Underhanded Tactic

Kieran’s office was silent. I held my breath as I waited for the fish to take the bait. Kieran spoke again, ‘Maybe we can continue this discussion after I’ve talked to my business partners.’ I heard rustling on the phone. Kieran was probably standing up and waiting to show his guest out. ‘I have another meeting in fifteen minutes. Have your assistant talk to mine. Let’s set up the time for the next appointment.’ ‘Don’t talk to your partners first,’ Marty Stackhouse said. ‘Give me some time. I’ll prove to you and to them, I’m not collaborating with the Hansons.’ ‘How?’ ‘You won’t believe me even if I tell you now. But you will once it’s done. You’ll know I’m negotiating in good faith.’ ‘All right, then I’ll wait to hear from you.’ They probably shook hands. I heard footsteps, then the sound of a door opening. I waited another two minutes, enough time for Tristan to walk Marty out. Kieran was leaning against the wall opposite my office. ‘Are you sure he’s going to file for divorce?’ I as