Lyza's Story: Book One of The Lane Trilogy. Vicki Inc. Andree

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      Lyza nodded to the familiar figure entering the room. Elizabeth’s thick brown hair matched her dark leather briefcase.

      “This is the attorney for the Lane European headquarters, Elizabeth James.” Elizabeth took her place in the empty chair next to Lyza.

      Lyza glanced at Mr. Müller. “I believe everyone is present.”

      He nodded.

      Lyza stood. “Let me open the meeting by making sure each of you has a copy of the drawings and statistics.” She reported to the group that the property consisted of one hundred acres with seven buildings on the Pegnitz River near the Rhine-Main-Danube canal. Concrete parking lots and loading docks surrounded the three four-story buildings. Four smaller buildings sat on a tarmac allowing air transport of goods and materials.

      She wound up her initial presentation by stating the obvious. “The beauty of the property is that it will accommodate both local and international distribution.”

      “Excuse me, Miss Lane.” Mr. Müller pointed to a memo in his hand. “Is there any reason for us to confer with governmental authorities regarding international air traffic control?”

      “Herr Müller, I believe it would be prudent to do so. I have not looked into it because I’m not sure I know your purpose for the property.” Her heart raced at her outright untruth; she knew why they wanted it. “I’m speaking of the potential of the property.”

      “Of course, Miss Lane.”

      “Now, if I can continue.” Klaus Müller would use the property to manufacture veterinarian drugs. The property included buildings on the Pegnitz River near the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal. She knew Mr. Müller would divert some chemical waste to the waters surrounding the property as the former occupants, pharmaceutical manufacturers, had done. Part of her plan was to alert governmental agencies after the sale—but reporting Mr. Müller’s indiscretions was for the future. Right now she had to concentrate on the subject at hand and close the deal.

      “The mantra of real estate is location, location, location. In addition to river access for barges, you can see this property sits north of connecting roadways, allowing easy access for trucks. Each building contains the utilities needed for manufacturing. The layout, the offices, and the open floor spacing offer many choices.”

      Lyza continued for the next forty-five minutes with details of the property. Everyone at the table leaned forward in rapt attention.

      Finally, she closed. “That concludes my presentation regarding the property. Does anyone have any questions?”

      Silence.

      “Is there anything anyone here would like to discuss further?”

      All eyes were on Klaus Müller.

      “Ja, ja, ja, it is all exactly as you say.” Mr. Müller tapped his papers. “I have done some research through my friends here.” He motioned to those around the table. “As you say, a property with much potential. We must close the deal.”

      “As you say.”

      Lyza smiled. Cash or charge?

      ***

      Leesa readied herself for the meeting with Norton. Father is right. This deal is personal, totally emotional. The man wants the property and Frank gets what he wants. She chose the bright yellow spaghetti-strapped Vera Wang sundress with black Burberry Ottoman coat and black five-inch platform pumps. A champagne diamond ring with matching earrings and pendant completed her apparel for the meeting. She collected the keys to her yellow BMW.

      A beautiful California day greeted her. Light traffic gave her time to reflect on the lovely weather and on Norton. The man was old enough to be her father—actually, grandfather. His son was older than Leesa. Still one of the good ol’ boys, Frank was usually good-tempered and ready to party. He and Father often went golfing or fishing, so she was used to running into him now and then.

      Leesa looked forward to the meeting, expecting to celebrate the day’s deal. What could be better? He wants the property. I want the sale. Simple. She parked the car beneath the Lane building and walked to the elevator where she ran into her Father’s old friend.

      She smiled up at his gray mustache. “Oh, hello, Frank.”

      He removed his Stetson, his gaze frozen on her mouth. “Well, there you are, little missy. This is my attorney, Joyce Lander.”

      She pushed the button, and they entered the elevator. “It’s nice to meet you, Joyce.”

      Joyce smiled and nodded.

      Leesa turned back to Frank. “Our meeting is in the fourteenth floor conference room.”

      “Well, how nice. Perhaps we could get started here.” He moved uncomfortably close, towering over her.

      Leesa glanced at Joyce. The tiny young woman shrunk in the corner, looking at the floor of the elevator. Leesa tensed, but kept her tone lighthearted. “Now, Frank, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

      He chuckled and backed off.

      Men. Will they ever get over themselves? I wonder how Father would react to having one of his daughters hit on by his old golfing buddy. Then she recognized it as one of her own favorite ploys. Nice try, Frank, trying to rattle me before the negotiations.

      Even aware of his intention, she felt uncomfortable leading him down the long hallway to the conference room.

      Once settled, with the title company personnel in the room, Leesa relaxed. “Mr. Norton, I’ll get right to the point. Our price is nonnegotiable. The price of the property you asked us to investigate is twenty million dollars.”

      Frank Norton triumphantly slammed his hand on the table. “I never intended to pay less than that for the property. Let’s get this deal done. Where are your lawyers?”

      “Coming right up, Mr. Norton.”

      As she leaned over to push the call button, Norton slapped her on the derrière and boomed, “Good job, Leesa.”

      How dare he! She spun around to face him. “Who do you think you are?” She held up her hand. “Stop right now. As far as I’m concerned, this deal is over.” She stormed out of the room.

      ***

      Back home after salvaging Frank Norton’s deal, Leesa could hardly wait for Lyza’s return. She texted Lyza to learn whether the Nuremberg deal closed and got a “+” reply.

      She lingered in the library near the front entrance reading her ebook and bounced to the door when she heard it open.

      “You’re home!” Leesa hugged her sister.

      “I am.” Lyza sank into a nearby chair. “As real estate goes, it was a fabulous deal. You wouldn’t believe how stupid they were. We made a huge profit on this one.”

      Leesa sat on the sofa across from her. “You must be exhausted.”

      She sighed. “I am. They call them first-class seats, but I СКАЧАТЬ