The Secret Of The Cathars (2011) by Michael Hillier

Author:Michael Hillier [Hillier, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2014-04-06T04:00:00+00:00

“It will be, President. A lot of people and a number of big organisations may be involved. They will already have expended considerable sums which they may not be able to recover. There will also need to be a lot of personal persuasion.”

“Just how much persuasion were you thinking of?”

“Monsieur le President - it could amount to a hundred million euros.”

Charles Robert was appalled. He had always believed that Marcus Heilberg, more than anybody else, was extremely careful with the organisation’s substantial funds. Now they were talking of spending such a massive sum - no doubt much of it on personal bribes. It was all he could manage not to interrupt, when he heard these two leviathans discussing the colossal amounts of money involved as though they were mere baubles.

“What proportion of our capital does that represent?”

“It is something over twenty percent of the available liquid funds.” Heilberg took a breath. “However, we must remember that it will be expended to protect a far greater amount of our long-term reserves. And, as you know, we are caring for far more here than mere money.”

The president nodded sagely. “You are right. In that case we must do it. In fact I think we should add a fifty percent contingency to our withdrawals. We cannot afford to fail in this.”

“Very well, President.”

“Do we need a full meeting to approve this?”

“I don’t think that will be necessary,” said Heilberg. “I can be in touch with at least half a dozen of the council today to get their personal backing and I am confident I will get it. Of course Charles has heard the discussion. Can you give me your support, Charles?”

Robert swallowed his objections, realising it would be foolish to fall out with the decision-makers. “Of course, Treasurer.”

“Call in to my office as you go to sign the voting slip.”

“In that case you can start moving the funds very shortly,” said the president. “As soon as you have majority approval you can commence approaching the individuals concerned. Will you let me have a list of those you intend to contact, for me to check?”

“Certainly, monsieur le President.”

“Many are likely to have direct contact with one or other of the members of the Council. I certainly expect that I shall know quite a few. We must use as many of our personal contacts as we can.”

“I will obviously do that.”

The president cleared his throat. “It is at times like this that I am grateful for the centralised method of running this country which we enjoy.”

“Truly, President.” Heilberg stood up. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I should be getting on with my tasks. There is lot to do this morning.” He gathered up his papers and left with them clasped to his chest.

For a long time after he had gone the president seemed almost to doze as he gazed into the distance. Charles Robert had to shuffle his feet to remind the old boy that he was still there.

The president looked at him. “Well, Charles, you must get back to your watching brief in Foix.

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