Sixty-Eight: It's All Business

They sat across from each other in Brian's office meeting room. Though the room could fit a 20-personnel staff meeting, it was just Brian and Declan that afternoon. This particular meeting had nothing to do with the deal of a lifetime they had finalized in London. This was private.

Brian's staff had prepared and laid all the papers on the table. He explained the conditions and showed them the clauses and how the contract will bind them in regard to Ludus. They both nodded to acknowledge that they understood. It was also a gesture to indicate that they wanted to be left alone. The staff excused himself politely and shut the door on his way out.

Both men looked at each other in silence. The matter at hand was never discussed, but they both had a look of understanding. They both knew what it was really about.

"So ... " Brian broke the silence and stood up to look outside the window. "I tried to track him down to no avail ... it's been over seven days, and based