Before everything ,there was calm.The kind of calm that feels like a warning
"Nothing is better than a luxurious golf
course at noon opposite your distant cousin " whom you hate with all the myotome of your body but still have to plaster a smile because family drama is best served under the sun.
"You know Orion golf is all about patience . Something you seem to be running out today"
Miguel mocks as he tees up.
I watch his balls score perfectly down the fairway as I force a tight smile , gripping my club a little too hard.
"Patience comes easier when you don't have to listen to philosophy- Specifically If it's said by someone like you."
" Oh come on ,Orion you're losing your
touch . You're already two strokes behind might as well tighten up your game or just enjoy the beautiful view. " Miguel chuckles.
"Never judge a game from the first quarter of it Richard. That's why your business margin fluctuates , and mine does not. " I smirk, sinking the ball perfectly into the hole.
Jo-Yong, my ever-efficient assistant ,stands off to the side with his clipboard ,wearing a polite smile .
" Speaking of games, have you heard about the auction tonight? Thought you'd find it amusing." Miguel frowns.
"What's so amusing about an auction? Unless they're not selling the moon or a way to ruin my competition, I'm not interested. "
Jo- Yong clears throat, stepping forward cautiously " Sir, it's not an auction of antiques …it's the exclusive auction of Celeste Azure- your old rival Charles Azure's dearest daughter."
" Oh, you'll love this. They're selling her off to the highest bidder . Bit barbaric right! Poor guy's empire crumbled after your little..manoeuvre." Miguel sputters.
Walking off as I adjust my cuffs , I remark ," So she's a bait . A pawn on a board far too small for her importance. "
" Not just a pawn Sir, She's a leverage. Rumour has it She knows the location of Mr Azure's remaining assets - offshore accounts. Whoever claims her, gets the last key to his shattered empire," Jo-Yong says nonchalantly.
" Exactly! Now imagine the look on every one's face when you show up & take her off the table. The ultimate power move!"
" If I had to put a power move, I wouldn't have had you on my golf course today. Besides, I don't bid on people." I say, stroking another ball towards the next hole ." But this time, I will attend. If only to see what desperation looks on the face of an Azure. Make sure to have an invitation. "
" Impressive win, Sir! Your skills really showed." Jo-Yong nods ever efficient."I'll get you a reservation."
I would have missed my own funeral but never my enemies' downfall. Especially if it's an Azure .