ASCENSION by S. W. Frank

items were placed on an overhead shelf then Nico was ushered into a wide cabin occupied by a trio of men . H e was asked to sit in a reserved s pace in the corner nook and the man exited. Nico surveyed the elusive men known in the arms world as the ‘Three Kings’. A wealthy group of Islamic i nvestors with an impressive acquisition portfolio and limitless resources . Egyptian, Iranian and Jordanian financiers who acquired their fortune from selling oil and arms . The Three Kings identities were well protected until now. The elaborate plan to flush them out worked and here they sat interest ed in buying a shell corporation set-up by his boss. Cybertronics was a phony multi-million dollar software company with a patented revolutionary processing chip. It’s e xpected earnings upon IPO estimated in the billions.
    Greed is a powerful seductress.
    Their atte mpt at a hostile acquisition of one of Palazzo Enterprises ’ holdings back ed by the Monticelli’s proved an unwise and deadly miscalculation. The thing about money is its owner s believe it can buy anything, unfortunately it cannot.
    “ Michael Grant , finally , ” the man seated facing the door said .
    Nico faked a nervous smile, “How could I refuse a free trip to Barbados?”
    T he man who spoke wore a traditional turban and a western-style suit and a garish diamond encrusted watch . This was in juxtaposition to the hadith which governed the dress code for Muslims . A lavish display of wealth on one’s person was prohibited as written in the Qur’an .
    “I am Salid ,” his hand gestured to the man at his right, “my brother Abdul,” the n he introduced a b ea r ded man on his left, “ my brother Mahmoud.”
    Nico looked each man in the eye, “ Well, now that the introductions are over can we a ddress why you insisted we meet?”
    “ I mpatient as most American ’s ,” Salid stated.
    Nico would have laughed at the misnomer but kept his mouth shut. How easy it is to be mistaken for an American when there is no trace of an accent and one’s words are bold. Frankly, he found the association a compliment despite his Italian-Roman ancestry.
    “ Yes, Americans ,” Mahmoud interjected.
    Nico resented the ir smug demeanor and pretentious airs cloaked in insult . He continued without contrition, “I am a busy man. If I recall correctly I was threatened with dissolution of my company . ”
    Mahmoud’s dark eyes twinkled with mirth , “ And that is what we will do Mr. Grant unless you agree to s ell us your company. We have put together a generous offer that will make you a very rich man.”
    The arrogance of the trio. Nico sat back. The men were extremely confident. Undoubtedly, their unorthodox b usiness tactics yielded favorable results with others . T heir influence and money frightened lesser men into acquiescence. Nico play ed it cool. T his entire act of subterfuge required months of careful planning . He was the messenger of death to carry out its conclusion. He could not blow it, his boss could have sent any number of guys but he chose Nico. This Nico took as a sign of faith in his abilities. So, he played the role cast of a n American businessman being coerced to sell his company. “Why my company?”
    “We feel your company has excellent potential in the international market, ” Salid answered , confident of Mr. Grant’s final decision.
    Nico found humor in their ignorance.
    Abdul placed a legal document on the table, “Our purchase agreement.”
    Nico read it and found the offer of th irty million dollars a puny sum for a promising software company. He tapped his finger on the fine paper , “ Is this a joke ?”
    “That is our offer; you’ll be wise to accept . ”
    “And if I refuse?”
    “We are reasonable men but this is our only monetary offer unless you prefer an alternative option.”
    “And that is?”
    “ We kill you but only after you have signed.”
    Motherfucker !
    Nico remain ed composed, “I need a minute to read this …