“First, we conduct business.”
First! It’s as if this is a hostage situation and Joseph expects a suitcase of cash before handing me over.
My grandfather nods, a wry twist to his lips, and he sighs audibly.
“What do you want to know?”
“I am acting for a friend. You have something he wants.”
My mind is buzzing because this isn’t going as I thought it would, and the two men eye one another with suspicion.
“Then tell him to make an appointment like everyone else.”
“He isn’t like everyone else.”
“Isn’t he?”
He chuckles softly.
“Forgive me, Mr. Ravera, but every single meeting I conduct, person through my door, casual meeting, and visitor to my office and home wants something from me, either through the usual route or one disguised as something else. Everybody wants something from me, and it’s only the way they ask that determines how much.”
I’m shocked when Joseph laughs softly, a little of his animosity dying as he does something almost alien and smiles at my grandfather.
“So, you understand the situation.”
My grandfather’s attention turns to me, and I note the pain in his expression that he is attempting to disguise.
“It appears you have something I want, Mr. Ravera, which sets you apart from the usual ones asking, so what is your price?”
I’m not sure I like being a bartering tool and bite my lip in my confusion. Is this why I’m here? A hostage to a business deal, payment even for a favor?
“My client is Malik Karim of Karim Enterprises.”
Resignation clouds my grandfather’s expression, and he nods, already defeated.
“He would like to arrange a mutually beneficial contract with you to transport your oil to his network.”
“Why hasn’t he asked me himself through the usual channels?”
“He has, but for some reason you have not responded.”
“Perhaps I’m not interested in his deal.”
“Then you are a braver man than I, sir.”
The two men eye one another with almost admiration, and then, once again, my grandfather’s gaze falls on me.
“And in return for agreeing to open negotiations?”
“Nothing.”
Joseph’s tone is brutal, and I hitch my breath, the tension ominous in the room.
“Nothing?”
Joseph shrugs.
“Tiffany is not a negotiation, sir. She is a person with feelings who deserves the truth. She was never part of the negotiation, merely the carrot to get you here.”