Three and a Half Weeks(180)
Ian is stunned into silence, trying to process his feelings about what Daniel just described to him. “Were you behind this new venture for Natasha?”
“The concept did not originate with me, no. I was enlisted to assist in the execution, so in that respect it was a joint effort and one I’m hoping my wife never hears about. The whole idea made me squeamish but I thought it might be the best outcome for Natasha while keeping you and your family safe.”
“Joint between you and…?”
“Can’t you guess?”
“Phillips?”
“That’s the one. Surprised me with how fiendishly clever he actually is. He’s relieved he lost the brothers, too, and plans to remain in the U.S. as much as possible so they can’t reconnect with him anytime soon. Turns out he’s actually a nice guy who was being influenced by rotten people.” He pauses for a second. “He genuinely cares about Ella and wants her to be safe and happy.”
“Good, as long as he keeps his distance.”
Daniel laughs. “If anyone understands your position, it’s me, Ian. Before I met Olivia, I couldn’t understand what jealousy was all about, never felt it myself. Ever. Now, I find I cannot even approach reasonable, rational thought and behavior where my girl is concerned. I know I drive her crazy on occasion… but it is what it is.”
“Ditto. By the way, we received your wedding invite and we will be there. I believe Ella already sent in the RSVP.”
“Great. We’ll share a toast together in honor of Ms. Yenin’s new marriage.”
“Make it DP: that’s her favorite bubbly.”
“We’ll have to drink her share since she won’t be imbibing anytime soon. Saudi Arabia is a dry country, of course. There’s always opium, however.”
“There you go.”
“Glad this is worked out, for now. I’ll see you in a few weeks.”
“Before you go, Daniel, tell me how this arrangement went down. How would our boy Lucien know the kind of people who would… facilitate this type of thing?”
“Lucien’s neighbor in his Paris flat arranged it, a man by the name of Michel Rimbaud, like the poet. I’m quite sure it’s not even close to his actual name. Lucien said he specializes in this specific transaction and does not appreciate being labeled a human trafficker. Claims he prefers the title of marriage broker. Anyway, he handled the entire matter, including the delicate matter of transportation, and from what I hear, almost all of the parties involved are extremely satisfied. All but one, so he tells me.”
“Yes, I can take a wild guess as to who that one party might be. All right then. I need time to acclimate myself to this resolution. Thanks, Daniel, for everything. I’ll be in touch.”
Ian disconnects the call and returns the phone to his jacket pocket. Leaning all the way back in his ergonomic chair, he groans and covers his face with both hands. “Fuck, what am I going to tell Ella? What will she think of this turn of events?
Contemplation, however, is not to be his lot this afternoon. No sooner did he ask the room that question, did his buzzer tear into the quiet of his office. “Yes?”
“Mr. Haddad on line two, Mr. Blackmon.”
“Haddad?”
“Yes, from Saudi Arabia. He mentioned a recent purchase he made through one of your subsidiaries?”
Ian’s heart begins to accelerate as his brain connects the dots. “I’ll take the call, Janine.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Hello?”
“Mr. Blackmon?” Ian Blackmon?” The voice is urbane with just the barest trace of an accent.
“Yes, this is Ian Blackmon. How may I help you?”
“Mr. Blackmon, my name is Khahil Haddad and I am the man who made a purchase through one of your subsidiaries in the past week. I wanted to contact you to inform you that the product arrived in perfect condition and I am most pleased.”
“Were you asked to contact me when the shipment was received?”
“No, but names of involved parties are exchanged to ensure that everyone adheres to the stipulations of the agreement. I was also informed of some of the possible downsides to the product at the time of purchase. I wanted to at least provide you with a small measure of peace of mind, sir. You may not be aware, but you and I actually have done business together in the recent past.”
“Can you elucidate?”
“I purchased an energy company through one of my Japanese firms. I was given a most handsome price and I hold your business ethics in high esteem accordingly. The firm was in very good standing and all the books were in order. I appreciate honest businessmen, sir.”