Poul paced back and forth in his office, the anxiety and anticipation of the impending call causing his heart to race. His eyes darted to the clock on his desk every few seconds, watching the minutes tick by with growing impatience.
"Where is he?" he muttered under his breath. "He knows we have a meeting at three o'clock sharp."
Amelia, sitting calmly in a nearby armchair, observed Poul's frenzied movements with a faint smile on her lips. She had worked with him for years and had grown accustomed to his restlessness before important meetings.
"Poul, relax," she said soothingly. "I'm sure Mr. Rockefeller will call any minute now. Besides, it has only been two minutes."
"I know, Amelia, it's just that I don't get why he is late. I mean did you stress the importance of this call?" Poul asked.
Amelia nodded. "Of course I did. I made it clear that this meeting would affect him greatly."
As if on cue, the phone rang, startling both Poul and Amelia.
"I think that's him," Amelia said, gesturing towards the phone on Poul's desk.
Poul rushed over to answer the call. "Hello, is this Mr. Rockefeller?"
"Indeed I am, Mr. Nielsen," Rockefeller answered from the other end of the line. "The fact that you assumed that it was me means that you have been waiting for my call. Sorry, due to an unforeseen exigency, I was unable to reach you in a timely manner."
"Well, it doesn't matter now, Mr. Rockefeller as you already called," Poul said chuckling.
"So? What is it that you want? Please tell me immediately as I don't have any time to spare on unnecessary pleasantries." Rockefeller's voice was curt and to the point, leaving no room for small talk.
Poul cleared his throat, trying to compose himself. "Yes, of course. We have an urgent matter to discuss regarding your company."
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Rockefeller spoke again. "My company? Go on."
"Well, an unknown individual went to our office and handed this ledger that I think belongs to yours."
"Are you sure?! It's in your hands?!" Rockefeller exclaimed, his voice rising in surprise and concern.
"Yes, that's correct. It's here in our possession, and I took a peek at it and it seems like you have been involved in something about us not getting the necessary permits and licenses to start our oil mining operation. It's better that you come out clean here, Mr. Rockefeller if you don't want this ledger to be revealed in public."
"Are you threatening me, Mr. Nielsen?"
Poul hesitated for a moment, trying to choose his words carefully. "No, I'm not threatening you, Mr. Rockefeller. I'm just stating the facts. This ledger could potentially cause a lot of trouble for your company, and anyone that is affiliated with this transaction. I'm simply concerned. Really, I never expected that you would stoop so low as to stop us from rivaling you in the oil industry."
Rockefeller scoffed. "You must be the one who hired that rat to steal my ledger..."
"Now you are accusing me of doing such things?" Poul cut in, his tone growing defensive. "That's so really low of you, Mr. Rockefeller and I think it's best that we resolve this matter peacefully if you don't want your company and your friends to suffer the consequences of your actions."
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line before Rockefeller finally spoke. "I see. Well, I suppose we have reached an impasse, Mr. Nielsen. It seems that we have no choice but to negotiate a deal. What do you want?"
"I want you to get off our backs, Mr. Rockefeller, and tell your associates of yours in the States to grant us the licenses and permits for our oil mining operation. Also, the lands where we are going to find oil reserves, and rights will belong to us. Simple right?"
"In exchange, you'd hand over that ledger?" Rockefeller considered the proposal for a moment before responding.
"You have my word. Mr. Rockefeller. You do what I told you then I will return this ledger. I mean what could a small mining oil company do to your Standard Oil? Which I believe is the top oil mining and refining company in the United States. This is our only term."
"You could have taken a lot more than license and permit, Mr. Nielsen. You sure are a mysterious one," Rockefeller remarked.
Poul chuckled, feeling relieved that he had managed to negotiate a deal with one of the most powerful men in the oil industry. "I'm just a businessman trying to make a living, Mr. Rockefeller. I don't want any trouble, and I believe that this deal is fair for both of us."
Rockefeller let out a sigh. "Very well. I'll make sure that my associates grant you the necessary licenses and permits, and I'll also give you the rights to the lands where you're going to find oil reserves. "
"That's great, Mr. Rockefeller. You see, competition in business is only natural. It forced both parties to develop a better product than the other to prevent going out of business. Monopoly on the other hand is cancer that eats away at innovation and progress," Poul said, glad that he had managed to get his point across.
Rockefeller chuckled. "You're a smart man, Mr. Nielsen. I can see why you're a threat to my business. But don't worry, I won't bother with you again."
"We both know that it is a lie, Mr. Rockefeller cut the crap," Poul responded, his voice becoming stern once more. "But I appreciate your willingness to negotiate. Now, let's stick to our agreement and get things settled."
Rockefeller sighed again. "You're right, Mr. Nielsen. I can't promise that we won't cross paths again in the future, but for now, I'll keep my word and make sure that my associates grant you the necessary licenses and permits. As for the ledger, I'll have someone get it for me as soon as possible. Speaking of which, you didn't disclose any details about the ledger..."
"Nope, but I believe that the man who handed the ledger to my company will, so I suggest that you deal with him. I don't know his name but I'm sure you have his face. After all, I read the news in New York where there were gunshots near your building."
"Really? Do I have your word on this, Mr. Nielsen? If you dare and try to go public with this..."
"Rest assured, Mr. Rockefeller, as I will reiterate, I won't snitch you out. And besides, as long as you don't interfere in my business, we won't do anything."
"Okay, good luck on your oil mining company then," Rockefeller said.
"Thank you," Poul said before hanging up the phone. He turned to Amelia who was looking at him expectantly.
"So? What will happen?"
"It's a success, Amelia."
