Chapter 28
Chapter 28
W hen James and ZsaZsa left the estate, James noticed Nailah and Sabra behind him as usual. However, as their journey progressed, he also noticed another vehicle following them. He wondered if Nailah, who was driving, noticed it too. When they reached Nikki’s house, James got out of the vehicle, then opened the door for ZsaZsa.
“Let Nikki know I will be right in,” he said. “I need to get a few things from the trunk.”
“All right,” ZsaZsa nodded then walked towards the house.
James opened the trunk but used it to block him speaking with Nailah.
“Did you see the vehicle that was following us?”
“I did,” Nailah stated as Sabra joined them.
“Do you know who is in the vehicle?”
“Is it not one of your associates?” Sabra asked.
“No,” James replied.
“Very well. We will inquire into the matter.”
James nodded, closed the trunk then walked into the house.
“Do you believe you would be able to produce these homes in my country?”
James heard ZsaZsa ask as he entered Xavier’s office. It seemed Nikki had arranged a team to present the proposal to him. Zack and his wife, Diamond Davenport were also present for the meeting.
“We have built internationally,” Xavier explained. “The material used may differ for this project, however I cannot think that would prevent us.” He glanced at his brother Zack, who headed up the construction company. “Can you think of anything that may be an issue in Emure?”
“We would have to put together a team, with a project manager who would be willing to live in the region for the duration of the project.” Zack replied.
“Would it be possible to train some of the countrymen there, to build the homes?” James asked.
“That could very well be the process used to create a working class of people in my country.” ZsaZsa shared thoughtfully. “May I have a copy of this design to add to my proposal for my King?”
“Of course you may,” Nikki assured her. “It would be an honor if you and your King would consider Davenport Industries to be the primary builder of Emure Homes.”
“That would be up to my King. However, this rendering will certainly go a long way in convincing him. Please accept my appreciation for this gift.”
“It is our honor to be considered,” Zack advised. “Now, James are you ready to see what we have for you?”
“I am,” James said as he took a seat next to ZsaZsa.
“Before we show you this,” Nikki began, “It is important to know you will need a team of people behind you to make all of this happen.”
“While we will be the builder of the community, we will not be able to manage the properties on your behalf,” Diamond stated. “However, we do have recommendations on personnel to assist you.”
“We say that to reduce your level of anxiety when you see the scope of the project,” Nikki exhaled as she looked at her husband. “Someone went a little overboard on his thoughts for your project.”
“Okay,” James nodded. “I like initiative. Show me what you have.”
The monitor on the wall came on. “This is the area as it exists now,” Xavier spoke in an excited tone. “This is what it can be.”
James stood on his feet the minute the screen changed. “Whoa.”
“Indeed, whoa,” ZsaZsa expressed. “Can it be?”
“Yes, it can,” Xavier nodded.
“I want this for that area,” James declared. “What is the cost and how long of a project will it be?”
“Straight to the numbers,” Nikki laughed.
“Here is the projected outlook of time and cost,” Zack informed as he handed James a folder. He took the folder as ZsaZsa walked over to the monitor.
“While you go through those numbers, I did a little research on the people you mentioned as possible team members,” Diamond stated. “You will have to allow time for training. I would like to recommend one of my associates, Trish Hargrove to assist with that. I would also recommend you hire Next Level Consultants to help you organize your firm.”
“You mentioned that this first project is to see if what you are planning will work to reverse the blight that is taking place in this neighborhood,” Xavier added. “I can tell you, it will work. Therefore, the initial projections made are for the B-more project of twenty homes and the community setup only.”
“While you have the funding for the B-more project to proceed, you will need investors or fundraising to do others.” Nikki advised. “Unless you want to retain all ownership of the properties within our family.” She raised an eyebrow. “Is that a possibility?”
“Anything is possible,” James stated without looking up. The scope of the B-more project had him captivated. “I am not willing to turn down the prospect of helping so many people due to my pride. For now, I want to see how much of this I can accomplish on my own.”
“It is my wish to be a part of this,” ZsaZsa stated. “It is inconceivable to believe you can take this area and make it into such a wonderful environment in which to live. I wish for this to come to Emure as well. Will you make that happen, James?”
“Your wish is my command, Babe,” James replied without looking up.
“James,” Nikki called out.
“Yes,” he looked up at her.
“Did you just hear what ZsaZsa asked?”
“Yes, she wants the project to be done in her country as well as here. I don’t see any reason why we cannot make that happen.” He said closing the folder. “Tell me something,” he walked over to the monitor. “Here, where the community center will be, is it possible to have small businesses leasing the vacant office space?”
“Yes,” Diamond stated. “That’s what we did at Davenport Circle.”
“Aunt Nikki what will it do for the tax revenues for the city?”
“With the increased value of the homes, the real estate taxes received for the area will increase for certain. Depending on the types of businesses you lease out to, there is the possibility of food tax if you get a restaurant, maybe even entertainment tax revenue, if you have a location for concerts or plays. The possibilities are endless on the revenue increase for the city.”
“And how long will this entire project take to complete?” He asked Zack.
“At least a year to eighteen months, shorter depending on the construction team size.” Zack replied.
“You mean to tell me in a year or two, we can change the lives of the people living in that community?” James asked incredulously.
“Yes, it is possible,” Xavier replied.
“How soon can we start?” James asked looking around the room.
“As soon as you acquire the property,” Zack responded.
James pulled out his phone. “I’m going to need to make some calls.”
“Wait, James,” Nikki stopped him. “Don’t you want to hear the rest of what we have in place?”
“No. Delays will cost those families. The sooner we get started, the sooner we can change their living conditions.”
He searched through his phone, as Xavier chuckled. “I think the man liked what he saw.”
“My apologies, X-Man,” James stated as he called a number. “I like it more than I can say. Your design has me speechless. Zack, I believe your numbers are fair, though I would like the opportunity to negotiate a few things.”
“Of course,” Zack nodded.
“ZsaZsa, I think you are right. If they can do this in a small section of Emure, and train some of your countrymen the craft of building homes, it could lead to a different class of people in your country.”
“I am thinking this is the piece we are missing from our plans,” ZsaZsa stated. “Is that not what you are thinking?”
“That is exactly what I am thinking,” James stated then spoke into the phone. “Ulysses, how soon can you and the guys come to Virginia?” he asked as he walked towards the door, then stopped. “Diamond, how soon can Trish Hargrove be available to work with us?”
“As soon as the contracts can be written up,” Diamond replied as she glanced at Zack.
He turned back to his call, then stopped again. “Wait,” he looked at Nikki. “Trish Hargrove…do we trust her?” He frowned.
“She’s okay,” Nikki shrugged.
James looked at her for a long moment, to ensure she meant what she said. “I’m trusting you on this Aunt Nikki,” he said then went back to his call.
Nikki looked at Diamond, “Trish better not mess up.”
Diamond laughed. “She has a man now. There is no reason for her to cause problems.”
James came back to the conversation. “I will meet with part of the team this weekend. Zack and Xavier, I cannot thank you enough for your input.”
“Zack and Xavier?” Nikki raised an eyebrow then looked at Diamond. “Isn’t it just like a man to assume the men put this proposal together?”
“Yes,” ZsaZsa teased. “For that you receive no kisses for the rest of the day.”
“What if sex comes after the kisses?” James teased back.
“Then I may have to reconsider my position.” ZsaZsa replied.
The men burst into laughter.
“I’m not mad at you for that,” Nikki laughed. “I like my sex too.”