Chapter 1
The wind blew gently from the south as the two men gripped their small cups with steam emitting from them. They sat comfortably in their small chairs with their back to the open sea, able to turn around and look over the cast-iron railing to see the bustle of the small market that bordered one of the many harbors in Monaco. With a quick glance from the two gentlemen, looking down at the sights and sounds of fishermen peddling their fresh catches and other merchants trying to sell their various wares, the markets near the ports in Monaco – especially in Monte Carlo – were always active on sunny days. Though the temperature was a bit brisk, requiring a light jacket for comfort but nothing really more, the people in the area were able to go about their days as normal.
“Can you imagine not being successful?” asked a very arrogant Robert as he sipped on his coffee. He sat in his chair with his back facing the Mediterranean Sea, allowing the breeze from the open sea to blow on the back of his head and brush his hair to the side. He paused briefly, turning to look at the man sitting at the table with him, also with his back to the sea. “I mean, think about it. If the two of us weren’t successful, there is no way we would be sitting here discussing our investments while enjoying a fabulous cup of espresso while in Monaco.”
“But you live here, so I can imagine that you would be here anyway,” rebuked Dillon Flannigan, the man sitting across from him. “Success is only what we have today.”
“So how has the technological world been lately?” asked Robert as he sipped on his coffee while looking out toward the entrance of the café and the several young, attractive women walking in. “I’ve been considering a few new investments.”
Dillon sipped on his coffee without looking toward Robert, also noticing the young ladies walking into the café. “I wouldn’t,” he said softly, sipping on his coffee before setting it back on the table. “The technological industry right now is incredibly top heavy.” he explained confidently before setting his coffee back onto the table.
Dillon paused a bit while still focusing on the ladies in front of the café, who suddenly started to huddle in front of the door as if they were waiting for someone. “You should honestly continue your foray into oil and other energy companies. It’s a much safer investment right now.”
Robert Acostis, was a middle-aged businessman with an immense reputation for shrewd dealings, and some perceived under-handed dealings, depending on who you talked to. His dark hair was slightly tinged with a touch of grey above his ears, and a smooth olive complexion. He towered over most of the men and women that he dealt with in the professional world, not only because of his incredible height of six feet five inches, but with the regal and authoritative way he carried himself. He was incredibly fit, spending hours in the gym lifting weights to maintain an impressive physique.
Robert treasured his Greek heritage, spending summers in Athens with his grandparents, during which, he would smash grapes with his bare feet, standing in a small wooden bucket for hours. With his teenage years, Robert was taught more of the wine business, when he wasn’t chasing after beautiful women that is. Those humble beginnings still held a fondness in his heart and made living in Southampton the rest of the year bearable.
Robert’s first foray into business was taking up the reigns for his grandparent’s company as his mother and father relocated to London. After three short years of tireless work, Robert’s wealth had already grown to over ten million United States dollars.
Dillon, on the other hand, was much different compared to his friend Robert, though incredibly relatable in terms of process and ability. He was nearly as tall as Robert, only standing two inches shorter, with a pale complexion and sandy blonde hair. Dillon was incredibly intelligent, spending more time in the library and computer labs instead of the gym, though still taking time to run and do light weightlifting to keep himself in shape. He was much more reserved than Robert, keeping his composure in all walks of life and taking a great deal of time think out his moves before making them.
Growing up in Miami, Florida, Dillon learned to tolerate the sun while detesting what it did to his fair skin. His family worked in the import business, using all the various ports in Florida to their advantage. During his early years, he spent months working with his father, learning about investing and business. After a few stellar years in Vanderbilt, he quickly became the man “in the know” as he made a reputation of his business intelligence.
“Speaking of oil and energy, how goes your foray into the Australian company?” asked Robert, prying for information.
Dillon shook his head. “Not well,” he replied reluctantly. “After the whole embezzlement thing, the company was turned over to the majority stockholder.”
Robert reached down and grabbed his coffee cup, bringing it up to his lips and sipping on it again. “I knew it was experiencing some hardships.
“It all started with bad leadership prior to Nathanial Jenkins taking over as a majority leader,” began Dillon, looking a bit perturbed as he took his eyes off the ladies huddled in front of the café, noticing how several men showed up to escort them in. “Even though I only own a single percent of the company, it cost me a great deal and now it’s appearing as if I’m going to lose everything I had in that investment.”
Robert smiled. “The man has a lot of charisma and is very good at building relationships and talking to people,” explained Robert, defending Nathanial Jenkins slightly. “Unfortunately, that can only get you so far.” He paused briefly while Dillon started looking out in the other direction, noticing several seagulls landing near the café to search for scraps. “Dillon, what if I told you I could save your investment?”
Dillon smirked as he took his attention away from the seagulls and turned to face Robert. “I knew you had to be going toward something with this,” he stated plainly. “What are you selling?”
“Dillon, I’m sure you’re aware that I bought into the New Zealand Oil Company and with the failings of the Australian company, I’m going to attempt to push my way into their distribution network,” he explained. “Hear me out before you tell me no.
“I don’t know if the Consortium of Oil Traders would allow that to happen,” said Dillon. “The moment that it appeared that you were making a play for power, they would do whatever they had to, to stabilize it for their own personal gain.”
“We can do this without them.”
“No, you can’t,” stated Dillon plainly. “COT is the most powerful entity in the world when it comes to oil.”
Robert paused briefly as he looked on with frustration. “So, you don’t think they’re beatable?”
“I know they’re not beatable,” replied Dillon without hesitation. “They are the biggest player in this game and they will bully anyone who attempts to muscle them out of an incredibly lucrative area.” Dillon looked at Robert as he could see the frustration building on his face. “But what if you joined them?”
“Join them?” asked Robert with a confused and perplexed look. “I’ve never joined any kind of network like theirs, nor have I ever needed to.”
“You’ve never been in oil,” replied Dillon. “I’m not trying to make things difficult, I’m trying to help you understand.”
Robert appeared frustrated, heading into the conversation thinking he could persuade Dillon to join his cause. “So, you’re saying you won’t help me?”
“I’m not saying that,” replied Dillon defensively. “What I am saying is that you’re going about this the wrong way.”
“Excuse me?” asked Robert.
“Think about everything you told me that your company in New Zealand has done over the past couple of months.” declared Dillon. “They would be fortunate to have an owner like you in their organization.” Dillon paused for a moment while he watched Robert comprehend everything he told him. “Robert, I will make you a deal right now. I will purchase a five percent ownership stake.”
Robert’s eyes lit up as he looked at Dillon. “Five percent?”
“Five percent, but that’s only if you can convince the Executive Committee of COT to allow your company in.”
Robert looked at Dillon with a calm and reserved expression, doing his best to subdue his potential excitement. The deal was not complete nor was it close to finished, but he felt that this was a step in the right direction. “I’m still not sold on the idea of joining this incredibly large organization,” explained Robert slowly. “However, if you honestly feel that this is the way to go and the best way for this company to be successful, I will try to schedule a meeting in the coming days with them.”
“Really, you only need to impress one person right now,” said Dillon reluctantly. “You have to impress Sulagna Patel.” He pulled out his cell phone and started looking up various bits of data, researching quickly while Robert looked out at the ocean. “Robert, do not be surprised if she knows a lot about you. She is incredibly smart, astute, and knowledgeable when it comes to the dealings of her industry.”
“I’ve never failed at a negotiation,” replied Robert quickly as he watched Dillon tinker with his phone. “Dillon, I always win when I have to.”
Dillon smiled, still keeping his face affixed to his phone. “I know you do, but this is a bit different.”
“Are you telling me they’ll muscle me out of business?”
“Of course not,” replied Dillon. “But they will deny you entry and beef up the supply in that region to overtake your supply lines if you upset them.”
Robert smirked as Dillon placed his phone on the table. “You’re in luck,” announced Dillon. “Sulagna Patel and her daughter, Mina, will be in Monaco tomorrow at the Stade Louis II to watch AS Monaco host Paris Saint-Germain in an incredibly important soccer match.”
“You mean football,” corrected Robert. “Just because your homeland likes to be different doesn’t mean that the rest of the world should follow suit.”
Dillon smiled. “You don’t have to hate me because I’m an American,” said Dillon playfully. “You can hate me because I’m the one that’s informing you that the game is sold out, so getting in might be a problem.”
Robert’s face went from calm and confident to potentially devastated. “So, she will be in town, but I won’t be able to see her?”
“I didn’t say that,” stated Dillon. “I’m saying you’re going to have to talk to a lot of people and see how many of them will be willing to help you.”
“You don’t have any possible leads?”
“Not a one,” replied Dillon. “I’m sorry, but if you need any help, let me know. I will see what I can do.”
Robert sipped his coffee and placed the empty cup on the table. “I suppose I have my work cut out for me then.”
Dillon nodded. “Good luck.”
“Thanks,” replied Robert sarcastically.