Chapter 41 Since When Did the World Work Like This?
“Director Parker.”
Before Ryan and Tyler had fully entered the office, Alan Parker was on his feet, smiling.
“Come in. Sit down.”
He even made them tea.
“Hot out there, isn’t it? Here.”
Ryan and Tyler exchanged a puzzled glance. Less than an hour ago, the man had threatened to call security. Now he was treating them like honored guests.
“I’ve just had a call,” Parker explained. “There’s a problem with one of our suppliers. Several orders have become available.”
He looked at Ryan.
“I didn’t catch your name earlier.”
“Ryan Carter. Ryan is fine.”
“I’ve spoken to Tyler before, but I don’t believe we’ve met.”
“Ryan’s just transferred to our team,” Tyler said smoothly. “He’s handling your account. Since you and I were already in touch, I came to make the introduction.”
It was a careful answer. Calling Ryan a new hire might offend a purchasing director who expected an experienced representative. Tyler also wanted no confusion over whose sale this would be. He was helping; Ryan was responsible for the account.
Parker looked relieved.
“Let me get our requirements.”
The hospital director’s instructions had been unmistakable. Give the Morgans’ company as much business as possible through normal channels, with no private arrangements. And make sure the orders went to Ryan Carter.
To remove any temptation to disregard the request, the director had added that it came from Victor Mercer himself.
Parker intended to do exactly as he was told.
Any promises to other suppliers would have to wait.
He returned with a list of equipment for which contracts remained unsigned.
“Which of these can you supply?”
Tyler looked down and felt his pulse quicken.
This wasn’t a token order. This was major business.
Together, he and Ryan marked the equipment their company could provide. It included a complete MRI system.
The total came to $2.7 million.
Parker reviewed the selection.
“We need these items soon. You brought contract forms?”
Tyler blinked.
“Yes.”
“Then let’s get started.”
For a moment, Tyler thought he’d misheard. They’d barely been back half an hour. Parker hadn’t negotiated the price, hinted at a personal payment, or even asked for dinner.
He wanted to sign.
They checked the items, confirmed the prices, and completed the initial paperwork. Only then did Tyler begin to believe it.
“Thank you, Director Parker. Let us buy you dinner tonight.”
“That won’t be necessary. Deliver the equipment as agreed and provide the maintenance you’ve promised. That’s all I ask.”
He shook Ryan’s hand warmly.
“We’re still getting the hospital ready. There’ll be more to purchase. I’ll contact you when something comes up.”
Tyler stared.
More orders? And Parker would call them?
Since when did selling work like this?
“Thank you. We’ll let you get back to work,” Ryan said.
“I’ll walk you out.”
Parker accompanied them to the elevators before returning to his office.
Once they were alone, Tyler turned to Ryan.
“Do you know someone important? Because that was all about you.”
“You said this hospital is privately owned. By whom?”
“The Mercer group.”
Ryan nodded. That explained it.
He didn’t know how George or Victor had learned he was there, but someone had clearly issued instructions on his behalf.
A $2.7 million order, no negotiation, no hesitation. It was hardly a coincidence.
“I helped their chairman recently. They must have heard I was here and decided to return the favor.”
Tyler’s jaw dropped.
“That must have been some favor.”
“Keep it to yourself. No need for everyone at work to hear about it.”
“Absolutely.”
Then Tyler grinned.
“I can’t wait to see Derek and Brian when we bring this in.”