Tiny Holes

“Thanks for the specs on the 9 mm ammo, André. Sent it off, but I’m not sure it will fly.” “Who wants this?” “Some Russians in Odessa via their connection in New York.” “Well, the specs didn’t cost anything.” “It might be just one of those lookers, but the contact that asked me is an old friend. He’s helped me in some things.” “Not a problem. Have you talked to Hoover since December?” Andre asked. “No. Didn’t hear from him after I saw him in Guangzhou last year. So maybe he and his group made contact with the military. Maybe, they decided they don’t need my help. Anyway, I have nothing to talk to him about. He really doesn’t sound as if he knows what he’s doing.” “I don’t think his group has the right contacts. I haven’t talked to Richard for a couple of days. I’ll call him and see if he’s heard anything from Hoover.” “Andre, why do you need Hoover?” “Richard says he knows people in China.” “Then, why are you asking me for help?” “It’s long story.” Andre sighed. “After talking to him, I’m of the opinion that if you have to depend on him, your gas mask deal may not happen. Just who are the people in his money group? Are they Chinese or Americans? Have you met any of these people?” “Richard has met one or two of them. They’re from the Vancouver area. I think they’re investors in Hoover’s family business. They’re into big mall developments in Seattle and Vancouver. They have money.” “Have you talked again to the Saudis?” “Yes. We may have to go to Paris to meet with the Prince. We need to work out some financial details and get some upfront money.” “Let me know when you get back. I need to know more about this if you want me to get involved. Getting to the right people in China is always a problem. It also means spending money. A lot of people may have to be involved. If it involves military equipment, like gas masks, you’ll have to deal with the army. That can be difficult. These kinds of contacts are not that easy to come by in China.” “Getting back to the business in China, I know it’s difficult. We’ll know more when I get to Paris. If the Prince doesn’t have the upfront money, we may not have a deal anyway.” “Remember, Andre, the end of January to the first part of February was Chinese New Year holidays. It’s just ending, but it’ll be several weeks before things began to happen in most of Asia.” “I know. But, that’s fine because it gives us time to get things together with the Prince. We can bargain for upfront money.” “I figure it will be March before anything can happen in China.” “If the money pans out you might plan on going to China in March.” “Maybe the end of March or first of April would be a good time. I know you and Guden, but I don’t know the others involved. Who is Hoover? Is he a major player? Or is he just a money source?” “Right now, he’s only a money source. But, the money will buy him a seat at the table.” “Including making decisions?” “Well, there are at least four people right now that have a say in what’s done. Guden, his Chinese contact, possibly the Chinese government contact, and the Saudi Prince.” “Then you add Hoover and his group. You’ve got a gang. You know I’ve never been in favor of having too many people involved in any business deal. The number of people in this deal is getting bigger.” “Maybe we can limit it to an individual from each group.” “Andre, I’m not going to be involved with everybody. If I do this, I’ll be working for you, not a bunch of people.” “Okay. But, understand, all these people have a stake in this. They will have input.” “You have to deal with that. I don’t.” The royal Saudi family had its own system of procurement and the Chinese system was just as complicated, if not more so. My role would be really as a liaison, but essential in making it all happen. Andre’s group, via Guden’s contact in China, had the Chinese political okay to make the deal but needed help in contacting the Chinese army.