Total Consciousness

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 maple table, adjacent to the conference rosewood, and left.

     A few minutes later 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,” asked Diego, “before we begin?”

     “No, gracias,” said Amado, “let’s get to the heart of the money. Remember, money comes first, all else is fifth.”

     Diego bowed in agreement and sat down across from Don Amado. One more glance at the grandfather clock in his office, and he noted that the 1:00p.m meeting with Amado Aguilar started at 5:25p.m. He inhaled extra deep, paused and continued.

     “I have the contracts ready,” said Diego, “for your approval.”

     “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. What now? He thought.

     Don Amado continued: “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.”

     Cold numbness colored Diego’s face as he listened and read.

     Amado Aguilar smiled and continued to talk about his silver mines. Each word he uttered spread goosebumps along Diego’s spine and arms. Still, Diego reviewed the report multiple times with as much tact as he could manage, while on occasion glancing at Don Amado.

    Diego placed the report down on the table and adjusted his seat. He moved closer and looked over at the stained-glass window in his office. Farther up, 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 to Amado.

     Easy, easy … todo con calma, Diego repeated in his thoughts. His wide eyes softened, his tense jaw relaxed and the knot in his stomach unraveled. He coughed a few times and paused.

     “Don … Amado” said Diego, “Spain is not a short horse ride away. The trip to The Far-East Trading Company will take a minimum of at least three months, señor. Thirty days by sea in each direction, thirty days for business and travel on the mainland, plus any additional days of negotiating in Spain.”

     Don Amado smiled in agreement: “Si, si, I understand Diego. 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 is the fair shares of distribution. Calmadito mas bonito, I know of your sickness with the ocean. Send someone else in your stead.”

     Diego looked over the documents again. Except, this time Don Amado stayed quiet.

Thank you

     I appreciate your time in reading this blog post. Next Saturday I will upload the next part of Chapter Two: The Bird and The Cat, from my first novel: Guerrero of Passions.