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“Not the fifty-one percent you want, which would give you overall control of the bank In any case, I can’t afford to sell them at that price”

“No,” said Bishara, “I’m sure you can’t But you can afford to sell thes a share”

Mellor’s mouth opened, and didn’t close for some time “Could you make it four pounds?”

“No, I could not, Mr Mellor Three pounds and nine shillings is my final offer” Bishara turned to his chief accountant who handed him a banker’s draft for £20,562,000 He placed it on the table

“Iyou can’t afford to make the same mistake twice”

“Where do I sign?”

Mr Moreland opened a file and placed three identical contracts in front of Mellor Once he’d signed them, he thrust out a hand and waited for the banker’s draft to be passed across to him

“And like Mr Sloane,” said Bishara as he took the top off his fountain pen, “before I can add nature to the contract, I require one small amendment that I have promised for a friend”

Mellor stared defiantly at hiht that be?”

The lawyer opened a second file, took out a letter, and placed it in front of Mellor He read it slowly

“I can’t sign this Never”

“I’ up the banker’s draft and handing it back to his chief accountant

Mellor didn’t an to sweat, Bishara realized it was only a matter of time

“All right, all right,” said Mellor “I’ll sign the damn letter”