This Little Piggy by M.G. Crisci

Author:M.G. Crisci
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction & Literature
Publisher: eBookIt.com
Published: 2020-09-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 31

Moving Uptown

Ryman knew his creation needed more money to fund the acquisitions he had strategically leaked to his trusted advisors.

Ray Dothan had a surprising solution, the blueblood investment banking firm of Whitlaw & Company at Fifth Avenue and 59th. Whitlaw had none of the usual investment banker trappings, only a Coca Cola poster and an Irongate Pictures logo.

“Those two deals are the cornerstone of their influence,” John pointed out as the trio approached the reception desk. “Old man Herb Whitlaw Senior started the firm with three grand in 1930, ran it with a steel fist. The family tradition continues, a virtual dictatorship under Herb Junior, although my man, Philip Scarborough, has been the public face for twenty years.”

"Why's that?" asked Victor. "He looks like a Stanford professor. They like that."

As the trio got off the elevator on the seventh floor, a thin, well-dressed man in his late forties nodded at Franklin as they crossed paths. Neither said a word.

Julia, Scarborough’s effusive assistant, introduced herself and escorted the group to a conference room. “Gentlemen, may I offer you a cup of coffee?” said Phil Scarborough, a short, warm, professor-type with a thick head of salt and pepper hair.

“Perhaps I should give you some of my background first,” suggested Franklin, fully pumped and ready to go. “And then tell you more about the business.”

“I know exactly who you are,” Scarborough cut him off. “But nobody on The Street knows your associate. How about a croissant and coffee while he tells me about himself?”

Focused and relaxed, Victor filled in all the blanks. “Impressive background for such a young fellow,” said Scarborough. “Could you review the ITI business from an operational perspective?” Victor spun his Madison Avenue web, elegantly understating the potential and depicting acquisitions as an infinite pool.

“What are the risks?” asked Scarborough.

“To paraphrase our attorneys,” replied Victor, “we’re buying a bunch of entrepreneurial cowboys who have always run their own ranch.”

“Can they be managed as part of a larger corporate enterprise?” asked Scarborough.

“Absolutely,” responded Victor.

“What kind of prospective financing does ITI need?” Franklin wanted to answer. John gave him his “shut up” look.

“We estimate one hundred million dollars to cover the first round of acquisitions and an operating capital reserve,” said Victor. “Round two will probably require another one hundred million.”

Scarborough looked hard at Franklin. “You know, Herb Junior has reservations about another deal with you. Re-member, Herb caught you teaching his daughter to snort coke in the bedroom at his house.”

“What’s past is past,” John cut in. “Franklin is clean. I can vouch for that.”

“He’d better be,” warned Scarborough. “I hate bullshit. It insults my intelligence. Do we understand each other? Fact is, I like the business, and I think we can make a lot of money together,” admitted Scarborough. “And Victor, unlike some of your past partners, looks like he can run the thing without letting you screw it up." Victor realized he was learning a valuable lesson. People didn't have to like each other or trust each other if there was a lot of money to be made.

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