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“Yes, sir” He bowed and disappeared through one of the service doors that led to a tunnel syste rooined a link

“Paul” I exhaled “We are down to three points Let’s have a drink while ait for dinner to arrive We can cut one of these things during that time”

My patience had run out I was fucking tired of his stalling I removed my cufflinks, shoved them in my pocket, and rolled ainst the starched shirt

I rose and walked to the standing bar, waving off one of the servants

“Bourbon?” I offered, holding up my favorite decanter

Paul leaned in his chair “I remember you were a bourbon man I seemed to remember it’s American bourbons you prefer?”

“Yes” I lifted the crystal lid “I consider the a little darker than our Scottish friends can provide”

Maybe a few drinks would loosen his hold on the trade negotiations He refused wine at lunch Ignored cocktail hour Noere into dinner Soive

I placed it in front of the prime minister

His ood bourbon”

I held the growl in Of course it was I didn’t serve cheap piss, and I never drank it These were the moments when it was hard to be diplomatic The bastard wanted to be courted and seduced His chain of islands was dependent on my ports The problem was, Galona was just as dependent on the revenue froo

We were at a fucking impasse

“Paul, our taxes are lower than anything the French or Spanish will give you You know that”

He nodded, drinking al has made an offer,” he stated

“What? Since when have they been a player in this?” I felt the anger breaking through lass inwith me all day