Crown's Vengeance, The by Andrew Clawson Read Free Book Online

financial scene. He knew everyone.
    “How is that possible? I thought you knew everybody.”
    Rich’s shoulders went skyward. “So did I. Apparently most of these futures are being purchased by a half dozen companies no one’s ever heard of. My buddy did some digging on one of them, and the only thing he found was their incorporation date.”
    Parker waited. Rich was a showman.
    “It was created three days ago.”
    “So? People start companies all the time. Anyone can do it.”
    “But how many people have a hundred million to throw around? That’s the big question.”
    Rich had a point, but Parker just couldn’t get himself fired up about oil futures. He dealt with personal wealth management, so unless Rich was offering a surefire moneymaker involving oil speculation, Parker wasn’t interested.
    “It could be a front for some place like Goldman Sachs or Morgan Stanley. Maybe some trader has an in with the Saudi royal family and knows something we don’t.”
    A frown spread across Rich’s face before he took a long swallow of his beer. He clearly had high hopes for a conspiracy of enormous proportions.
    “Maybe, but if that’s the case, what do they know?”
    “Then what are you waiting for?” Parker teased. “Liquidate all your assets and get as many futures contracts on your balance sheet as possible. You can invite me to your new ski house in Vail after you make a few hundred million for the advice.”
    “I’ll buy an island and invite everyone but you, smart ass.”
    Parker chuckled and glanced at his watch.
    “On that note,” he said, finishing his beer, “I have to get going. Erika won’t be happy if I stay out too late. Let me know if you hear anything else about this conspiracy of yours. I’ll keep my ears open for you up north.”
    Rich narrowed his eyes, alternating between Parker and his empty glass.
    “I’m serious,” Rich told him. “If I’m right, we could make a killing if we get in early.”
    “The only oil speculating I’d do is filling my tank before gas gets more expensive, because right now all these new companies are doing is driving up the price of oil. As if the sheiks needed any more money.”
    “I’ll drink to that. Have a safe trip and stay in touch.”
    Parker shook Rich’s outstretched hand before weaving his way through the crowded bar, carefully avoiding the more intoxicated revelers. Outside, the sun had fallen considerably, leaving the air pleasantly warm. Parker slid into a cab, all thoughts of oil and half-cocked conspiracy theories melting away as he considered the three day vacation he and Erika had in store.
     

Chapter 9
    Boston, Massachusetts
     
    A colorful stream of expletives filled the air inside Spencer Drake’s office. At her desk outside his door, his secretary nearly smeared bright red lipstick all over her face.
    In the office behind her, Drake sat glued to his massive television, damning the Liverpool soccer club with every fiber in his being.
    “You no good sons of whores. That was a bloody pile of shit.”
    On the screen, several men in black jerseys celebrated the goal they’d just scored to put them ahead of Everton two to nil.
    Spencer was a lifelong Everton fan, and the only thing he hated more than losing money was when his beloved Blues lost to Liverpool. The two clubs were intense rivals, each passionate in their hatred for the other.
    “The hell with this.”
    He flicked the game off. Nigel was supposed to contact him shortly about a personnel issue of some kind, whatever the hell that meant.
    On cue, a soft tone came from his desk. With the push of a button, his desktop slid open to reveal a hidden compartment underneath. A single monitor rose from the interior, Spencer Drake’s private connection to a select few others located across the Atlantic. Custom-installed SSL/TLS video connections powered by on-site servers ensured that no uninvited parties would ever eavesdrop on a conversation.
    The system was more secure than