Chapter 11

Andrew made his way over to the Dreadnought Investment group. He knew from Jackson that this company had been established in its current form just a few years ago. Jackson briefed him from time to time, and he gave input and resources as needed. Thankfully Jackson was a capable person and had been ever since he had been assigned to Andrew’s team in the field all those years ago. When he got out and came back home, he quickly became Andrew’s top force and right hand in many ways.

When he stepped up to the receptionist, he asked politely to informed Mr. Liam that Andrew was here to see him.

“Mr. Andrew is it? I am afraid I do not have you, or any for that matter, on the schedule… Mr. Liam does not normally take visitors that are not scheduled ahead of time.”

“Miss, please inform him, and let him decide. I am confident he will be down shortly.”

The secretary frowned but picked up the phone. “Mr. Liam, there is and Mr. Andrew here to see you. He does not have an appointment.”

“Andrew? He is here? Now? I warn you, if you value your job, be very respectful to this man. I will personally greet him in just a moment.” Was the replay.

Secretary Rosie was startled. President Liam was never reverent to anyone. This Mr. Andrew must be a big shot to get President Liam roused to greet him personally.

“Mr. Andrew, President Liam will be down in just a moment.

Liam rushed down to the elevator and came out as soon as the doors opened. He looked around and headed right for Secretary Rosie. When she saw his face, she quickly pointed to Mr. Andrew.

“Ah, you must be Mr. Andrew! Please come with me, and we can go to my office.” Liam said with a bow.

Secretary Rosie was terrified. A bow from President Liam? And so respectful! This Mr. Andrew must be the emperor incarnate!

Once they were in Liam’s office, Liam offered to pour tea.

Andrew strowed over to the main seat and plopped into it. Liam finished with the tea and took a chair on the other side of the desk. Cold sweat poured from his back.

“you seem to have managed things well so far.”

“Everything I have accomplished is thanks to your grace and wisdom.”

“Hmm. Well do well by me and work hard for this firm, and I will remember your efforts. I give you fair warning, this position may not always be where I have you, but you will be treated well if you continue to follow me.”

Liam was thunderstruck. 5 years ago, he had been little more than a street brawler. A mid-rate player in the underground world. Now he was in charge of this whole corporate group. But he understood he might lose it in an instant if this Mr. Andrew before him become displeased with his work.

“what are your orders?” asked Liam in trepidation.

“Durres is about to undergo changes. But I want the change to be positive. I know your background. You have connections to the underground circles. For a time, that was permissible, as you knew nothing else, and it was a useful connection and proving ground for a time. But now, things need to change. Others will… ‘deal’ with the underground sectors. You and this firm will have ZERO to do with the dark realms. Even those in the gray circles, drop it completely.”

Liam was speechless. Just drop all underworld business? You couldn’t even get a permit to build without some muscle and paying off the right people. Besides, many underground businesses were very lucrative.

“I see you hesitate.” Stated Andrew.

“No Master, it’s just there are many businesses, and some are very profitable…”

“It will not be profitable for long,” said Andrew seriously, “and the cost of doing such business is more than you can bear. Drop it, ALL.” The fire in Andrew's eyes was intense.

“For now, bring me up to speed on all above-ground business. And by week's end, I want to be assured that any other side business is concluded, permanently.”

Liam trembled but obliged and for over an hour, brought Andrew up to speed. Andrew was mostly quiet but when he did speak, it was to tweak an upcoming agreement or redirect Liam’s energies away from one endeavor and to something far better. In the end, Liam was just dumbfounded. This young man was worth every drop of awe that Jackson has instilled. Such subtle changes would save the firm Millions, grant them better contract terms, and set them up to make millions more through the new directions he wanted them to pursue. Many of these ideas complemented each other in ways that Liam would never have considered.