Stained River Read Online Free Page B

authority.
    “Mr. Connery, you don’t know me. My name is Estevo Castelo Branco. I’m a chief shareholder in Azevedo Limited. I’m considering a major investment in your company. In addition, I have other business arrangements you may find of interest. I’m in your city for only a short while. Would you be available at ten tomorrow morning? I apologize for the short notice.”
    Connery hesitated. This was unusual. Most clients accommodated his schedule, not the other way around. At least that’s the way it seemed before things got screwed up. Unless extraordinary potential existed, not many were able to meet with him on short notice. This, however, could be exactly what he needed.
    “Could you hold while I check my calendar for tomorrow?”
    “Certainly.”
    A quick glance showed him completely open the following morning, but after delaying a few minutes, he picked up the phone.
    “I have a previous commitment at ten, but I can push it off until afternoon. I look forward to seeing you then.”
    He hung up, then opened his laptop. An Internet search of the company showed an impressive website; an apparently large corporation involved in mining and resource development. Included were pictures of the corporate headquarters in downtown Brasilia and the names of other locations in various countries. He clicked on the list of names for the board of directors. Castelo Branco's name appeared as chairman emeritus. A further search  for the former chairman’s credentials turned up nothing to give him pause; his attendance at various social functions, large donations to the arts and various endowments. His company was mentioned by a global environmental organization as possibly being in violation of existing laws. It seemed a routine protest faced by many large companies in that industry. He disregarded it with no further follow up, a mistake that would cost him dearly.
    The next morning, Cindy rang his office promptly at ten saying his client had arrived. He asked her to show him in. His office on the eighteenth floor was striking, designed specifically to impress; mahogany paneling, sterling silver service, oriental rugs, art collection including a Monet watercolor, a fabulous view of the city.
    The door opened to a man in his late fifties, well dressed, badly out of shape, no more than  5' 8”, weighing at least 250 pounds, maybe more. He was dark complected, hair slicked back and shifting eyes. An overpowering scent of expensive cologne permeated the room. Connery shook hands, offered him a seat and asked Cindy to have coffee and pastries brought in. Castelo Branco thanked him in heavily accented English, said he had already eaten, and could they get down to business?
    “I am familiar with your company Mr. Connery, and the returns you have earned your clients are impressive.”
    He continued in a courteous but abrupt manner. He appeared as someone of apparent importance who was in a hurry.
    “You come highly recommended. Let me put it simply. I am considering placing a significant sum with your investment company. I assure you, the amount is substantial, but I must first have you meet with certain members of our board before we formalize any agreements. These will be preliminary discussions I’m sure you will find attractive.”
    “And what kind of agreements would those be?”
    “We are willing to consider paying a high premium for an equity share in Hawthorne. You would retain controlling interest, of course. If you are interested, we can piece together an agreement at our headquarters and then leave the details to our subordinates.”
    He reached for a planner in his breast pocket, put on glasses and flipped pages.
    “Can I assume you will be available four days from now, the twenty eighth?”
    It all moved very fast, and this made Connery uncomfortable. He couldn't dismiss the fact, however, that he needed the deal.
    “I’m flattered that you know of me and my company, but I know little of you other than what