章 15: 15. Crucial Deal
Sam hurried into the skyscraper and headed straight to the reception desk.
"What brings you here?" The woman greeted Sam with a friendly smile.
"I'm here to speak with Mr. Russle." Sam didn't like this skyscraper. It felt cold and formal, almost like a labyrinth.
"Do you have an appointment with Mr. Russle?" The receptionist checked her notes on the computer.
"No, but it's an urgent matter." Sam spoke without breaking eye contact with the woman. He wanted quick results.
The woman picked up the phone and made a call. "Mr. Russle, there's someone here to see you. His name is Sam Carter... Okay, sir. I'll inform him." She hung up the phone and turned to Sam. "Mr. Russle will see you now. Take the elevator to the 27th floor. It's the second door on the right."
Sam thanked her and headed to the elevator. When the door opened, he stepped inside and pressed the button for the 27th floor. As the elevator ascended quickly, Sam thought about his encounter with Russle and how it could change the course of things.
When he reached the floor, Sam exited the elevator and walked to the indicated door. He knocked, and a voice from inside said, "Come in."
Sam opened the door and entered a spacious, luxuriously furnished office. Anton Russle was sitting behind a large desk covered with various files and documents, but he gave Sam his full attention.
"Sam Carter, welcome. What brings you here?" Russle asked with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"Mr. Russle, we have a problem." Sam got straight to the point. "The shipper's debt led you to seize our machines. This is unacceptable."
Russle smiled slightly and leaned back in his chair. "Sam, the business world is tough. Everyone protects their own interests. That shipper owed me, and he used your machines to settle his debt."
"These machines are vital for our business. I need them back." Sam tried to keep his voice steady, showing his determination.
Russle picked up one of the files on his desk and glanced through it. "Alright, let's say I make you an offer. What will you give me to get the machines back?"
Sam took a deep breath. He had anticipated that Russle would demand something. "What do you want for the machines, Mr. Russle?"
Russle thought for a moment and then spoke. "Two million dollars."
Sam struggled to contain his anger. "Are you trying to make me pay the shipper's debt?"
Russle smirked. "No, Sam. I'm just showing you how the business world works. Aren't your machines worth that much?"
Sam took a deep breath to suppress his anger. "This is unfair. I can't pay that amount."
"That's your problem. Good day, Carter," Russle said, turning back to his paperwork.
Sam, frustrated by Russle's indifferent attitude, took a deep breath and left the office. As he got into the elevator, he quickly formulated plans in his mind. He knew this issue wouldn't be resolved easily. He had to find another way to get the machines back.
When the elevator reached the lobby, Sam exited quickly and saw Logan waiting outside. Logan immediately asked, "What happened? What did Russle say?"
Sam gritted his teeth as he answered. "He wants two million dollars. He's trying to make us pay the shipper's debt."
Logan understood Sam's anger. "So, what do we do now?"
"I don't know. I've put all my money into this casino business. I have some money left, but it's nowhere near two million dollars," Sam said, removing his tie and throwing it on the ground.
"Don't lose hope, Carter. We'll handle this," Logan said, feeling bad about Sam's distress.
"How? It's two million dollars, Logan. Not two thousand," Sam looked into Logan's eyes.
Logan reached into his pocket and pulled out a bank card, handing it to Sam.
Sam stared at the credit card in Logan's hand in surprise. "What's this, Logan? What do you expect me to do with this card?"
Logan responded with determination. "This credit card has money left by Charles. Take as much as you need."
Sam looked at the credit card Logan offered and then sighed deeply. Charles had been their closest friend who had passed away a few years ago. This card symbolized Charles's trust in Sam.
"This money is Charles's legacy. I don't want to use it, Logan. It's the last thing he left us," Sam said, pushing the card back.
Logan looked Sam in the eyes and replied firmly, "Charles would want this money to be used for your business. He always supported you and wanted you to succeed. Using this money isn't disrespecting his memory; it's honoring his trust in you."
Sam knew Logan was right. Deep down, he felt that Charles would want to help him in this situation. But he still wasn't sure if using this money was the right thing to do.
"Logan, if I use this money and things don't go well, I'll feel like I've tainted Charles's memory," Sam said with deep sadness in his voice.
Logan placed a hand on Sam's shoulder. "Sam, Charles knew you and believed in your abilities. He trusted you to make the right decision. If using this money will save your business, then you should use it. It's what Charles would have wanted."
Sam took the credit card from Logan. They weren't strong enough to deal with Russle any other way. Their only option was to pay him the two million dollars and then collect it from the shipper.
Sam took a deep breath as he accepted the credit card from Logan. Using this money was a tough decision, but they had no other choice. Logan's determined and reassuring demeanor gave Sam some comfort. Charles's legacy might be the key to getting them out of this difficult situation.
"Alright, Logan. We'll use this money and get our machines back. But we won't forget to hold the shipper accountable," Sam said, looking at Logan with determination.
"Great, Sam. So what's our next move?" Logan lit a cigarette.
"First, we need to go to the bank and withdraw the money. Then, we'll go back to Russle and make the deal. But this time, we need to make a contract. We need to make sure this matter is resolved properly,"
Logan nodded in agreement. "Alright, let's head to the bank right away. We need to get this done."
Sam and Logan quickly went to the bank. They completed the necessary transactions and withdrew the two million dollars. After ensuring the money was safely secured, they returned to Russle's office.
Sam approached the receptionist again. "I need to see Russle urgently."
The woman recognized Sam and immediately informed Russle. After a short wait, she received approval and directed them to the elevator. They went up to the 27th floor again.
When they reached Russle's office, Sam knocked on the door and entered at the sound of "Come in." Russle was sitting behind his large desk, just as before. Sam and Logan approached the desk with determination.
"Sam Carter, welcome back. I assume you've made your decision after some thought," Russle said with a mocking smile.
"Yes, Mr. Russle. Here's the two million dollars you wanted," Sam said, pulling out his checkbook. "But I want to make sure we secure this transaction with a contract. We need to ensure this matter is resolved properly."
Russle raised an eyebrow slightly. "Of course, Sam. I have no problem with making a contract. I also want to ensure things are done properly."
Russle pulled a contract from a drawer in his desk and placed it on the table. Sam and Logan carefully reviewed the contract. Once they were sure everything was written fairly and correctly, Sam wrote a check for two million dollars and handed it to Russle.
Russle took the check, examined it carefully, and nodded in satisfaction. "Alright, Sam. Your machines will be returned to you immediately. I'll expedite the process."
Sam took a deep breath and smiled at Logan with satisfaction. "Thank you, Mr.Russle. I appreciate you handling this quickly."
"I'm also in favor of things running smoothly, Sam. I hope your business goes well from here on out," Russle had a sarcastic attitude.
As Sam and Logan left Russle's office, they felt like they had won a victory. Once outside, Logan turned to Sam and said, "We did it, Sam. Now we can get our machines back."
"Yes, Logan. But this isn't over. We still need to collect this debt from the shipper. We'll have to face him too,"
"Of course, Sam. We'll handle that as well. "
Sam placed a hand on Logan's shoulder. "Thank you, Logan. You helped me out of this tough situation. Now, together, we'll take our business even further."
Note: The contract is not for the law. A contract to avoid being scammed in the underworld. If Sam and Logan are defrauded by Russle, they can seek justice in the underworld by appealing to the council.
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット