“Welcome to Zurich Mr. Reyes! I hope you had a pleasant flight.”
“Yes, it went smoothly,” he answered.
Flying first class usually has that advantage.
“First of all, I want to apologize for asking you to get here so suddenly,” the magnate said. “But if I’m not mistaken, you won’t regret your decision.”
“No worries,” answered Reyes, “one gets used to traveling.” And then he thought, and of course, you don’t regret making me come here.
“I’m sure. Have a seat please,” Gotthelf said pointing at one of the sofas on one side of the office. “Would you care for a drink?”
“Yes, thank you. Whiskey?”
Gotthelf stared at him for a second but gave him a glass without making any comment. He didn’t drink anything.
Reyes was glad Gotthelf had chosen the sofas instead of the chairs with the desk in between. Without the physical obstacle of the desk and in the comfort of the sofas the conversation would be less formal. And with a superb whiskey in his hand it would be an absolute pleasure.
“Let me get to the point then,” Gotthelf said. “I guess that after our conversation yesterday you know why you are here. I would like to hear your thoughts on the subject.”
“Very well Mr. Gotthelf. Alps Tankers has had to pay three substantial ransoms within the last two years to save a few ships and crews that were captured by Somali pirates. You paid the ransoms promptly to avoid complications as was the case with the sailor in the first one, the Aletschhorn if I remember correctly.
Gotthelf nodded, encouraging him to continue.
“In all three instances the pirates have displayed means and abilities that until now have not been attributed to them and they have made no mistakes that we know of. This indicates that they have specialized training and direction. In addition, they have specific material and human means.”
Gotthelf continued nodding while Reyes was getting to the point that both of them knew was baffling them.
“And for whatever reason or chance, your ships seem to be their preferred targets,” Reyes finished, looking for some reaction on the face his listener.
But there was none. He would make a great poker player, Reyes thought.
“Up until now,” Gotthelf said, “I’m in complete agreement with you. And forgive me if I’m congratulating myself but it’s not every day one comes to the same conclusions as the greatest expert on the subject. The only thing I would add is that the prompt payments not only prevents casualties, but also tons of crude spilled in the ocean and too much negative publicity for my company. I prefer to pay quickly so that those vultures from the news networks don’t have time to have a feast at the expense of my tragedy. The oil sheikhs don’t want to hear that their transporter has problems,” he added. “Most of all, I appreciate that you, even though you haven’t said it in so many words, also sense that there’s something else besides pirates behind all this.”
This time it was Reyes’ turn to nod his head, and smile slightly. He liked the way the conversation was going. Gotthelf steered away from ambiguity and analogies, he spoke clearly and directly, wasn’t afraid to speak his mind and looked you in the eyes when he did so.
“Well, Mr. Gotthelf,” Reyes said. “Now that we have established some context I would like to know, what exactly is it you want from me?” he asked, anxious to finally know the reason for his possible recruitment. Rather, probable, he thought while he smiled inwardly.
Gotthelf smiled from ear to ear. It was funny how his eyes almost disappeared. Then he said, “I’m guessing you’re a little lost.” And when Reyes tilted his head slightly, he added, “Do you know what Morgan, Drake, Lafitte, Surcouf and your countrymen Íñigo de Artieta and Mateo Mainery have in common?”
Reyes, even more confused now than before had to say no, to which Gotthelf replied, “Neither did I, until just now. The truth is, I’ve never been a fan of history but when this idea popped in my head I did some research on the internet and found out that many years ago war wasn’t limited to regular armies, there were also some men that were dedicated to fighting for money.”
During the next few minutes he explained his idea like a child when he proudly shows off a new bike. When he finished he asked, “What do you think?”
“Well Mr. Gotthelf, it’s certainly an unusual idea.”
Reyes tried to think as quickly as he could.
“The first thing you will need,” he continued, “is someone with knowledge of maritime and international law. You’ll need to find out whether it can be done and if so, how? Second, you’ll need someone who can provide you with a ship and crew, besides a clever mind to organize it all.”
Gotthelf smiled.
“I was hoping that could be you,” he said.
“Me?” Reyes exclaimed surprised.
He certainly hadn’t seen it coming. During the last few minutes he was thinking Gotthelf wanted his opinion and then he would hire people to carry out the project. Reyes wasn’t a doer. He was a thinker. He came up with ideas and others carried them out.
“You don’t think you’re the man for the job?” Gotthelf asked. He seemed to be able to read Reyes’ mind. “Nonetheless, I think you’re the ideal man. Obviously you’ve never done anything like this before but with your experience and knowledge on the subject I think you are, without a doubt, the best choice. Besides, as I’m sure you can imagine, my secretary has investigated you and I don’t think anyone has more contacts than you do in the field where I need them. You have worked for practically every organization and government that could require your services. And judging from the contract offers you’re still getting, you haven’t exactly left a bad taste in anyone’s mouth.
Reyes couldn’t believe that for the second day in a row Gotthelf had convinced him before even speaking a word. Was it because it was Gotthelf, or was it due to the novelty of what he proposed? In any case, Reyes knew that in his search for new adventures and challenges he would never find one as appealing as this one.
“What do you say?” Gotthelf asked.
“I’m in,” Reyes replied not missing a beat.
They shook hands smiling and Reyes couldn’t help saying, “Mr. Gotthelf, when we talked earlier I said you would need a lawyer and a coordinator. However, you’re also going to need a lot of money.”
“This is a lot better than having to continue paying all those ransoms,” Gotthelf said as he looked him in the eyes.
Reyes had to admit Gotthelf was right. Besides, he thought, money is probably going to be the least of our problems.
“Very well Mr. Reyes, I’ll be busy the rest of the day. How about we see each other again in the morning? That way you’ll have time to think and tomorrow we can make more definite plans. I went ahead and had my secretary give you an advance on your fees. I figured you wouldn’t turn down my offer. I hope you’ll be pleased.”
Reyes had no doubt it would be so and it must have shown in his expression because Gotthelf continued, “Tomorrow then. I hope you have a great day. And, welcome aboard!” he said in a theatrical voice obviously pleased with his pun.
Reyes was already headed for the door when he heard, “By the way Mr. Reyes, your stay here in Switzerland is on me. I hope you enjoy it.”
Reyes smiled and tilted his head slightly in acknowledgment. This was going to be fun.
#
The next morning, Reyes arrived on time at Gotthelf’s office wearing the same gleaming shoes but a different suit, shirt, and tie. He was on time, and full of