“You have to think of the leverage we‘ll get. With the advantage of your seat on the council of NSE by virtue of being a listed company, we‘ll have an insider position.” “Those positions are not meant for such use.” Edward frowned; this wasn‘t a line of thought that should first occur to any genuine businessman.
“Didn‘t you notice in my proposal about buying back even your own company shares? That would be another insider advantage we can benefit from. I know several dealers right now who cross-buy and sell shares to achieve desirable prices for the stock they want...”
“So they can make a profit by creating a false market…” He would play along for now.
“Exactly and as long as we do not show our hand, no one will be the worse off. Instead we‘ll be smiling to any bank we want. The foreign banks will be my primary choice.”
Edward‘s intercom buzzed, and not a moment too soon. It was time to end this discussion.
“Well it has been great speaking with you.” Edward stood up. He never could bear people who thought they could play with the law, not with his experience.
“Same here Edward.” Mr. Odusote rose and tugged at his trouser seams. “You‘ll call?”
“I have to discuss with my advisers and the managers at Capital Investment Fund. Leave the necessary documents and I‘ll let you know in time.”
Edward would not allow himself to be rushed. Mr. Odusote had made some good points in the idea he was pushing, but his character rubbed him the wrong way.
“Don‘t miss this chance, it may never come again.”
Edward said nothing but strolled to the door where they shook hands again.
“Anyway, I‘ll be waiting.”
“I‘ll certainly give you a call.”
Edward returned to the papers but by the end of the day, it wasn‘t Mr. Odusote or his proposal on his mind. The pretty face and features of this morning‘s girl vied for space. Like a dream in auto rewind, he put together all he could remember of her. His blood heated up and he felt a stirring in his groin. He picked up the phone. He wanted that girl and would get her.
**********
It was good to be out of the hot sun and Gladys stretched out on her bed enjoying the feel of the cool sheets. It was still a few weeks before the rainy season arrived and going around in the heat could be daunting. Still all things considered, things were going pretty well on the job front. While waiting for call back after attending Zenon Oil‘s recruitment aptitude tests, she still read the job ads and sent out applications. Being in Lagos was a big help; she could go in to the places she applied to which was an immense advantage. She was allowed any of the two drivers, whichever was free when she wanted to go out.