Chapter 4
1111 Words
London
Later That Day
After Daniel entered the hackney carriage, the black cab sped off leaving Heathrow airport. The engine gurgled as it did so. It wasn’t one of those fancy, new electrical vehicles mandated by the municipal government. Instead, it was an older gas-guzzling model with a four-cylinder, diesel engine. But the ride was still smooth enough for Daniel to enjoy.
In no time, the cab was roaring up Knightsbridge Road towards Hyde Park. When Daniel looked out the window to his left, he saw tall London planetrees lining the park. Many Londoners were enjoying the lake view, boating, and some were even horseback riding. Seeing this sight finally made Daniel feel exhilarated and relieved. Strangely enough, London made him feel at home even though he never lived there. Unlike Arizona’s vast desert landscape which seemed stifling, London’s greenery and fresh, crisp air made Daniel feel more alive. The rejuvenation was welcomed after a long, stressful month of litigation.
Entering the semi-circular road in front of the Regal Wisteria Kensington Hotel, the cab stopped at the hotel entrance, letting Daniel out. A well-dressed doorman approached him and opened the cab door.
“Mr. Mendoza. It’s good to see you again. Mr. Revan is waiting for you in the Half-Moon Restaurant. Can I take your bags?”
“Yes, please.”
The doorman motioned the driver to open the trunk to grab the luggage. Meanwhile, Daniel walked confidently into the hotel and took the elevator to the bottom floor where the restaurant was located. The warm wood, soft leather, and glinting copper revealed the restaurant’s grandeur. Seated in the far back at a private table away from the bustling crowd, Gerald Revan’s head was down. He was engrossed in reviewing legal documents. His silky black hair was styled in a crew cut reminiscent of Anderson Cooper. His fingers were impeccably manicured. Gerald exuded confidence, undeniably so. He had to. With dozens of international resorts and hotels and tens of thousands of employees worldwide under his charge, he was well-versed in the laws, customs, and business practices of the various countries his company conducted business in. Not to mention the six to eight languages he fluently spoke. Maybe more. Daniel lost track.
As a graduate of both Yale Law School and the Wharton School of Business, Gerald had infinite business connections that only multiplied while traveling as part of his duties as in-house counsel for the Regal Wisteria Resorts. Daniel admired Gerald in ways he couldn’t fully understand. Seeing him now in his element only reinforced it.
Before Daniel approached the table, Gerald sensed his presence.
“Sit. Please sit down,” Gerald beseeched without looking up towards Daniel but pointing to the chair in front of him. “I just need to finish reviewing this last part and then I’m done.”
Daniel took off his grey suit jacket and hung it on the chair in front of him. Sitting down, he grabbed the menu and perused it.
“I recommend the lamb chops. They’re marinated in Kashmiri chilies, paprika, and mustard oil. You’ll love it. Trust me. I know it’s not the haggis I promised you before you arrived, but given your time constraints, this is the next best thing if I do say so myself.”
Daniel looked over to his dinner companion. Gerald was still busily reading what appeared to be a contract and never looked up while he spoke.
Turning back to the dinner menu, Daniel glanced at the recommended dish.
“Looks delicious.” Daniel was aware that the Half-Moon restaurant was a well-known, chic Indian restaurant with authentic recipes. “I’ll try it.”
“Good.”
Gerald finally looked up as the young waiter approached.
“Mr. Maldonado will have the lamb chops and I’ll have the Butter Chicken.”
Hearing his authoritative voice and being familiar with Mr. Revan’s role at the hotel, the waiter simply replied, “Yes, sir. Coming right up.”
“Oh, and can we have a bottle of house champagne?”
He acknowledged Gerald’s request and quickly left the table to place the order.
“You’re looking good, Dan. It’s great to see you again.”
“Same here, Gerry. It’s been a long time.”
“Too long, if you ask me.” Gerald remembered last seeing Daniel in Tokyo when they worked together on the Clifton case involving a woman falling down the stairs at a Regal Wisteria hotel in Phoenix. “So, what brings you to town?” Gerald asked inquisitively.
“I’m here for some depositions in a royalty case.”
“You don’t say. I didn’t know you did that kind of work.”
“I have a diverse practice. When a big client comes knocking at the door, you know, I can’t … won’t turn them away. It’s not good for business.”
Daniel sheepishly grinned.
“I totally understand,” Gerald affirmed as he nodded in agreement. Gerald patiently stared at Daniel hoping he would reveal more details of the new case without any verbal prodding.
“I represent an Arizona company. Analysis, Inc. Have you heard of them?” Daniel asked.
“Funny enough. I have. Don’t they invest in technology originating at research universities?”
“Well, they do a little more than that. They’re a full-service company. They help their clients file patent applications, negotiate licenses, provide marketing support, and, of course, collect and distribute the royalties from the client’s patents.”
“Impressive.”
Daniel was surprised that anything he dealt with could impress Gerald given his vast knowledge and experience.
“Yes, it is. And that’s part of the problem. They have a dispute with one of their clients…”
Before Daniel could finish, the waiter unexpectedly brought over the two dishes and a bottle of champagne. Somewhat startled, Gerald quickly turned to the waiter with a perturbed expression.
The waiter nervously stated, “Bon appétit,” while hastily walking away, concerned that he was interrupting an important conversation.
“…Thank you.” Daniel continued once the waiter was out of earshot. “The client claims that Analysis shorted them over $200 million in royalty payments over the past decade.”
“You don’t say,” Gerald sighed in astonishment. “That’s a lot. It’s not just an accounting error.”
“Unfortunately, no it’s not…Something else, I presume.”
Both Daniel and Gerald tucked napkins on their laps to enjoy their meal.
“Well, I can only wish you good luck on your case. I’m certainly not envious of your position.”
Daniel laughed at the comment and took a bite of the savory lamb.
- Writer
