Chapter 5
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Chapter 5Richard went through the double doors of the Eaton Centre quickly. The temperature had dropped drastically the night before, and the walk from the parking lot nearby chilled him to the bones. He could have parked underground but it was quicker this way.
As he entered the restaurant, he spotted Hjamal immediately. He was impeccably dressed as usual. His investments must have paid dividends, Richard thought. That was the thing about Africa, you made it big, or you died a pauper—or both.
Richard sat down and looked at the African inquisitively—he waited.
Peering into the eyes of the man sitting opposite him, Hjamal said, “Here is your ticket.” handing Richard an envelope.
“Not so fast.” Richard retorted, pushing away the envelope from under his nose. “I haven’t said that I’ll go back. I want some explanation first.”
“What sort of explanation?” Hjamal asked, leaning to the back of his chair. “There’s nothing to explain.”
“You said on the phone that ‘all will be made clear’. I need some sort of assurance from you. I don’t want the same problems as I had the last time I was working for you.”
“Correction—last time you were at the site I was not your employer, this time I am. You work for me now.”
“Again, I should remind you that I haven’t said I’d go back.”
“The envelope contains your contract, the advance, and your return fare—what other assurance do you want?”
“How much?”
“What I consider a fair salary.”
“How much?”
“Look for yourself—”
Richard grabbed the envelope. He opened it and gasped.
“I thought that it would sway your decision somewhat.” said the African with a faint smile crossing his lips.
“Yeah, it sways it all right, but let me hear what I have to do for that much money.”
Hjamal told him.
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