Our Wealth Our Weapon
Friday Morning
At the Ministry of Trade and Commerce
The minister was on a hot seat. He was being berated by the infamous jungle king of the Island, Mr. Wong Brooklyn, for being fickle.
“Mr. Clark King, why are you so unstable? Why do you keep changing? Didn't we agree that the public would not be informed of the auction sales so that we can get fictitious bidders, who would be loyal to me?”
Afterwards, the jittery minister, gave his reasons.
“Mr. Brooklyn, what I did was for your best interest. A project of this magnitude cannot be hidden from the public; otherwise it would be annulled even if you acquire it. To avoid giving it wide publicity, we avoided the prime time when many viewers and listeners would be at home and aired it when everyone was either busy at work or school.”
Now, Mr. Brooklyn's eyes were radiant as he became optimistic. He jolted forward from the visitors' seat and asked.
“Is that so? Was that the reason it was aired for just a few minutes and yanked off?”
“You got it. We have to play safe on matters like this; otherwise, it may spring back on us.”
“Thank you, Mr. King, for being so thoughtful, and please forgive my recklessness. I would like to know, how many potential bidders have applied so far?”
Now, Mr. King checked his system and announced.
“There are five potential bidders so far. But we cannot go on with the auction if we do not have up to ten bidders or above.”
“That would not be an impediment. I will give you the five people now. Another question.”
“Yes. Go on.”
“Apart from me, who are the other four bidders?”
He checked his system again and informed him.
“The first bidder is from a Food and Beverages Company. The second from a car manufacturing company, the other bidder is a student and the fourth is an arms dealer and of course, the fifth is you.”
“I know where the arm dealer is coming from. A student? That is despicable. I'm comfortable with the bidders. Since Cherry Fields Oil and Gas Group and Endless Love Arcadia are not in the race, I'm good to go.”
“If I may ask. How much do you wish to bid? It is essential.”
Nevertheless, Mr. Brooklyn was right when he said that Mr. Clark King was unstable in his dealings. At one time he was on the side of the government, at another time he was on his side. He wanted the cut from Mr. Brooklyn after the sales. Little did he know that what he had in mind against him.
“I planned bidding twenty billion. What do you think? If it is too much, I can cut it down.”
Now, Mr. King leaned forward on his desk, adjusted his glasses, looked at Mr. Brooklyn in the eyes and asked.
“Do you really wish to retain that island? If another bidder acquires it, you would be thrown out like a dog. That property is worth over one hundred and fifty billion.”
Mr. Brooklyn laughed scornfully.
“I'm glad you said 'if'. None of these bidders are worth ten billions. So, there's nothing to worry about.”
Mr. King, was convinced at once, agreed with him.
“It is all right. I hope you are aware that you have twelve hours of grace to make payment after the auction, or the property would be given up for bidding again.”
In the meantime, the overconfidence and the self-crowned king of the island concluded the discussion with a wave of his hand and with a contemptuous smile.
“This a closed deal. See you on Monday.”
“Good luck.”
At the Eagles City University.
At about noon, Jeff was about going to the Aviation Department for another Group Activity when he got a message alert.
Ding
He halted to check his message before getting into the class.
The Head of the Geophysics Departments just forwarded the report of his trip to the Island. According to his report, the island is rich in natural resources. The discovery of crude oil and mining was inevitable. Luxury homes and hotels businesses were ideal for the island. The cost of the island ranged from two to three hundred billion.
Nevertheless, he was pleased with the report.
'Three hundred billion is not much.'
He thought as he forwarded the message to his father and grandfather before getting into his class.
Now, it was 6 pm in Nigeria when his father got the message. He was at the Recreational Park with his wife and friends. Then, he quickly replied.
(Hello son, Call me immediately you are off school, please. Thanks).
After his lectures, he saw the dad's message and replied at once.
(All right, dad)
At the Ancestral Manor.
Jeff got home with the spirit of THANK GOD IT IS FRIDAY. It had not been easy working as the Purple Tag Chairman of a big oil and gas company with branches in fifty-two counties and running two courses concurrently. At his age, his grandfather, and dad had set a standard for him, and he promised he would not let them down. Currently, he was living up to his promise, but the task took a heavy toll on him.
“Grandpa, we are home.”
He greeted as soon as he got to the house. Incidentally, his dad was about leaving for the garden for his Table Tennis training.
“Son, welcome back. Will you join me for the training?”
“I wish I can. I want to call my dad now before he goes to bed.”
“That's appropriate. You can call him now.”
Jeff dropped his laptop bag on the center table, took his seat and pulled off his canvas shoes before unbuttoning his shirt. His grandfather looked on with concern.
“You need rest, son”
“Yes, grandpa. I will do that after the call.”
“It is okay.”
Now, he gave his dad, who was already waiting, a call, and he picked immediately. Then, he saluted
“Hello, father, hello Jeff.”
“Hi Dad, hi Mom.”
“Ken and Dora, how are you?”
“We are fine, father and you?”
“We are fine.”
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