Chapter-2: The Bird and The Cat
Don Amado placed his rifles, barrels down, on Diego’s brown leather sofa. He hung his white gambler hat and burgundy coat on the mahogany stand, by the entrance to Diego’s office. He adjusted his shirt and vest, and hinged forward to sit. His heavy pistol—an intricate pearl grip revolver, holstered under his left arm—smacked against his ribs. He smirked with pride.
Unimpressed by the office, Amado yawned and moved his seat closer to the circular rosewood table. He adjusted his pistol once more, and then placed his leather satchel to his side.
Patricio entered the office with three jugs: one of tamarindo, another of water and the third of ice. He placed all three on a small-oval maple table, adjacent to the conference rosewood, and left.
A few minutes later and Patricio returned. He carried a large silver platter with: a variety of pan dulces, a small pyramid of mazapans in the middle and a bowl of dark purple higos. He placed several glasses, napkins and utensils near the refreshments, and retired himself across from Diego’s office, in a small waiting room.
“Some refreshments,” said Diego, “before we begin?”
“No, gracias, Diego, let’s get to the heart of the money. Remember, money comes first, all else is fifth.”
Bowing his head in agreement, Diego sat down across from Don Amado. One more glance at the grandfather clock in his office, and Diego noted that the 1:00p.m meeting with Amado Aguilar started at 5:25p.m.
“I have the contracts ready for your approval, señor.”
“Magnificent, hombre, I appreciate your detailed work; but …” Don Amado reached into his leather satchel and removed a dark-green folder and handed it to Diego.
A flutter of twists and churns punched Diego in his stomach as he read over the report.
Don Amado continued, saying,
“There are some minor modifications that need to be made with the contracts. I’m sure The Far-East Trading Company will agree with these fair adjustments.”
Diego felt nauseous and cold as he scrutinized the details of the report. Across from him, Amado Aguilar smiled and continued to talk about his silver mines. Skeptical, Diego looked through the report multiple times and on occasion glanced up at Amado.
Diego placed the report down on the table and adjusted his seat. He moved closer and looked over at the stain glassed window in his office. Farther up and he eyed the two crossed Henry rifles for a split moment. He leaned forward and took a deep breath of air like a swimmer, and returned his attention back to Amado.
Easy, easy … todo con calma, Diego repeated in his thoughts. A slow exhale and his wide eyes eased up. His tense jaw loosened and the knot in his stomach unraveled. And, with a closed mouth, Diego coughed a few times as he considered his words.
“Don … Amado … I must remind you that Spain is not a short horse ride away. The trip to The Far-East Trading Company will take a minimum of twelve weeks round trip … at least, three months, señor. Thirty days by sea in each direction and thirty days for business and additional travel on the main land, plus any miscellaneous days of negotiating in Spain.”
Don Amado smiled and nodded in agreement: “Si, si, I understand Diego. Remember, money requires time to grow before it can be reaped in abundance. Now is not the time to reap. Calmado, Diego. These changes benefit all purses involved, including the bank. The only thing to wrangle out is the fair shares of distribution. Calmadito mas bonito, I know of your sickness with the ocean. Send someone else in your stead, Diego.”
A deep, deep inhale and Diego looked over the documents again; except, this time Don Amado stayed quiet.
“Based on this report,” said Diego, “the bank is in agreement with your actions. The discovery of copper, in your silver mines, must be accounted for in the contracts with The Far-East Trading Company in Spain. Once Spain is made aware of this report, they will send representatives to verify, on site, all claims within this document.”
Diego opened another folder and flipped a few pages before continuing, “And, based on this clause here … there is a penalty for delay, and the earliest we can expect them to verify your mines is … no sooner than nine months from now. Afterwards, the adjusted contracts may be signed; or, negotiations may wrangle on for awhile. This will push back all contracts by at least twelve months. Do you still want to set this in motion, señor?”
A triumphant grin showed his pointed fangs, and Don Amado replied without hesitation.
“Of course, Diego, fire away. Let loose the arrow of money.”
Diego nodded his head in quick up and down short bounces as he straightened up in his seat.
“As a first step, Señor Amado, I’ll leave Marco in charge of this business trip overseas. He will act as courier and as initial negotiator on the modified contract agreements.”
“Si, that’s perfect, Diego. Marco is most dependable and charismatic.” Don Amado stood and moved to the refreshments. He placed two ice shards in a glass; and he poured some tamarindo half way up his glass. Adding to his mixture, he poured Tequila from a flask he carried in his coat and stirred his drink with a silver spoon.
Total Consciousness 