Chapter 21
At the same moment back in London, Nigel Black and Joaquin Batistin were perusing the menu at The Grenadier Champagne and Oyster Bar in St Mary Axe. Just down the road was the London office of Vesuvio Specifica Assicurazioni, known widely as ‘Specifica’.
They were the guests of Specifica’s London head of bureau, Vittorio Gallazone and two of his colleagues who were over from Naples for the day.
Unknown to Grenville, Black was playing a double game. Batistin knew nothing of the conspiracy. Instead, Black had told him that he might profit if Specifica wanted to buy Plantation. In the interim, he was to keep his mouth shut.
As matters stood, Black was keeping his options open. If Plantation suddenly became insolvent, then he and Grenville would divide the spoils as agreed. But at the same time, anything could happen : it was prudent to hear what a serious operator such as Specifica might offer, if the opportunity arose. Grenville might be advised of the conversation or he might not. It would all depend on how the cards fell, who the players were and how much was to be staked.
After the fifth bottle of Krug Premier Cru, the conversation turned to the dilemma facing Plantation after the unexpected death of James Ashby. The Italians had heard different rumours on the grapevine that Plantation had run out of funds. Were any of these stories true ?
“Perfectly true,” said Batistin, almost in a whisper. “And if you’re quick, gentlemen, you might pick up a bargain.”
“But what about young Signore Ashby one hears so much about ? Is it not true that he controls the majority of the shares in the company ?”
“Again, perfectly true,” said Black. “You’re correct about the shares. But who would pay anything for them if they were almost worthless ?”
“But Plantation has always been a very good company. Are the shares really worthless ?” asked Gallazone.
“You must understand that we couldn’t possibly comment but we have heard stories – just as we’re sure you’ve heard stories – that Plantation’s debts may be manageable, given the right attention. The situation might be ‘assisted’….if a larger company was interested in a buy-out. If a liquidator happened to be appointed, the debt position might be negotiated very favourably with the company’s creditors. That could possibly square everything off – except for Mr Ashby and his shares. Nothing, unfortunately, will save them.”
Gallazone’s colleagues spoke to him briefly in Italian.
“They asked if anyone assisting these discussions would want some form of uh.....recognition for their services ?”
“Very possibly but I’m sure it would be nothing unreasonable,” murmured Black in an undertone.
“How very civilised, as the English say,” said Gallazone.
Plantation A Legal Thriller Page 21