Chapter 65 - 67
Akio POV
"Your gears are burning, Akio," he says with a piranha-like grin. "Relax, if I wished for war, I would’ve had you killed the moment you stepped onto my estate. To my understanding, my son was handling a deal on my behalf, yes?"
My brow inclines slightly but I don’t question the ease in which he sweeps aside his son’s mutilation for money-making. In fact, I invite cold-hearted apathy as I step closer, relieved that just another crisis is averted. This time. There’s no telling when Botan’s fortunes turn against him.
"The haul is projected to net us a 30% return on investment, factoring in the bribes and operational costs. The goods are valued at $15 million, but with our current distribution channels, but as recompense for your son, I can push the margin up to 35%," I say as I move over to seat myself on his chesterfield armchair. "The Baltic route remains the most secure option for transit—shorter distances, fewer checkpoints—but you’ll need to reinforce the escort once it enters international waters."
He leans back into his executive chair. "Two vessels, fully armed, will tail the cargo ship. But we’ll need to keep the local and foreign coast guard distracted. That’s where the minister comes in."
I flick him an interested look.
"He’s already agreed to sign off the customs paperwork, clearing the shipment as industrial equipment. Harbour access is locked. Of course, he’ll expect his usual cut, 10% off the top."
A bright spot to a dark day. "A greedy man is my favorite man." I slap my hands on the arms of the chair to push myself onto my feet. "I’ve coordinated with the dock supervisor before the whole... incident. The cargo will be ready to be offloaded and transferred to the trucks within an hour of arrival. The drivers are our own men, and the route to the warehouse avoids high-surveillance zones. From there, distribution is seamless. We’ll have the goods moving within 24 hours."
***
I’m back at Botan’s primary compound—at least in this part of the country.