokyo accent I like to think, "Fukui-san, I greet you. I apologize for being late."
He smiled charmingly, "Not at all Kaitou-san. I believe you have met my Operations Manager and right hand man," he gestured to the thin man at his side, "Hiroshi-san. And who is the lovely young woman accompanying you?"
I bowed to Hiroshi, before motioning to Rei, "Let me introduce you to my executive assistant, Hino Rei."
Fukui-san bowed over her hand, "A pleasure."
Rei smiled beautifully, "No, it is all mine." Hiroshi merely looked on with a careful eye. I felt something strange about him, but focused my energy on the decision maker. "Shall we begin?"
"Of course, of course."
I sighted the green, closed my eyed and took a whack at the ball. Amazingly, it sailed high and true. Characteristically, it landed in the rough.
Rei whispered softly into my ear, "You need to work on your swing, Kaitou-san."
I smiled, "I need many things. A larger salary, a woman, a less chatty assistant."
"You love me and you know it. Besides, you took me on. Don't begrudge the work." She stepped up to tee off.
I took a couple of steps back to stand with the rest of the spectators. Fukui-san grinned at me, "An excellent shot. Went farther than mine."
"Was considerably less accurate as well. I would give quite a bit to get the ball on the fairway for once."
Fukui paused for a moment, then favored me with an almost ghoulish grin, "Indeed."
The caddies pulled two carts up to our little group. Rei beckoned to Fukui-san to sit with her, then shot a glance in my direction. I had little difficulty in interpreting it as 'You owe me big time'
Indeed, I do Rei-san. Far more than you will ever know.
Hiroshi smiled vaguely, perhaps picking up on the subtle tactic I had Rei employ, perhaps merely enjoying the weather.
"I suspect, Kaitou-san, that we will be riding together."
I extended a hand, "After you." The green grass crunched underneath our wheels as we scootered towards the nearest golf ball.
"So how do you like Japan, Kaitou-san?"
I was a little taken aback by the forward question, "I like it very much thank you. I missed it while I was away."
He broke out into the first genuine smile I saw that meeting, "Ah, so that is a Tokyo accent I detect. I could not believe a gaijin would do justice to our language. Pray tell, where in Tokyo did you live?"
I waved my hand dismissively, "I stayed around the Juuban district for a lot of my time." I hesitated for a moment, "Forgive my asking, but where did you go to business school?"
Hiroshi looked puzzled for a moment, "Why in Tokyo University...." he, too, paused. Then a smile broke over his face, "You are wondering why I am so aggressive right now, ne?"
"It did cross my mind."
"Well, I came back for business school, but my college days were spent in sunny Stanford University in California. Your home state I believe."
I slapped his back, in a way that I would never do to a Japanese businessman, "Sonafagun! I knew I felt something strange about you. What year did you graduate?"
He grinned back in a very American style, "Why the year we crushed Cal in basketball AND football." I extended my hand, "Then from one graduate to another, I would like to shake your hand."
Hiroshi took it and vigorously pumped my arm up and down. "So back to business, tell me, truthfully, what your company can offer mine."
I nodded, "It's a fair question. You remember in the 1980s, when Japanese firms were kicking the crap out of us Americans?" He nodded, "Well, we are now making another shift with Enterprise software. Instead of having a Human Resources department, you have three people with computers. Instead of having an entire team devoted to ordering materials, you have manufacturing linked with the suppliers themselves. It's incredible for efficiency and profit maximization."
Hiroshi nodded, "While you have convinced me, I warn you that Fukui-san will be much more difficult to deal with. I advise caution."
Sighing, "Thanks buddy. I knew it might be a lost cause. But I had to try."
Hiroshi nodded slightly, then got out as the caddy stopped. I grimaced, but straightened my shoulders and walked to meet my fate.
I cracked open a bottle of water and took a deep breath. Hiroshi and Fukui were off somewhere else, doing other things, and it left me a little time to interogate Rei.
"So?"
Rei pursed her lips, "Just a little bit, boss. From what I gather, the business seriously needs our products. They are being outcompeted severely by American firms who outsource."
"And our prospects for making the sale?"
"Can't make a read. He hides his thoughts well."
I nodded, "And the man himself?"
She hesitated for a moment, "Well....I felt very uncomfortable around him....very uncomfortable. I am not sure why."
I sighed, "Thanks. Let's see where this day get us."
The meeting began with tea. There was sake on the table, but that would not be touched unless the deal went through successfully. I had changed into a business suit, with white shirt and red tie. The first part of the meeting had been consumately American, a concession to me. Now, I would offer the same courtesy to my host, completing the sale in a completely Japanese manner.
After exchanging gifts, we sat across from each other in complete silence. Only when he took a sip from his tea, did Rei and I take one from ours. After ten minutes, Fukui began with a comment on the weather. I reciporicated with a casual remark on the same subject and the talks ensued.
Thirty minutes later, Fukui looked significantly at Hiroshi and then at Rei. "Would it be possible to ask your assistant to leave?" I was about to protest but Rei touched my shoulder and rose to leave. Hiroshi also rose to leave, bowing politely and exited the room.
"Kaitou-san, I tire of this. You are American. You, then, can appreciate my directness in this matter." I inclined my head slightly as he continued, "I am inclined to give into your request."
My heart jumped into my throat, but then sank into the pit of my stomach as he then made the second part of his request. "But....I must have some incentive to help you."
I felt a pang of suspicion, "What sort of incentive could I possibly offer you, Fukui-san?" Fukui's smile became ghoulish again, "Tell me, how old is your secretary?"
My eyes narrowed slightly, "I am not certain why you are asking me this question. Please, in the interest of American directness, let us not mince words."
Fukui looked at me with glittering eyes, "As you wish. Would your secretary be amenable to a....liason?"
A cold anger swept through me, "I think not, sir. I have no power over her."
He smiled easily, "Certainly you do. You have the power over her job, and with the job market the way it is now, I suspect she cannot refuse any requests. Come Kaitou-san, I am an old man. The geisha girls no longer amuse me. Do not make me drink this sake alone."
I stared at my tea, then placed it on the table silently. Rising, I bowed to Fukui. "I apologize Fukui-san. I cannot ask that of anyone, less one of my employees. This meeting is over. And if you don't mind my saying so, you can go to hell."
Fukui rose too, his smile maliciously cheerful, "You Americans. Wrapped up in your own morality. Welcome to Japan, Kaitou-san. I trust that you will not find the rest of your visit...difficult."
I smiled back, the old arrogance creeping back into my features, "No, Fukui-san. We are here to stay. I don't think that we'll we going anywhere any time soon."
" Don't be so sure about that, Kaitou-san. Do not presume to know Japan."