Chapter 40 I’d Like to Become His Friend
“Director Parker. Tyler Brooks. We spoke a little earlier. This is my colleague, Ryan Carter.”
Alan Parker looked up from his desk with a frown.
“I told you we’ve selected our suppliers. There’s nothing available.”
Tyler maintained a pleasant expression.
“We understand most of your contracts are settled. We’re hoping there might be a smaller order. Our equipment meets the specifications, and our pricing is competitive.”
“No. Please leave.”
“I know you’re busy. Could I take you to dinner this evening? I’d be glad to explain what we offer.”
Parker’s expression hardened.
“I’m not available. We have purchasing procedures. Don’t come in here trying to get around them. If you won’t leave, I’ll call security.”
“Of course. We won’t keep you.”
Parker waved them out without another word.
They walked down the hall before Tyler sighed.
“Tough one.”
“I’m sorry,” Ryan said. “You shouldn’t have to put up with that on my account.”
Tyler smiled.
“It’s the job. We want to sell; he decides whether to buy. At first, it makes you angry. Eventually, you learn not to take it personally.”
“What was the idea with dinner?”
“If he accepts, there’s room to negotiate. Our equipment qualifies. Sometimes what’s left is the part nobody discusses at the office.”
“Kickbacks?”
“Sometimes.”
“What now?”
“We try another prospect, then come back near closing time. Ask once more. If he still refuses, we move on.”
“Sounds good.”
Upstairs, Martin Hughes was pouring tea for Victor Mercer and wondering why his visitor had changed his plans.
Victor had been about to leave. Instead, he’d asked to return to the office and sent an assistant to find out who the two young men were.
Quietly. No approaching or questioning them.
A knock came at the door. The assistant entered and spoke softly to Victor.
His expression changed.
Ryan was selling medical equipment for the Morgans?
A physician with those skills—and a cultivator—making sales calls?
Victor almost smiled.
His father had told him to find a way to help without forcing himself on Ryan. Here was an opportunity he couldn’t have planned better.
He turned to Martin.
“Those two salesmen are from the Morgans’ company. One is Ryan Carter. See how much business you can give him. Follow the proper purchasing procedures, and there are to be no kickbacks.”
Martin chose his words carefully.
“May I ask who he is?”
“He saved my father’s life. I’d like to become his friend.”
Victor wanted the situation understood. A vague instruction might be handled badly. Someone could offend Ryan while trying to please him, defeating the purpose entirely.
Martin heard the significance immediately.
This man had saved the chairman. Victor spoke of him with respect. And he wanted to become his friend, rather than simply calling him an acquaintance or beneficiary.
Ryan Carter was someone worth taking seriously.
“I’ll handle it at once.”
“They went to Alan Parker,” the assistant added.
Martin reached for his phone.
“Don’t mention me,” Victor said. “I’d rather keep this quiet.”
“Of course.”
Martin placed the call.
Down in the parking lot, Ryan and Tyler got into the SUV. Ryan had just started the engine when Tyler’s phone rang.
He looked at the display and sat up quickly.
“Director Parker? Yes… We’re still here. Of course. We’ll come right up.”
He ended the call, grinning.
“He wants us back. Says he has an order.”
Ryan brightened.
“What changed his mind?”
“Does it matter? An order means they can’t fire you.” Tyler opened the door. “Come on. Let’s not keep him waiting.”