“What’s with this guy and his silence?” Nash said.
“Relax Colton. Jaco, since the cat is out of the bag, instead off two mil flat, we’re prepared to erase your debt on that failed hotel you dumped your life savings into in Miami. We’ll buy it for one million more than you owe.”
“The swimming pool is worth more than that. Speaking of money, who’s backing the company? Family? Hedge fund?”
“She doesn’t have any family,” said Rains. “She was orphaned at the age of five when her mother died. She comes from nothing. Common as dirt.”
“You didn’t answer the question.” Jaco enunciated, “Where’s the money coming from?”
“She’s scrounged up a couple of grants here and there, plus a minority female business loan.”
“Uh huh,” said Jaco. “Mr. Nash, to answer your question earlier, my silence means I like to mull over the facts. That’s how I am. I treat every problem in life the same way. Traffic jams, papercuts, and your little rodent problem.” He jabbed a finger at the man. “You’re here risking everything because if this drug hit the market, your company would be bankrupt in a month, the hospitals in 5, the States in 10 from Medicaid, and the government in 20 from Social Security and Medicare.”
Rains took a deep breath and nodded his head.
Jaco continued. “As a professional staying in my lane, I’m going to go light. Pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered right.” He made deep eye contact with Rains, then landed on Nash. “Gentlemen, forget the hotel. Add another 19 million to my contract. I assure you, when I’m done, Miss Green and her company will stink of so much shit people will think they’re selling fertilizer.”
After a moment, Nash nodded to Rains.
Rains put a flat palm on the table. “Let’s drink some scotch.”
Want to know what happens next?
“The Cure” will be released in January 2021.
Black Ghost Page 30