Mario was worried. He had not heard from anyone for over an hour when Ron finally called. “Everything is going smoothly. Romano’s man, Murphy, is on his computer, transferring the money as we speak.”
“Call me when it’s over, Ron. This is driving me crazy. Tell Romano that Buzz is on the last hole and the match is still even. Bill’s insurance policy was worthless.” Moments later he heard the bad news. Bradford had won.
Mario couldn’t believe Buzz lost. Just two weeks ago he had beaten Bradford soundly. Damn it, Bradford was no match for Buzz even on his best day. Could someone have gotten to Buzz; paid him off? It was a possibility he would need to look into. Maybe this was his way out?
Ninety minutes later Ron still had not called back and wasn’t answering his cell phone. Mario was worried, and not just because of the money. He had promised Romano that Buzz would win and Romano didn’t like bad news.
This stuff with Mary was crazy. Rumors were spreading that some Spanish guy had kidnapped Mary. Who in the hell is Jesus? Oh no, thought Mario. I hope Romano didn’t have anything to do with it. It would be just like him to do something like this. He realized how it must look to Dave and the others; they would suspect him. Shit, he would be glad when this was over.
Mario tried to put on a good front. Dave and Buzz were nowhere in sight but the Swiss group was at a table in the corner. Mario approached his former partner and offered his hand. “Congratulations, Sven. It was an exciting golf match. I want you to know I’ll do whatever I can to help you in the transition.”
“Thanks, Mario. I know it was a tough way to lose, but yeah, it was an exciting match. Did you hear about what happened to Mary?”
“I heard a little bit, Sven, and it makes me sick. I’m happy it didn’t work if it was done to make Dave play bad. I know how it might appear, but Dave and Mary are personal friends. I would never even think of doing something like that, no matter what is involved. Mary is okay, isn’t she?”
“She’s fine. I think she is downstairs with Dave right now. Apparently someone took a shot at him on the 18th hole and creased his shoulder. Buzz was hurt too. They have a doctor looking at them now, but it can’t be too bad after the way they played the last hole.”
“It’s amazing how some people perform under pressure. I guess Dave is one of those people. By the way, Sven, I’m ready to complete our transaction when you are.”
“The attorneys are in the conference room. We’re just waiting on Dave. He needs to sign the papers before we transfer the money.”
“There’s Dave now,” said Dag. “Let’s grab him before everyone starts buying him drinks.” Dag wasn’t completely successful but fifteen minutes later the principals were all gathered in the conference room, including Chris who wasn’t letting Dave out of her sight despite what Buzz had told her.
Dave’s attorney, Mike Addison, stood up and the room quieted. “Okay, let’s get started. I have here four sets of documents that allow Sven’s group to buy Mario’s share of the partnership for $938M plus another $50M for the rights to the six Phase I1 projects. The new ownership structure will be effective as soon as the money is transferred. Any questions?”
Mario had one. “What about profits from existing operations, which I guess applies mainly to the casino? Am I entitled to a share of the profits? How are we handling that?”
“Good question, Mario. There will be a final accounting done in three months. The buyer will write you a check for your share of net income plus another check for the difference between accounts receivable and accounts payable as of today. If payables are more, Sven will have to eat the difference. Okay?”
“Let’s get on with it,” Mario said, resigned to the inevitable. He was already making plans to get the casino back.
“If there are no more questions, each of you needs to sign all four sets of these documents. We’ll be finished here as soon as the wire transfer is completed.” There was little conversation as the documents were signed and notarized.
“Mario, will you give your account numbers to Sven?”
Mario handed Sven a slip of paper with the required information. Dag used his laptop to make the transfer and in less than two minutes the transfers were completed; $9636M to Mario and $25M to Global Management.”
“It’s over,” Addison announced. “Congratulations, Sven.”
“I don’t feel any different, do you Mario?” Dave quipped.
“I must admit I feel a little relieved, Dave. With everything that’s been going on the last few weeks, I’m won’t be sorry to put this behind me. I told Sven before, but I want to tell you directly. I know nothing about the kidnapping or the shooting. I’m just happy that you and Mary are all right. Congratulations on a great match.”
“Thanks, Mario.”
“Sven,” Mario continued, “I wish your group success with the casino and other projects. That’s all I have to say, other than I’ll use a little of your money to buy drinks for everyone. I know I could use one.”
The door opened before anyone could reply. Three men entered including Buzz and his boss, Steve Wilson. Steve flashed his FBI identification. “Mario, you are under arrest. You have the right to remain silent and anything you say …”
“What? I didn’t do anything. I had nothing to do with the kidnapping and shooting.”
Steve and the other agent grabbed Mario and handcuffed his hands behind his back. “You are under arrest for suspicion of drug smuggling.”
“No, you have no evidence,” Mario protested.
“We have sworn affidavits from your delivery boys; Sam and Ron,” Steve replied as they led Mario away.
Everyone started talking at once after Mario was escorted from the room. Buzz interrupted; “I’ll bring you all up to date at dinner tonight, but in the meantime, let’s have a drink on Mario. He has a tab here, and I heard him say he was buying.”
Chapter 3
Political Payback